150th Fighter Wing
Encyclopedia
The 150th Fighter Wing provides air interdiction support to the Twelfth Air Force and Air Combat Command
with worldwide deployment capability. In addition, the wing maintains a Defense Systems Evaluation tasking and conducts testing of different domestic and foreign surface-to-air missile systems and air defense artillery.
. A total of 54 officers and 400 airmen were assigned to Long Beach Municipal Airport, California. Most unit members were then absorbed by other Air Force units and dispatched to Japan and Korea. First Lieutenants Robert Lucas and Joseph Murray were killed while flying close air support missions in Korea. Captain Francis Williams and First Lieutenant Robert Sands were each credited with three MiG-15 kills. The unit was released from federal active duty in November 1952.
, Republic of Vietnam. Remaining group members were assigned to various bases in South Korea. The unit flew over 6000 combat sorties in the F-100 Super Sabre and amassed over 630 medals and decorations before release from federal active duty in June 1969. Captain Michael Adams was killed in action and First Lieutenant Mitchell Lane is listed as missing in action. The unit received the AF Outstanding Unit Award with a bronze "V' for valor.
The New Mexico Air National Guard has undergone several aircraft conversions throughout its history, including the F-80, F-100, A-7D and F-16C/D. Major accomplishments of the unit include: First ANG unit to receive the F-100 and A-7D fighter aircraft, first ANG unit to receive the Low Altitude Night Targeting Infra Red Navigational system (LANTIRN) equipped F-16C fighter aircraft, first ANG to be assigned to the prestigious Rapid Deployment Force, first ANG unit to participate in Bright Star joint service exercises in Southwest Asia, first ANG unit to receive the Low Altitude Night Attack modification to the A-7, and first ANG unit to participate in a deployed bare base operational readiness inspection. In addition, the 150th Fighter Group set an A-7 endurance record of 11 and 1/2 hours non-stop from Pease AFB, New Hampshire, to Cairo West Air Base, Egypt. The group has received the following awards: Spaatz Trophy in 1956, Winston P. Wilson Trophy in 1980, Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards in 1989 and February 1996, Top A-7 Team at Gunsmoke in 1989 and 1991, Distinguished Flying Unit Award in 1991, and Outstanding ANG-Unit in 1991. In 1995, unit pilots with specialized LANTIRN experience flew combat missions in Bosnia, leading to the current cease fire situation in that area.
In August 2004 the New Mexico Air National Guard Deployed to Balad Air Base, Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom. The Unit deployed with components of the Colorado ANG and the Montana ANG. All three units were assigned to the 332nd AEW.
In May 2006 the New Mexico ANG deployed to Kunsan Air Base, South Korea for a contingency deployment with the "Rocky Mountain Coalition" composed again of the New Mexico ANG, Colorado ANG, and Montana ANG, under the designation of the 186 EFS.
The unit deployed to Iraq again in October 2007 and returned in February 2008. Of note, the unit had 100% valid weapons employed during the deployment, an unprecedented number for any Air National Guard or USAF unit deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Today, the New Mexico Air National Guard is composed of State Headquarters, the 150th Fighter Wing, Maintenance Group, Operations Group, Support Group, Medical Group and II subordinate squadrons and flights with an authorized strength of 120 officers and 919 enlisted members. Its primary mission is air interdiction in support of Twelfth Air Force, Air Combat Command', with worldwide deployment capability. Unit members are constantly on the go, participating in both humanitarian and military exercises throughout the year at locations across the globe.
In addition to its primary mission, the wing had a longstanding test support detachment known as Defense Systems Evaluation, which provided fighter aircraft support to the US Army Air Defense Center, White Sands Missile Range, the United States Navy Aegis cruiser missile tests, the Boeing F-22 Flying Test Bed, Lockheed-Martin F-22 program, Sandia National Laboratories, the BAE Eurofighter missile validation, and many other agencies throughout the military and Defense industry. Despite the continued need for test support, the Defense Systems Evaluation detachment was disbanded in 2005 and the assigned F-16s reassigned to other Air National Guard units.
Located on Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the wing currently has over 20 F-16C Block 30 Aircraft, all being the MSIP Stage III. The large inlet became the standard for F110-powered Fighting Falcons from F-16C Block 30D #86-0262 onward (the so-called "Big-mouths"). The large inlet is referred to as the "modular common air intake duct".
owns and uses the Cato/Smitty MOA, southwest of Albuquerque, from 500 feet AGL to 51,000 feet with some supersonic
flights conducted above 30,000 feet. The unit also utilizes the very large White Sands Missile Range
(WSMR) airspace for both air-to-air and air-to-ground training. In addition to Cato and WSMR, the Tacos make use of the Pecos MOA that is east of Albuquerque and North of Roswell
. For air-to-ground training, the NMANG has several options for local flying, including Melrose Bombing Range co-located with the Pecos MOA, Red Rio, Oscura, and Centennial ranges in the WSMR airspace, and Airburst bombing range in southern Colorado.
The 150FW schedules three Military Training Routes (MTR) that are wider than average to help dissipate the environmental effects of overflight. They usually get very few noise complaints. VR-176 is an MTR that accesses the White Sands Missile Range airspace and even though it is very wide, has the most noise avoidance areas. Every attempt is made to brief infrequent or transient users of VR-176 about the noise sensitive areas. VR 1195 and 1107 encompass the majority of eastern New Mexico.
With some of the greatest flying weather in the country, three large supersonic training areas, five air-to-ground ranges (three manned, all scoreable), and three very large Military Training Routes, the New Mexico Air National Guard is unquestionably one of the best locations to base out nation's fighter aircraft.
and train aircrew in the HC-130
P and HH-60G search and rescue aircraft, and the MC-130E Combat Talon I, MC-130P Combat Shadow, and CV-22 Osprey special operations aircraft. This move will leave several agencies without local fighter support, including three major Joint Terminal Air Controller (JTAC) detachments, the 49th Fighter Wing
flying the F-22 Raptor
at Holloman AFB, New Mexico, and the longstanding test support with various WSMR missile tests.
Air Combat Command
Air Combat Command is a major command of the United States Air Force. ACC is one of ten major commands , reporting to Headquarters, United States Air Force ....
with worldwide deployment capability. In addition, the wing maintains a Defense Systems Evaluation tasking and conducts testing of different domestic and foreign surface-to-air missile systems and air defense artillery.
Origins
The New Mexico Air National Guard was federally recognized on 7 July 1947 as the 188th Fighter Bomber Squadron. The unit was composed of a utility flight equipped with Douglas B-26 light bombers, a fighter squadron composed of 100 officers and airmen flying 25 P-51 mustangs and three T-6 Texan trainers, plus a small weather detachment. The 188th's mission was changed from fighter bomber to fighter-interceptor in 1948.Korean War
In December 1950, the unit was called to active duty for the Korean WarKorean War
The Korean War was a conventional war between South Korea, supported by the United Nations, and North Korea, supported by the People's Republic of China , with military material aid from the Soviet Union...
. A total of 54 officers and 400 airmen were assigned to Long Beach Municipal Airport, California. Most unit members were then absorbed by other Air Force units and dispatched to Japan and Korea. First Lieutenants Robert Lucas and Joseph Murray were killed while flying close air support missions in Korea. Captain Francis Williams and First Lieutenant Robert Sands were each credited with three MiG-15 kills. The unit was released from federal active duty in November 1952.
150th Tactical Fighter Group
In 1957, the unit was redesignated and federally recognized as the 150th Tactical Fighter Group.Vietnam War
In January 1968, the group was activated as a result of the Pueblo Crisis, and in June of that year the 188th Tactical Fighter Squadron and approximately 250 maintenance and support personnel were deployed to Tuy Hoa Air BaseTuy Hoa Air Base
Tuy Hoa Air Base is a former air force base in Vietnam, being closed in 1970. It was built by the United States between 1965-1966 and was used by the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War in the II Corps Tactical Zone of South Vietnam. It was seized by the Vietnam People's Army in April...
, Republic of Vietnam. Remaining group members were assigned to various bases in South Korea. The unit flew over 6000 combat sorties in the F-100 Super Sabre and amassed over 630 medals and decorations before release from federal active duty in June 1969. Captain Michael Adams was killed in action and First Lieutenant Mitchell Lane is listed as missing in action. The unit received the AF Outstanding Unit Award with a bronze "V' for valor.
150th Fighter Group
The 150th Fighter Group was partially activated in support of Operation Desert Storm. On 11 December 1990, 44 members of the 150th Security Police Flight and other unit members were deployed to Saudi Arabia. All members returned home by May 1991.150th Fighter Wing
In October 1995, the unit was renamed the 150th Fighter Wing.The New Mexico Air National Guard has undergone several aircraft conversions throughout its history, including the F-80, F-100, A-7D and F-16C/D. Major accomplishments of the unit include: First ANG unit to receive the F-100 and A-7D fighter aircraft, first ANG unit to receive the Low Altitude Night Targeting Infra Red Navigational system (LANTIRN) equipped F-16C fighter aircraft, first ANG to be assigned to the prestigious Rapid Deployment Force, first ANG unit to participate in Bright Star joint service exercises in Southwest Asia, first ANG unit to receive the Low Altitude Night Attack modification to the A-7, and first ANG unit to participate in a deployed bare base operational readiness inspection. In addition, the 150th Fighter Group set an A-7 endurance record of 11 and 1/2 hours non-stop from Pease AFB, New Hampshire, to Cairo West Air Base, Egypt. The group has received the following awards: Spaatz Trophy in 1956, Winston P. Wilson Trophy in 1980, Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards in 1989 and February 1996, Top A-7 Team at Gunsmoke in 1989 and 1991, Distinguished Flying Unit Award in 1991, and Outstanding ANG-Unit in 1991. In 1995, unit pilots with specialized LANTIRN experience flew combat missions in Bosnia, leading to the current cease fire situation in that area.
9/11 and post
On September 11, 2001, the 150th Fighter Wing was one of the first units to scramble aircraft after the World Trade Center attacks. In October 2001, the unit deployed to Atlantic City, New Jersey, to assume 24-hour patrols in the sky over New York City.In August 2004 the New Mexico Air National Guard Deployed to Balad Air Base, Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom. The Unit deployed with components of the Colorado ANG and the Montana ANG. All three units were assigned to the 332nd AEW.
In May 2006 the New Mexico ANG deployed to Kunsan Air Base, South Korea for a contingency deployment with the "Rocky Mountain Coalition" composed again of the New Mexico ANG, Colorado ANG, and Montana ANG, under the designation of the 186 EFS.
The unit deployed to Iraq again in October 2007 and returned in February 2008. Of note, the unit had 100% valid weapons employed during the deployment, an unprecedented number for any Air National Guard or USAF unit deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Today, the New Mexico Air National Guard is composed of State Headquarters, the 150th Fighter Wing, Maintenance Group, Operations Group, Support Group, Medical Group and II subordinate squadrons and flights with an authorized strength of 120 officers and 919 enlisted members. Its primary mission is air interdiction in support of Twelfth Air Force, Air Combat Command', with worldwide deployment capability. Unit members are constantly on the go, participating in both humanitarian and military exercises throughout the year at locations across the globe.
In addition to its primary mission, the wing had a longstanding test support detachment known as Defense Systems Evaluation, which provided fighter aircraft support to the US Army Air Defense Center, White Sands Missile Range, the United States Navy Aegis cruiser missile tests, the Boeing F-22 Flying Test Bed, Lockheed-Martin F-22 program, Sandia National Laboratories, the BAE Eurofighter missile validation, and many other agencies throughout the military and Defense industry. Despite the continued need for test support, the Defense Systems Evaluation detachment was disbanded in 2005 and the assigned F-16s reassigned to other Air National Guard units.
Located on Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the wing currently has over 20 F-16C Block 30 Aircraft, all being the MSIP Stage III. The large inlet became the standard for F110-powered Fighting Falcons from F-16C Block 30D #86-0262 onward (the so-called "Big-mouths"). The large inlet is referred to as the "modular common air intake duct".
Operating areas
The New Mexico Air National GuardNew Mexico Air National Guard
The New Mexico Air National Guard is the air force militia of the U.S. state of New Mexico. It is, along with the New Mexico Army National Guard, an element of the New Mexico National Guard...
owns and uses the Cato/Smitty MOA, southwest of Albuquerque, from 500 feet AGL to 51,000 feet with some supersonic
Supersonic
Supersonic speed is a rate of travel of an object that exceeds the speed of sound . For objects traveling in dry air of a temperature of 20 °C this speed is approximately 343 m/s, 1,125 ft/s, 768 mph or 1,235 km/h. Speeds greater than five times the speed of sound are often...
flights conducted above 30,000 feet. The unit also utilizes the very large White Sands Missile Range
White Sands Missile Range
White Sands Missile Range is a rocket range of almost in parts of five counties in southern New Mexico. The largest military installation in the United States, WSMR includes the and the WSMR Otera Mesa bombing range...
(WSMR) airspace for both air-to-air and air-to-ground training. In addition to Cato and WSMR, the Tacos make use of the Pecos MOA that is east of Albuquerque and North of Roswell
Roswell, New Mexico
Roswell is a city in and the county seat of Chaves County in the southeastern quarter of the state of New Mexico, United States. The population was 48,366 at the 2010 census. It is a center for irrigation farming, dairying, ranching, manufacturing, distribution, and petroleum production. It is also...
. For air-to-ground training, the NMANG has several options for local flying, including Melrose Bombing Range co-located with the Pecos MOA, Red Rio, Oscura, and Centennial ranges in the WSMR airspace, and Airburst bombing range in southern Colorado.
The 150FW schedules three Military Training Routes (MTR) that are wider than average to help dissipate the environmental effects of overflight. They usually get very few noise complaints. VR-176 is an MTR that accesses the White Sands Missile Range airspace and even though it is very wide, has the most noise avoidance areas. Every attempt is made to brief infrequent or transient users of VR-176 about the noise sensitive areas. VR 1195 and 1107 encompass the majority of eastern New Mexico.
With some of the greatest flying weather in the country, three large supersonic training areas, five air-to-ground ranges (three manned, all scoreable), and three very large Military Training Routes, the New Mexico Air National Guard is unquestionably one of the best locations to base out nation's fighter aircraft.
Present day
Despite congressional efforts, the New Mexico National Guard's Adjutant General is allowing the reassignment of the F-16s to other Air National Guard units. This will effectively bring to an end the long legacy of fighter aircraft in the New Mexico Air National Guard. The NMANG will be reassigned to combine with the 58th Special Operations Wing58th Special Operations Wing
The 58th Special Operations Wing is a combat unit of the United States Air Force stationed at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico. The 58 SOW is part of the Air Education and Training Command Nineteenth Air Force....
and train aircrew in the HC-130
HC-130
The Lockheed HC-130 is an extended-range, search and rescue and Combat search and rescue version of the C-130 Hercules transport. The HC-130H and HC-130J versions are operated by the United States Coast Guard in a SAR and maritime reconnaissance role. The HC-130P and HC-130N Combat King models...
P and HH-60G search and rescue aircraft, and the MC-130E Combat Talon I, MC-130P Combat Shadow, and CV-22 Osprey special operations aircraft. This move will leave several agencies without local fighter support, including three major Joint Terminal Air Controller (JTAC) detachments, the 49th Fighter Wing
49th Fighter Wing
The 49th Wing is an air combat unit of the United States Air Force and the host unit at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico. The 49 WG is part of the Air Combat Command Twelfth Air Force....
flying the F-22 Raptor
F-22 Raptor
The Lockheed Martin/Boeing F-22 Raptor is a single-seat, twin-engine fifth-generation supermaneuverable fighter aircraft that uses stealth technology. It was designed primarily as an air superiority fighter, but has additional capabilities that include ground attack, electronic warfare, and signals...
at Holloman AFB, New Mexico, and the longstanding test support with various WSMR missile tests.
Future of the New Mexico Air National Guard
Rep. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) is among lawmakers questioning why the Air Force plan to cut 254 legacy fighters has hit units in their states, but Heinrich was particularly incensed since the New Mexico Air National Guard's 150th Fighter Wing is the only one to be left with both no aircraft and no mission. During the May 19 House Armed Services Committee hearing on the Air Force budget, Heinrich declared, "What makes absolutely no sense to me is that despite being ranked the No. 1 fighter base in the country during the 2005 BRAC process, Kirtland Air Force Base, which is located in my district, is now slated to lose its entire fighter mission." In its Combat Air Forces restructure plan (see above), the Air Force listed probable outlooks for those units losing aircraft, but for Kirtland's Air Guard unit the entry reads "future mission TBD." Air Force Secretary Michael Donley responded: "We do understand that this is a difficult decision that affects many states and communities. …The reductions proposed were carefully balanced between overseas and CONUS locations and were carefully balanced between the active and the reserve, as well." Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz added: "It's important for the 150th, a good organization, as we both know, to think more broadly about what future opportunities there are for missions. Now, maybe they're manned aircraft, maybe not. Maybe they are association missions with folks already at Kirtland, like the special operations wing that's there." Schwartz said that the service would be working with the New Mexico Adjutant General and others to determine "the best fit" consistent with the needs of the Air Force. Heinrich wanted to know, however, what specific criteria had been used, considering half the unit's aircraft had gone through Falcon Star upgrades to extend their service life. Schwartz said that after "extensive analysis" of the fleet status, the service selected the Block 30 F-16s, such as those at the 150th FW, as "the ones that we should accelerate retirement."1Major Command/Gaining Command
- Air National GuardAir National GuardThe Air National Guard , often referred to as the Air Guard, is the air force militia organized by each of the fifty U.S. states, the commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the territories of Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia of the United States. Established under Title 10 and...
/Air Combat CommandAir Combat CommandAir Combat Command is a major command of the United States Air Force. ACC is one of ten major commands , reporting to Headquarters, United States Air Force ....
(1992–present) - Air National GuardAir National GuardThe Air National Guard , often referred to as the Air Guard, is the air force militia organized by each of the fifty U.S. states, the commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the territories of Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia of the United States. Established under Title 10 and...
/Tactical Air CommandTactical Air CommandTactical Air Command is an inactive United States Air Force organization. It was a Major Command of the United States Air Force, established on 21 March 1946 being headquartered at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia...
(1957–1991)
Previous designations
- 150th Fighter Wing (1995–present)
- 150th Fighter Group (1992–1995)
- 150th Tactical Fighter Group (1957–1992)
Aircraft flown
- F-16 Fighting FalconF-16 Fighting FalconThe General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon is a multirole jet fighter aircraft originally developed by General Dynamics for the United States Air Force . Designed as an air superiority day fighter, it evolved into a successful all-weather multirole aircraft. Over 4,400 aircraft have been built since...
(1992–2010)- F-16C/D Block 40 Lantirn Fighting Falcon (1992–2003)
- F-16C/D Block 30 Fighting Falcon (1992–2010)
- C-26 MetrolinerC-26 Metroliner|-See also:-References:NotesBibliography* Donald, David, general editor. Encyclopedia of World Aircraft. Etobicoke, ON: Prospero Books, 1997. ISBN 1-85605-375-X....
(???–present) - A-7 Corsair IIA-7 Corsair IIThe Ling-Temco-Vought A-7 Corsair II is a carrier-based subsonic light attack aircraft introduced to replace the United States Navy's Douglas A-4 Skyhawk, initially entering service during the Vietnam War...
(1973–1992) - C-130 HerculesC-130 HerculesThe Lockheed C-130 Hercules is a four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft designed and built originally by Lockheed, now Lockheed Martin. Capable of using unprepared runways for takeoffs and landings, the C-130 was originally designed as a troop, medical evacuation, and cargo transport...
(???–???) - F-100 Super SabreF-100 Super SabreThe North American F-100 Super Sabre was a supersonic jet fighter aircraft that served with the United States Air Force from 1954 to 1971 and with the Air National Guard until 1979. The first of the Century Series collection of USAF jet fighters, it was the first USAF fighter capable of...
(1958–1973) - F-80 Shooting Star (1953–1958)
- P-51 MustangP-51 MustangThe North American Aviation P-51 Mustang was an American long-range, single-seat fighter and fighter-bomber used during World War II, the Korean War and in several other conflicts...
(1947–1953) - A-36 Apache/InvaderNorth American A-36The North American A-36 Apache was the ground-attack/dive bomber version of the North American Aviation P-51 Mustang, from which it could be distinguished by the presence of rectangular, slatted dive brakes above and below the wings...
(1947–1952) - T-6 TexanT-6 TexanThe North American Aviation T-6 Texan was a single-engine advanced trainer aircraft used to train pilots of the United States Army Air Forces, United States Navy, Royal Air Force and other air forces of the British Commonwealth during World War II and into the 1950s...
(1947–1958)