187th Fighter Wing

• Origins in World War II: The 187th Fighter Wing traces its lineage back to the 359th Fighter Group, which flew P-51 Mustangs in Europe during World War II. • Alabama Air National Guard: The unit is part of the Alabama Air National Guard and is based at Dannelly Field in Montgomery, Alabama. • Red Tails Heritage: The 187th Fighter Wing proudly carries on the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen, the famed “Red Tails,” and the unit’s aircraft often feature red-painted tails in tribute. • Combat Deployments: The 187th has deployed personnel and aircraft to support multiple overseas operations, including Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. • F-16 Fighting Falcon: The Wing currently operates the F-16C/D Fighting Falcon, a highly versatile multi-role fighter aircraft. • Future F-35A Base: In April 2020, the 187th was selected as one of the future homes of the F-35A Lightning II, making it the first Air National Guard unit in Alabama to receive the fifth-generation fighter. • Air Defense Mission: The 187th provides 24/7 homeland defense as part of NORAD’s Aerospace Control Alert mission, ready to respond to threats in U.S. airspace. • Distinguished Unit Awards: Over the years, the 187th has earned numerous awards for outstanding performance, including the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award. • Community Involvement: The Wing actively participates in local community events and disaster response efforts, such as tornado recovery and pandemic support. • Notable Alumni: The unit’s ranks have included high-profile members, including Daniel “Chappie” James Jr., who became the first African American four-star general in the U.S. Air Force.