Oklahoma Air National Guard

• Establishment: The Oklahoma Air National Guard (OK ANG) was officially established on February 21, 1947, making it one of the original Air National Guard units in the United States. • World War II Roots: The unit traces its lineage to the 125th Observation Squadron, which was activated in 1940 and served in the European Theater during World War II. • Federal and State Missions: The OK ANG has dual missions: to support federal operations when called upon by the President and to assist the Governor of Oklahoma with state emergencies, such as natural disasters. • Famous Aircraft: Over the decades, the Oklahoma Air National Guard has operated a variety of aircraft, including the F-51 Mustang, F-4 Phantom II, F-16 Fighting Falcon, and currently the KC-135 Stratotanker and the MC-12W Liberty. • Two Major Wings: The OK ANG consists of two major wings: the 137th Special Operations Wing (based at Will Rogers Air National Guard Base) and the 138th Fighter Wing (based at Tulsa Air National Guard Base). • Global Deployments: Members of the Oklahoma Air National Guard have been deployed worldwide, supporting operations such as Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, and ongoing missions in the War on Terror. • Tornado Relief: The Oklahoma Air National Guard has played a vital role in disaster relief, especially during the aftermath of devastating tornadoes in the state, providing search and rescue, logistics, and humanitarian aid. • Integration of Women: The OK ANG was among the early adopters in integrating women into its ranks, with female pilots and technicians serving in a variety of roles since the 1970s. • Aerial Refueling Expertise: The 137th Special Operations Wing is renowned for its aerial refueling capabilities, supporting both U.S. and allied aircraft across the globe. • Community Engagement: The Oklahoma Air National Guard is deeply involved in local communities, hosting air shows, educational events, and youth programs to foster patriotism and interest in aviation careers.