About this Unit
The 113th Wing, District of Columbia Air National Guard (113th DC ANG), traces its roots back to 1946 when it was established as the 352d Fighter Group (Air National Guard) and later redesignated as the 113th Fighter Wing. Headquartered at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, the unit has participated in a wide range of missions, including air sovereignty alert, homeland defense, and overseas deployments. The 113th Wing notably responded to the September 11 attacks by providing immediate air defense over the nation’s capital. Over the decades, the unit has operated a variety of aircraft, most recently flying the F-16 Fighting Falcon and supporting the nation’s air defense with both fighter and airlift capabilities.
Historical Facts
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Dual Mission: The 113th Wing, District of Columbia Air National Guard (DC ANG), uniquely supports both federal missions (such as air defense of the National Capital Region) and state missions under the direction of the District of Columbia government.
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Capital Guardians: Members of the 113th Wing are often referred to as "Capital Guardians" because they are tasked with defending the airspace over Washington, D.C., one of the most sensitive and protected areas in the United States.
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Historic Origins: The 113th traces its lineage to the 352d Fighter Group of World War II, which flew combat missions in the European Theater and was awarded the Distinguished Unit Citation.
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F-16 Fighting Falcons: The 113th Wing operates the F-16C/D Fighting Falcon, a versatile multi-role fighter aircraft, and has played a key role in NORAD's Aerospace Control Alert mission since the events of 9/11.
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Presidential Support: The 113th is tasked with providing air defense coverage whenever the President of the United States travels, underscoring its critical national security role.
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Nation’s First Responders: The Wing was among the first military responders during the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, scrambling jets to secure the skies over Washington, D.C.
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VIP Airlift: The 113th’s 201st Airlift Squadron operates C-40 and C-38 aircraft, providing secure airlift to high-ranking government and military officials, including members of Congress and the Secretary of Defense.
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Humanitarian Missions: Beyond combat roles, the 113th has participated in humanitarian and disaster relief operations, such as providing support after hurricanes and other emergencies domestically and abroad.
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International Deployments: The 113th has deployed personnel and aircraft in support of Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, and other overseas contingencies, showcasing their global reach.
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Women in Leadership: The 113th Wing has a proud history of promoting diversity, including the appointment of women to key leadership positions, reflecting the evolving face of the modern Air National Guard.
