COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Air National Guard Band of the Great Lakes will perform its final concert at 2:30 p.m. this Saturday, July 7 at Anthony Wayne High School, 5967 Finzel Road, Whitehouse, Ohio, 43571.
More commonly known as the "Triple Nickel" from the days when it was named the 555th Air Force Band, The Air National Guard Band of the Great Lakes will be decommissioned in 2013 as part of a decision to consolidate Air Force bands across the country, National Guard officials announced in late 2011.
The band originated in April 1923 when the Army's 148th Regiment Band was formed, and was later renamed the 148th Infantry Band, which joined other military bands from Ohio to serve in the Pacific theater during World War II. After the war, the bands were split up, and the original members of the 148th Infantry Band sought to create a new band. In 1948, they received permission from the State of Ohio to form the 555th Air Force Band.
The band has served many musical functions, performing as a rock band, jazz band, jazz combo band, brass quintet, woodwind quintet and ceremonial band. In 2003, the band was assigned increased areas of responsibility, becoming responsible for Indiana, Michigan, West Virginia and Kentucky in addition to Ohio, and was renamed the ANG Band of the Great Lakes. In overseas assignments, the band has deployed to Hungary, England and Iraq to perform.
Light refreshments will be provided at the concert. After these Ohio National Guard airmen-musicians take their final bow as part of the "Triple Nickel," an alumni reunion will follow, from 7 to 10 p.m., at the 180th Fighter Wing, 2660 S. Eber Road, Swanton, Ohio 43558.