NIAGARA FALLS AIR RESERVE STATION, N.Y. (Dec. 8th, 2018) — The 107th Attack Wing, New York Air National Guard, is celebrating 70 years of continuous service at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, Dec. 8th, 2018.
WHO: 107th Attack Wing
WHAT: The 107th Attack Wing gained federal recognition on Dec. 8, 1948. The event marks the wing's 70th anniversary with an informal celebration and cake cutting, and remarks by the wing commander.
WHERE: Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, Niagara Falls, N.Y.
WHEN: 3:00 P.M., Saturday, Dec. 8th, 2018
Members of the media must contact Master Sgt. Brandy Fowler at 716-253-0071, or Staff Sgt. Ryan Campbell at 716-697-5596 for access to this secure military facility.
Coverage Opportunities:
Video and still imagery of the celebration and interviews with wing members.
BACKGROUND:
The 107th was activated on Dec. 8th 1948 as the 107th Fighter Group, based in various temporary facilities until the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station was opened in the 1950s.
Over the decades, the 107th was renamed numerous times and saw various types of aircraft assigned to it including prop engine fighters such as the P-51 Mustang, to the F-16 Fighting Falcon, final fighter aircraft assigned to the 107th. The 107th has since seen the KC-135R Stratotanker, C-130 Hercules and the MQ-9 Reaper remotely piloted aircraft which is the current, primary mission of the 107th Attack Wing.
For many years the 107th was on an alert status during the Cold War, having twice intercepted Soviet bombers that encroached on American air space. The 107th was also deployed to Vietnam in 1968 where Capt. Joseph L'Hullier became the first National Guardsman killed in action since World War II. Also, former 107th member Col. Bud Day was awarded the Medal of Honor for actions while a prisoner of war. Personnel also responded to the Sept. 11th attacks, and have been deployed numerous times in support of the Global War on Terrorism.