Honoring the 90th Anniversary of the Minnesota Air National Guard -- America’s First in the Nation Air Guard Unit
Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the capable and courageous men and women of the Minnesota Air National Guard on the 90th anniversary of its founding. The Minnesota Air National Guard holds the distinction of being the first in our nation Air Unit of the National Guard recognized by the United States government.
The Minnesota Air National Guard took flight with humble, but honorable beginnings. On September 26, 1920 Captain Ray S. Miller and two other Minnesotans rented a Curtiss Oriole biplane to launch an 8-day flight to Washington, D.C. Their mission was to be the first federally recognized National Guard flying squadron. Subsequently the 109th Observation Squadron, the predecessor to today's Minnesota Air National Guard, passed muster inspection on January 17th, 1921.
The creation of the 109th Minnesota Observation Squadron created the flight path for Minnesotans to continue making history while serving our state and our nation. The 133rd Airlift Wing (133rd AW) of the Minnesota Air National Guard Wing is headquartered at the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, and provides the U.S. Air Force with tactical airlift of troops, cargo, and medical patients anywhere in the world utilizing the C-130 Hercules. The 148th Fighter Wing (148th FW), headquartered in Duluth, provides the United States Air Force with combat Air Sovereignty and Air Defense. Additionally, both Wings are continually prepared to support the State of Minnesota with assistance in the event of disaster declaration.
During WWII the 109th Observation Squadron was deployed to Europe, initially flying the Supermarine Spitfire Mk V and later reconnaissance missions with the North American F-6 Mustang. During the Korean War, Minnesota's Air Guard was again activated, contributing pilots to active wings throughout the Korean theater.
Throughout the Cold War of the 1950's and early 1960, both units of the 179th Fighter Interceptor Squadron in Duluth and 109th Fighter Interceptor Squadron in St. Paul provided active air defense commitments with 24-hour alert status. Threats by the Soviet Union to oust Western troops from West Berlin in 1961 prompted the Berlin Crisis and a call-up of selected National Guard forces throughout the United States. Included in this mobilization were members of the 133rd Air Transport Wing, who served in federal active service for eleven months while operating out of their home station at the Minneapolis-Saint Paul Airport. While the Minnesota Air Guard was never officially mobilized during the Vietnam War, the organization flew hundreds of supply and transport missions to Southeast Asia.
Today, the Minnesota Air National Guard continues to serve with valor and with honor. We all recall the critical moments following the attack on our nation on September 11th, 2001. Immediately, F-16s from the 148th Fighter Wing were called into action for combat air patrols over critical areas. Since then, the Air Guard has provided support for our nation's efforts in Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation New Dawn as well as other operations worldwide. Brave men and women today from 133rd Airlift Wing the 148th Fighter Wing continue to serve our nation with distinction in overseas operations today.
Mr. Speaker, please join me in rising to honor the commitment and dedication of the 2,000 airmen and women serving in the Minnesota Air National Guard as we commemorate the 90th Anniversary of this pioneering unit.