169th Fighter Wing

• Founding Year: The 169th Fighter Wing (169 FW) was established in 1957 as part of the South Carolina Air National Guard at McEntire Joint National Guard Base. • Nickname: The unit is famously known as the “Swamp Foxes,” honoring Revolutionary War hero Francis Marion, whose guerrilla tactics inspired the unit’s spirit. • Early Aircraft: The 169th initially flew the F-80 Shooting Star and then transitioned to the F-86 Sabre, marking its early jet-age involvement. • First Combat Deployments: The unit was called to active federal service during the Berlin Crisis of 1961, deploying personnel and aircraft to Europe. • F-16 Pioneers: In 1983, the 169th FW became the first Air National Guard unit to fly the F-16 Fighting Falcon, establishing itself as a leader in advanced jet operations. • Desert Storm: During Operation Desert Storm in 1991, the 169th deployed over 400 personnel and 18 F-16s to Southwest Asia, flying combat missions in support of coalition forces. • Homeland Defense: After 9/11, the 169th FW played a crucial role in Operation Noble Eagle, conducting air patrols over major U.S. cities to protect against further attacks. • International Partnerships: The 169th has participated in NATO exercises and worked closely with allied air forces, furthering U.S. military diplomacy. • Environmental Stewardship: The unit is recognized for its environmental programs, including wetland conservation efforts on base, blending military readiness with ecological responsibility. • Modern Missions: Today, the 169th FW continues to operate the F-16C/D Block 52, supporting both federal and state missions, and remains one of the most highly respected units in the Air National Guard.