169th ACW

• Origins: The 169th Airlift Control Wing (ACW), more commonly known as the 169th Fighter Wing (FW), is part of the South Carolina Air National Guard, based at McEntire Joint National Guard Base near Columbia, South Carolina. • Nickname: The unit is nicknamed the "Swamp Foxes," a tribute to the Revolutionary War hero Francis Marion, who was known as the "Swamp Fox" for his elusive tactics. • Establishment: The 169th was established in 1946 as the 157th Fighter Squadron. It was later reorganized and redesignated over the years, eventually becoming the 169th Fighter Wing. • Aircraft: The 169th currently flies the F-16C/D Fighting Falcon, a multirole fighter jet, and is one of the premier F-16 units in the Air National Guard. • Combat Deployments: The 169th has deployed multiple times in support of Operations Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, and other contingency operations around the globe. • First Air National Guard Unit to Deploy: In Operation Desert Storm (1990-1991), the 169th was among the first Air National Guard units to be mobilized and deployed overseas. • State and National Missions: In addition to federal missions, the 169th supports state emergency operations, such as disaster relief after hurricanes and other natural disasters. • Integration with Active Duty: The 169th Fighter Wing was the first Air National Guard unit to integrate with an active duty Air Force fighter unit as part of the Total Force Integration initiative, partnering with the 20th Fighter Wing at Shaw Air Force Base. • Distinguished Unit Awards: The wing has received multiple Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards for its performance, professionalism, and contributions to national security. • Community Involvement: The 169th is deeply involved in the local community, participating in airshows, flyovers, educational outreach, and veterans’ programs throughout South Carolina.