149th Fighter Wing

• Long Heritage: The 149th Fighter Wing traces its origins to the establishment of the 182nd Fighter Squadron in 1943 during World War II, flying P-47 Thunderbolts in the European Theater. • Texas Air National Guard: The unit is a part of the Texas Air National Guard and is based at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. • Nickname - "Lone Star Gunfighters": The 149th is known by the nickname "Lone Star Gunfighters," reflecting its Texas heritage and fighter mission. • Major Aircraft Flown: Over its history, the unit has operated aircraft including the P-47, F-51 Mustang, F-84 Thunderjet, F-86 Sabre, F-102 Delta Dagger, F-4 Phantom II, F-16 Fighting Falcon, and is currently equipped with the F-16C/D. • Fighter Training Mission: The 149th is one of only three Air National Guard units in the U.S. to conduct the F-16 Basic Course for new pilots, training both active duty and ANG aviators. • Cold War Service: During the Cold War, the 149th was assigned an air defense mission, flying interceptors to protect the southern United States from potential threats. • Operation Noble Eagle: After 9/11, the 149th provided homeland defense missions, flying combat air patrols over key U.S. cities as part of Operation Noble Eagle. • International Deployments: The unit has deployed overseas for operations including the Gulf War, Operation Southern Watch (enforcing the no-fly zone over Iraq), and other contingencies. • Natural Disaster Response: The 149th has supported state and federal response to hurricanes, floods, and other natural disasters in Texas and the Gulf Coast, providing humanitarian aid and relief. • Distinctive Unit Emblem: The unit's patch features a cowboy hat and a star, symbolizing its Texas roots and the "Lone Star" identity.