174th Fighter Wing ANG

• Establishment and Location: The 174th Fighter Wing (now 174th Attack Wing) of the New York Air National Guard was established in 1962 and is based at Hancock Field Air National Guard Base in Syracuse, New York. • First ANG Unit with the F-16: In 1988, the 174th became the first Air National Guard unit in the country to receive and operate the General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon. • Vietnam War Service: Although the 174th was not activated as a unit for Vietnam, many of its personnel volunteered and served in various capacities during the conflict. • Operation Desert Storm: The 174th deployed to the Persian Gulf in 1991, participating in combat missions during Operation Desert Storm. It was the first ANG unit to fly combat missions with the F-16 in a major conflict. • Transition to MQ-9 Reaper: In 2010, the unit transitioned from flying manned F-16s to remotely piloted MQ-9 Reaper aircraft, reflecting a shift to modern drone warfare. • Humanitarian Missions: The 174th has supported disaster relief operations, including deployments for Hurricane Katrina recovery and other emergencies, showcasing its versatility. • First ANG Unit to Deploy F-16s Overseas: The 174th was the first Air National Guard wing to deploy its F-16s overseas for training exercises, strengthening international relationships. • Heritage and Emblem: The unit's emblem features a Native American warrior, reflecting the historical presence of the Iroquois Confederacy in central New York. • Flight Training Center: The 174th operates as a formal training unit for MQ-9 Reaper pilots and sensor operators, playing a critical role in the training of personnel from across the USAF and allied nations. • Community Involvement: The 174th is actively involved in community outreach and support in Syracuse and the surrounding area, including educational initiatives and public events.