HQ Air National Guard Bureau

• Establishment: The Headquarters Air National Guard Bureau (HQ ANGB) was officially established in 1948, following the creation of the United States Air Force as a separate branch from the Army in 1947. • Dual Mission: HQ ANGB has a unique dual mission, serving both federal and state governments. It supports federal mobilization for national defense and assists state governors in responding to domestic emergencies. • Civilian Integration: The Air National Guard is composed mainly of citizen-airmen, who balance civilian careers with military service, highlighting the integration of civilian expertise into military operations. • First Combat Deployment: Air National Guard units, under HQ ANGB's coordination, first saw combat during the Korean War, just two years after the Bureau's establishment. • Role in 9/11 Response: After the September 11, 2001 attacks, HQ ANGB coordinated the rapid mobilization of Air National Guard units for Operation Noble Eagle, providing air defense over U.S. cities. • Support in Natural Disasters: HQ ANGB has directed Air National Guard support for countless natural disaster responses, including Hurricane Katrina in 2005, when airmen provided rescue, relief, and logistical support. • Air Sovereignty Alert: HQ ANGB oversees the Air Sovereignty Alert mission, where Air National Guard fighter units remain on constant alert to intercept potential airborne threats to the U.S. • Diversity Milestone: In 2018, Brigadier General Dawne Deskins became the first woman to serve as Deputy Director of the Air National Guard, marking a significant milestone for diversity under HQ ANGB leadership. • Global Reach: Although its core mission is homeland defense, HQ ANGB supports Air National Guard deployments worldwide, including operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and humanitarian missions in Africa and Asia. • Symbolic Emblem: The HQ ANGB emblem features the Minuteman, reflecting the Guard's heritage as the nation's first citizen-soldiers, ready to defend the homeland at a moment’s notice.