About this Unit
The **188th Wing** of the Air National Guard (ANG), based at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith, Arkansas, traces its origins to the establishment of the 188th Tactical Fighter Group in 1962. Originally flying the F-100 Super Sabre, the unit participated in various missions and training exercises during the Cold War, later transitioning to the A-10 Thunderbolt II in the early 2000s. Following realignment in 2014, the 188th Wing shifted from manned aircraft to missions including Remotely Piloted Aircraft (MQ-9 Reaper), intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), and targeting operations. The unit continues to provide vital support to national defense, leveraging cutting-edge technology and highly trained personnel in support of both state and federal missions.
Historical Facts
• Origins in WWII: The 188th Wing traces its lineage to the 463rd Fighter Squadron, activated during World War II in 1944, flying P-47 Thunderbolts in the Pacific Theater.
• Arkansas Pride: The unit is based at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith, Arkansas, and has been a major part of the Arkansas Air National Guard since 1953.
• Multiple Aircraft Eras: Over its history, the 188th has flown F-84 Thunderjets, F-100 Super Sabres, F-4 Phantom IIs, A-7D Corsair IIs, F-16 Fighting Falcons, A-10 Thunderbolt IIs, and now operates MQ-9 Reaper drones.
• Combat Deployments: The 188th deployed in support of Operations Southern Watch, Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, and Operation Inherent Resolve, flying crucial combat and reconnaissance missions.
• Transition to Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR): In 2014, the unit transitioned from flying A-10s to its current ISR mission, operating MQ-9 Reapers and supporting Distributed Ground Station-Arkansas.
• Hurricane Katrina Response: The 188th provided vital support and personnel for disaster relief after Hurricane Katrina in 2005, exemplifying the National Guard's dual state and federal mission.
• Decorated Service: The unit has received numerous awards, including the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, for excellence in both combat and peacetime operations.
• Local Community Ties: The 188th Wing is a major employer and economic driver in western Arkansas, and its members are active in local civic and charitable events.
• International Training Hub: Ebbing Air National Guard Base was selected in 2021 as the location for a new Foreign Military Sales pilot training center, bringing international partners to Arkansas.
• “Flying Razorbacks” Nickname: The 188th is nicknamed the “Flying Razorbacks,” reflecting Arkansas’ state mascot and symbolizing the unit’s fierce fighting spirit and deep local roots.
