156th Air Wing

• Puerto Rico’s Only Air National Guard Wing: The 156th Airlift Wing is the sole Air National Guard unit based in Puerto Rico, providing critical support for both federal and local missions. • Established in 1947: The unit traces its origins to the formation of the 156th Fighter Group in November 1947, making it one of the oldest Air National Guard units in the Caribbean. • Hurricane Relief Operations: The 156th Air Wing played a vital role in relief efforts after hurricanes, most notably following Hurricane Maria in 2017, delivering supplies and aid across Puerto Rico. • Transition from Fighters to Airlift: Originally a fighter unit flying F-86 Sabres and F-104 Starfighters, the wing transitioned to an airlift role in 1998, operating the C-130 Hercules aircraft. • Multinational Exercises: The 156th has participated in major multinational exercises such as Southern Command’s “Operation Coronet Oak,” enhancing cooperation with allied air forces in the Caribbean and Latin America. • Combat Deployments: Members of the unit have deployed overseas in support of operations including Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, providing tactical airlift and support for U.S. and allied forces. • Historic Base: The unit is headquartered at Muñiz Air National Guard Base in Carolina, Puerto Rico, a site named after Major José Muñiz, a Puerto Rican fighter pilot killed in Vietnam. • 2018 Aircraft Loss: The 156th suffered a tragic loss on May 2, 2018, when a WC-130H crashed near Savannah, Georgia, killing all nine Puerto Rican airmen aboard. • Mission Change in 2019: After retiring its C-130 fleet in 2019, the wing began transitioning to a contingency response and combat communications role, adapting to new Air Force missions. • Community Engagement: The 156th is deeply involved in Puerto Rican community life, supporting local events, disaster response, and youth outreach programs, strengthening ties between military and civilians on the island.