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147th Attack Wing
147th Attack Wing
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147th Attack Wing
MQ-9 Reaper – 147th Attack Wing
"Spirit of Houston"
Founded1957
Country United States
Allegiance Texas
Branch  Air National Guard
TypeWing
RoleISR/Attack
Part ofTexas Air National Guard
Garrison/HQEllington Field Joint Reserve Base, Houston, Texas
Tail CodeBlue stripe with white star "TEXAS"
Commanders
147 ATKW CommanderColonel Travis Walters
147 ATKW Command ChiefCommand Chief Master Sergeant Trang "Rose" Maxie
Insignia
147th Attack Wing emblem
Aircraft flown
AttackMQ-9 Reaper
ReconnaissanceRC-26B

The 147th Attack Wing (147 ATKW) is a unit of the Texas Air National Guard, stationed at Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base, Houston, Texas. If activated to federal service, the Wing is gained by the United States Air Force Air Combat Command.

The 111th Attack Squadron, assigned to the Wing's 167th Operations Group, is a descendant organization of the World War I 111th Aero Squadron, established on 14 August 1917. It was reformed on 29 June 1923, as the 111th Observation Squadron, and is one of the 29 original National Guard Observation Squadrons of the United States Army National Guard formed before World War II.

Overview

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The 147th Attack Wing, at Ellington Field in Houston, TX, flies combat support missions 24/7 via advanced satellite communications thus providing surveillance, reconnaissance, and air support for US and Allied forces. In conducting combat support sorties, the 147 ATKW provides theater and national-level leadership with critical real-time Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance and air-to-ground munitions and strike capability. A colocated Air Support Operations Squadron provides terminal control for weapons employment in a close air support scenario integrating combat air and ground operations.

Units

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The 147th Attack Wing consists of the following units:

  • 147th Operations Group
111th Attack Squadron
111th Weather Flight
147th Operations Support Squadron
147th Operations Group Detachment One (JBSA-Randolph)
147th Air Support Operations Squadron
  • 147th Maintenance Group
147th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron
147th Maintenance Operations Flight
147th Munitions Flight
  • 147th Mission Support Group
147th Civil Engineer Squadron
147th Communications Flight
147th Force Support Squadron
147th Logistics Readiness Squadron
147th Security Forces Squadron
  • 147th Medical Group

History

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F-86D Sabre Texas Air National Guard.

In 1957, the Texas Air National Guard 111th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, stationed at Ellington Air Force Base, near Houston was authorized to expand to a group level under the 136th Air Defense Wing. On 1 July 1957, the National Guard Bureau extended federal recognition to the 147th Fighter-Interceptor Group. The 111th FIS was reassigned from the 136th Fighter-Interceptor Group to the 147th FIG, becoming the new group's flying squadron. Support squadrons of the 147th FIG were the 144th Headquarters, 144th Material Squadron (Maintenance), 144th Combat Support Squadron, and the 144th USAF Dispensary.

Air Defense

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Initially equipped with the F-86D Sabre Interceptor, in June 1959 the squadron traded their F-86Ds for the upgraded F-86L Sabre Interceptor with uprated afterburning engines and new electronics. In August 1960 the unit became one of the first to transition to the F-102A Delta Dagger Mach-2 all-weather interceptor and began a 24-hour alert to guard the Texas Gulf coast.

In August 1961, as part of an Air Defense Command re-organization, the Group's assignment to 136th Air Defense Wing was terminated with 136th being transferred to Tactical Air Command. The 147th was directly assigned to the Texas Air National Guard, being operationally gained by the Air Defense Command 33d Air Division.

On 1 January 1970, the squadron was re-designated as the 111th Combat Crew Training Squadron and served as the Air National Guard's RTU (Replacement Training Unit) for the TF/F-102A, In 1971, when the active-duty force ceased F-102A training and closed Perrin AFB, Texas on 30 June 1971, the Houston-based 111th FIS became the Replacement Training Unit (RTU) for all Air Defense Command F-102 pilots, and the squadron received several TF-102A dual-seat trainers which were transferred from Perrin AFB while also retaining the T-33A instrument training function.

111th Fighter Interceptor Squadron Convair F-102A-65-CO Delta Dagger 56–1188.

One pilot who flew TF/F-102As with the 111th was 1st Lt. George W. Bush, a future Governor of Texas and future President of the United States. George W. Bush's military service began in 1968 when he enlisted in the Texas Air National Guard after graduating with a bachelor's degree in history from Yale University. After being accepted into the ANG, Airman Basic Bush was selected to attend pilot training. His six weeks of basic training was completed at Lackland AFB in Texas during July and August 1968. Upon its completion, Bush was promoted to the officer's rank of second lieutenant required for pilot candidates. He spent the next year in flight school at Moody AFB in Georgia from November 1968 to November 1969. Bush then returned to Ellington AFB in Texas to complete seven months of combat crew training on the F-102 from December 1969 to June 1970. This period included five weeks of training on the T-33 Shooting Star and 16 weeks aboard the TF-102 Delta Dagger two-seat trainer and finally the single-seat F-102A. Bush graduated from the training program in June 1970. Lt. Bush remained in the Texas ANG as a certified F-102 pilot who participated in frequent drills and alerts through April 1972. Lt. Bush was honorably discharged from the Air National Guard in October 1973 at the rank of First Lieutenant. An ANG physical dated 15 May 1971 indicates that he had logged 625 flight hours by that time, and he ultimately completed 326 hours as pilot and 10 as co-pilot while serving with the 111th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron.[1]

In May 1971, the 111th added F-101B/F Voodoos and became the RTU tar the twin seat F-101F type, while continuing as the F-102 Delta Dagger RTU. In January 1975, after 14 years of service, the unit's F-102s were retired, but the unit maintained a full fleet of F-101s.

The 111th also operated detachment 1 of the 147th FIW at New Orleans. The detachment was apart from the squadron in that it maintained constant alert status whilst facing towards Cuba.

In October 1979, in as part of the inactivation of Aerospace Defense Command, the USAF gained command responsibilities which shifted to Tactical Air Command (TAC) and a sub-organization equivalent to a numbered air force designated as Air Defense, Tactical Air Command (ADTAC). In 1982, the F-101s were retired and ADTAC re-equipped the 111th with the McDonnell F-4C Phantom II and continued its air defense mission. Most of the F-4Cs the squadron received were Vietnam War veteran aircraft. In November 1986, the F-4Cs were replaced by later-model F-4Ds.

In December 1989 the 111th FIS started receiving block 15 F-16A/B Fighting Falcon aircraft to replace their F-4Ds. The last F-16 arrived in April 1990.

In 1992, only a few years following the acceptance of their block 15s, they converted to the ADF variant of the block 15. On 15 March 1992 the 111th FIS was re-designated the 111th Fighter Squadron when its parent 147th Fighter Group converted to the USAF Objective Organization plan. Also in 1992 the 111th FS celebrated their 75th anniversary. To commemorate this F-16A ADF #82-1001 was painted in special markings including a big Texas flag painted on the fuselage underside. During September 1995, the 111th FS ended its alert detachment in New Orleans with the F-101 Voodoo, also the 147th was upgraded to a Wing, with the 111th Fighter Squadron being assigned to the new 147th Operations Group.

Tactical Fighter mission

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In late 1996 the 111th started to retire their ADF F-16s to AMARC. To replace these aircraft the squadron received the block 25 F-16C/D Fighting Falcon. Transition started in September 1996 and was completed by February 1997. This brought a change in role which officially happened in October 1998. The role went from air-to-air to an air-to-ground mission. After returning from an Operation Southern Watch mission at Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia in October 2000, the squadron added Precision Guided Munitions to its arsenal.

Global War on Terrorism

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F-16C Block 25E Fighting Falcon 84–1309 at Balad AB, Iraq with the 111th EFS seen here taxiing following its mission on 4 September 2005 where it reached the 6,000 flying-hour mark.

Following the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks, four 111th Fighter Squadron aircraft were launched to escort President George W. Bush, onboard Air Force 1 from Florida to Louisiana, Nebraska and finally back to Washington DC that same day. December 2001 saw the 111th deploy to Atlantic City, New Jersey, to fly Air Defense Combat Air Patrol missions over New York, Philadelphia and Washington DC in support of Operation Noble Eagle.[2]

In August 2005 components of the 111th Fighter Squadron and 147th Fighter Wing deployed to Balad Airbase, Iraq to conduct combat operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and the Global War on Terrorism. The men and women of the 111th FS/147th FW once again distinguished themselves by flying 462 sorties and almost 1,900 hours in a two-month span; with a perfect record of 100% maintenance delivery (zero missed sorties), 100% mission effectiveness, and 100% weapons employment/hits under the most challenging combat conditions.[2]

In April 2007, components of the 111th Fighter Squadron and 147th Fighter Wing again deployed to Balad Airbase, Iraq for the Iraq War. On this deployment, the 111th Fighter Squadron flew 348 tasked sorties, plus six no-notice Close Air Support (CAS) alert scrambles and four short-notice (less than 30 minutes & not on the Air Tasking Order.[3]) pre-planned alert launches. With an average combat sortie lasting almost 4.42 hours, the unit accumulated a total of 1537.1 combat hours. Maintenance delivery effectiveness for this deployment was an astonishing 102% due to the inclusion of the unscheduled CAS scrambles. Mission effectiveness and weapons employment were both once again a perfect 100%.[4]

BRAC 2005 reorganization

[edit]

During the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Commission, it was recommended that the F-16 Block 25s be retired. Texas Governor, Rick Perry, reacted quickly and made sure the unit could remain alive and did so by securing MQ-1 Predator operations. This is an unmanned aircraft and although not exactly what the 111th FS had hoped for, it would keep the unit going well into the future. This view that Remotely Pilot Aircraft and the people who operate them are inferior is one held by most Air National Guard units who’ve accepted MQ-9 assignments in lieu of being completely shut down.

As was earlier planned in 2005, the 111th FS gave up its last two F-16s on 7 June 2008 and F-16 operations drew to a close. The MQ-1 replaced the F-16 and the parent wing was renamed the 147th Reconnaissance Wing that same month.

147th Attack Wing MQ-9

The 111th RS received its first MQ-9 Reaper on 28 July 2017, and the parent wing was renamed 147th Attack Wing shortly thereafter.

Lineage

[edit]
Legacy 147th Fighter Wing emblem
Future Governor of Texas and future President of the United States 1Lt. George W. Bush, as a member of the 111th Combat Crew Training Squadron, 1970.
  • Established as the 147th Fighter Group (Air Defense) and allotted to the Air National Guard, 1957
Extended federal recognition on: 1 July 1957
Redesignated 147th Fighter Group, 10 March 1992
Status changed from Group to Wing, 1 October 1995
Redesignated 147th Fighter Wing, 1 October 1995
Redesignated 147th Reconnaissance Wing, 1 July 2008
Redesignated 147th Attack Wing, 2017

Assignments

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Gained by: 33d Air Division, Air Defense Command
Gained by: Oklahoma City Air Defense Sector, Air Defense Command, 25 June 1963
Gained by: 31st Air Division, Air Defense Command, 1 April 1966
Gained by: 31st Air Division, Aerospace Defense Command, 15 January 1968
Gained by: Fourteenth Air Force, Aerospace Defense Command, 31 December 1969
Gained by: 20th Air Division, Aerospace Defense Command, 1 July 1973
Gained by: Air Defense, Tactical Air Command (ADTAC), 1 October 1979
Gained by: Southeast Air Defense Sector (SEADS), First Air Force, 1 July 1987
Gained by: Air Combat Command, 1 October 1996–present

Components

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Stations

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Designated: Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base, Houston, Texas, 1991–present

Aircraft

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

147th Attack Wing

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The 147th Attack Wing is a unit of the stationed at in , , specializing in remotely piloted aircraft operations with the MQ-9 Reaper . It executes intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and precision strike missions to support national defense and state emergencies, organizing and equipping citizen-airmen for rapid deployment in air, space, and cyber domains. Tracing its origins to the 111th Aero Squadron activated in 1917 during , the wing's lineage includes the 111th Observation Squadron mustered into the in 1923, evolving through various fighter and interceptor roles with aircraft such as the P-51 Mustang, F-84 Thunderjet, F-102 Delta Dagger, F-4 Phantom, and F-16 Fighting Falcon before transitioning to reconnaissance and attack missions with unmanned systems in the 2010s. The unit earned distinction in with over 3,800 combat missions, 44 enemy aircraft destroyed, eight battle stars, and a Presidential Unit Citation, alongside contributions in the , following the , and Operation Iraqi Freedom. In recent operations, it achieved milestones such as the first MQ-9 Reaper flight from during NATO's Formidable Shield 2025 exercise. As the parent organization of the 111th Attack Squadron—the oldest continuously flying squadron in —the 147th Attack Wing maintains a legacy of adaptability and combat effectiveness.

Overview

Mission and Strategic Role

The 147th Attack Wing, a unit of the , executes its core federal mission by operating MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial systems to deliver armed , , , and (ISR), and precision strike capabilities in support of objectives. Based at in , , the wing sustains continuous 24/7 combat air patrols, enabling persistent overhead presence for real-time targeting and in operational theaters. In fulfillment of its strategic role within the Total Force, the 147th integrates into joint and coalition operations, contributing to counter-terrorism, , and counter-insurgency efforts through the Reaper's multi-role endurance exceeding 27 hours and payload capacity for Hellfire missiles and precision-guided munitions. Recent upgrades to Block 5 Reapers, incorporating enhanced sensors, data links, and satellite-based launch/recovery, expand mission flexibility, allowing operations from remote or forward locations to bolster agile combat employment (ACE) doctrines that emphasize distributed, resilient force posture against peer adversaries. The wing's participation in multinational exercises, such as NATO's Formidable Shield 2025—where it achieved the first MQ-9 flight from —demonstrates its value in enhancing allied , , and expeditionary operations, thereby reinforcing U.S. strategic deterrence and in the and European theaters. Domestically, it augments homeland defense and state emergencies with ISR assets, including unarmed Reaper configurations for search-and-rescue; for example, in July 2025, the wing deployed MQ-9 Reapers to support search and rescue operations during severe flooding in Texas Hill Country, providing high-resolution imagery and infrared data to ground teams. This complements counter-drug reconnaissance via RC-26 platforms, while Tactical Air Control Party elements provide terminal guidance for joint fires.

Base and Personnel Composition

The 147th Attack Wing is stationed at in , , where it conducts its primary operations, including the maintenance, launch, and control of MQ-9 remotely piloted aircraft. This joint reserve base, established in 1917, functions as a multi-mission facility supporting units, Reserve components, and tenant organizations such as and the U.S. Coast Guard, with the 147th serving as the host wing responsible for base oversight and air operations. The wing's personnel are drawn exclusively from the Texas Air National Guard, comprising traditional guardsmen who perform part-time duty alongside civilian occupations, as well as full-time (AGR) members and federal military technicians who provide continuity in operations and administration. These airmen, totaling several thousand across the base's direct employment in 2023 (including contributions from multiple units), execute roles in aircraft piloting, sensor operation, , maintenance, logistics, and mission support to enable 24/7 combat air patrols and sorties. The composition emphasizes dual-status warriors trained for both federal deployments under and state missions under the Texas governor's direction.

Organizational Structure

Primary Units and Squadrons

The 147th Operations Group serves as the primary operational component of the 147th Attack Wing, overseeing flying and mission execution activities. The 111th Attack Squadron, subordinate to the Operations Group, operates the MQ-9 Reaper remotely piloted aircraft, providing 24/7 intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and precision strike capabilities in support of combatant commanders. The squadron, with approximately 12 MQ-9s assigned as of 2023, achieved recognition as the General Atomics Remotely Piloted Aircraft Squadron of the Year in 2024 for its . The 147th Air Support Operations Squadron, also under wing operational control, delivers tactical air control party functions, including terminal attack control for integration between air and ground forces. This unit supports elements such as the 56th and 72nd Brigade Combat Teams through and deployments.

Support and Auxiliary Components

The 147th Mission Support Group oversees critical infrastructure, personnel, and security functions for the wing, including , force support squadron activities such as recruiting and services, and for base defense and law enforcement. This group ensures operational sustainment at , managing facilities maintenance, logistics, and morale programs to support the wing's MQ-9 Reaper missions. The 147th Medical Group delivers aeromedical readiness training, preventive services, and clinical care to maintain the deployability of wing personnel, aligning with standards for detachment operations. Established as part of the wing's support structure since the , it focuses on occupational , dental readiness, and medical response capabilities. The 147th Maintenance Group handles , munitions management, and operations to sustain the MQ-9 fleet's , including back-shop repairs and periodic depot-level support. This group integrates with the operations tempo to provide 24/7 sortie generation for reconnaissance and attack missions. Specialized auxiliary units include the 147th Air Support Operations Squadron, which trains and deploys Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) specialists qualified as Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACs) to coordinate and for joint forces in austere environments. The squadron embeds with and Marine units, enhancing precision strikes through direct integration with ground maneuvers. The 272nd Engineering Installation Squadron, assigned to the wing, specializes in the rapid deployment and installation of command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence (C4I) systems, supporting network infrastructure and cybersecurity hardening for expeditionary operations. This squadron contributes to the wing's auxiliary capabilities by enabling secure data links essential for unmanned aerial system control and intelligence dissemination.

History

Establishment and World War II Era

The 111th Observation Squadron, the primary lineage component of the 147th Attack Wing, was federally recognized on 29 June 1923 as part of the 36th Infantry Division () at , making it one of the original 29 National Guard observation squadrons authorized by the National Defense Act of 1920. The squadron conducted monthly drills at Ellington Field and annual training at sites such as Camp Hulen and , initially equipped with obsolescent O-1s and O-2 observation aircraft for artillery spotting and border patrol roles. Its unit emblem, the "Ace-in-the-Hole," was approved in 1936, reflecting cultural motifs. The squadron was federalized on 25 November 1940 (with some records noting entry into active service by 25 December 1940) and mobilized to Brownwood Army Airfield, , where it underwent expansion and basic training. It participated in the 1941 and Carolina Maneuvers, simulating reconnaissance support for ground forces. Following the attack, the unit relocated to Daniel Field, Georgia, for advanced training with the 68th Observation Group, transitioning to A-20 Havoc light bombers for tactical reconnaissance and ground support roles. In September 1942, the ground echelon shipped to before redeploying to via , while the air echelon ferried A-20s across the South Atlantic; combat operations commenced in French Morocco with border patrols and anti-submarine sweeps. Reassigned to the 12th Air Support Command, the squadron flew over the Tunisian front from early 1943, supporting Allied advances. Equipped with P-51 Mustangs from July 1943 (upgraded to P-51C variants in April 1944), it conducted 7,284 sorties across the Sicilian invasion, Italian Campaign (supporting the Fifth Army), and in with the Seventh Army, claiming 43 enemy aircraft destroyed in air-to-air combat. The unit earned a Distinguished Unit Citation for actions in February 1945 and concluded hostilities in Nuremberg, Germany, under occupation duties before inactivation and return to state control in 1945.

Air Defense Command Period

The 147th Fighter Group (Air Defense) was established and allotted to the Texas Air National Guard on 1 July 1957, receiving federal recognition on the same date at Ellington Air Force Base, Houston, Texas. Initially assigned to the 136th Air Defense Wing, the unit focused on continental air defense missions amid Cold War tensions, operating as part of the broader Air Defense Command network to counter potential Soviet bomber threats. The group's primary flying component, the 111th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, transitioned to the North American F-86D Sabre interceptor aircraft in 1957, replacing earlier F-80 Shooting Stars and emphasizing all-weather interception capabilities. On 16 May 1958, the 147th Fighter Interceptor Group was federally recognized, comprising five support squadrons to bolster the 111th FIS in its air defense role. The unit maintained readiness through training exercises and also established the Jet Instrument School in 1957, which operated until 1961 and trained over 1,000 pilots in instrument flying using T-33 aircraft. By 1960, the squadron upgraded to the F-102A Delta Dagger supersonic interceptor, enhancing its speed and armament for rapid response to airborne intrusions. Equipped with missiles and 20mm cannons, the F-102s enabled the 147th to assume 24-hour alert status, patrolling U.S. borders and airspace as part of the national air sovereignty mission. Throughout the early 1960s, the 147th conducted routine scrambles, radar tracking exercises, and interoperability drills with active-duty Air Defense units, contributing to the system integration for coordinated intercepts. In 1961, the group transitioned to state control under the ANG, while retaining its federal air defense commitment. These operations underscored the unit's role in deterring aerial aggression during the height of the , with no combat engagements but consistent high readiness demonstrated through annual evaluations. The period ended with the phasing out of dedicated air defense interceptor roles for many ANG units, as strategic threats evolved toward missiles and the command structure shifted post-1968.

Tactical Fighter Operations

The 147th Fighter Wing transitioned from air defense interceptor missions to tactical fighter operations with the introduction of the F-4 Phantom II in 1982, initially operating the F-4C variant for alert duties at Ellington Field and forward bases like New Orleans. In 1987, the unit upgraded to the F-4D, retiring its last after 34 years of service, while participating in European alert rotations such as "Creek Klaxon" from April 1986 to April 1987. The squadron excelled in maintenance and weapons loading competitions, earning top awards at the 1988 exercise. In September 1989, the wing began converting to the F-16 Fighting Falcon, receiving F-16A models modified for air defense fighter (ADF) roles equipped with and missiles, with the transition completing by April 1990. By February 1997, upgrades to F-16C Block 25 aircraft were finalized, and in October 1998, the unit shifted to a general-purpose tactical fighter mission emphasizing air-to-ground operations while retaining air defense alert commitments. Tactical operations included combat deployments supporting U.S. operations in the and homeland defense. In September 2000, personnel deployed to for , enforcing no-fly zones over . Following the , the wing contributed to in December 2001 from Atlantic City, providing air sovereignty patrols. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, deployments to in August 2005 and April 2007 involved flying 462 sorties and accumulating 1,900 flight hours with 100% mission effective rate in the 2005 rotation, marking the unit's final F-16 combat missions in 2007. Domestically, during on September 20, 2005, the wing evacuated eight F-16s and one C-26 aircraft to ensure operational continuity. These efforts underscored the wing's role in multi-role fighter tactics, including surface attack training missions.

Global War on Terrorism Deployments

In August 2005, components of the 111th Fighter Squadron and the 147th Fighter Wing deployed approximately 300 personnel and several F-16C Fighting Falcons to , , to support Operation Iraqi Freedom. The unit conducted , , and combat air patrols, flying 462 sorties and accumulating nearly 1,900 flight hours over two months. These operations achieved 100% mission effectiveness, maintenance delivery rates, and weapons employment accuracy. This marked the unit's first combat deployment since . The 147th Fighter Wing returned to in April 2007 for another rotation under Operation Iraqi Freedom, where the 111th Fighter Squadron executed its final F-16 combat missions. During this deployment, the squadron completed 348 tasked sorties along with six missions. These efforts contributed to coalition forces' operations against insurgent threats in central , emphasizing precision strikes and . No overseas deployments to Afghanistan are recorded for the 147th during the fighter era, with the unit's GWOT focus primarily on Iraqi theater missions prior to its 2008 transition to reconnaissance operations.

BRAC 2005 Reorganization and Transition to Drones

The 2005 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Commission recommended the retirement of the 147th Fighter Wing's fleet of 15 F-16C Block 25 Fighting Falcons stationed at Ellington Field, with the divestiture scheduled for completion by 2007, as part of broader efforts to modernize Air National Guard fighter capabilities and eliminate older aircraft variants. This realignment threatened the wing's operational future, prompting Texas state officials to advocate for alternative missions to retain personnel and infrastructure. On August 17, 2005, Texas Governor Rick Perry announced the allocation of a squadron comprising 12 RQ-1 Predator unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to Ellington Field under the Air Force's Future Total Force initiative, aimed at enhancing border patrol and Gulf Coast security operations. The Predators, capable of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions with endurance exceeding 24 hours, complemented the retention of two F-16s for training, ensuring the wing's transition to remotely piloted aircraft while investing approximately $250 million in facilities and equipment, with an annual operating budget of $68 million projected for full operational capability by 2009. The wing's final F-16 combat sortie occurred in April 2007 during Operation Iraqi Freedom deployments from , after which operations shifted to UAV training and integration. By June 12, 2008, the unit had fully transitioned to MQ-1 Predator operations, leading to its redesignation as the 147th Reconnaissance Wing on July 1, 2008, reflecting its new focus on ISR missions. This reorganization preserved approximately 1,200 personnel positions and adapted the wing to the Air Force's growing emphasis on unmanned systems for persistent surveillance in asymmetric conflicts. Subsequent upgrades included the phased introduction of MQ-9 Reaper UAVs starting in 2017, which offered enhanced payload capacity for precision strikes alongside ISR, culminating in the wing's redesignation as the 147th Attack Wing on April 20, 2017. The MQ-9's multi-role capabilities—endurance up to 27 hours, Hellfire missile armament, and advanced sensors—enabled the wing to support global combatant commands, marking the completion of its evolution from manned fighters to integrated drone operations.

Post-Transition Operations and Modern Developments

Following the redesignation to the 147th Attack Wing in April 2017 and receipt of its first MQ-9 Reaper on July 28, 2017, the unit achieved initial operational capability with the platform, focusing on intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and precision strike missions. The wing's 111th Reconnaissance Squadron integrated the MQ-9 into training and readiness operations at , emphasizing remote piloting and sensor exploitation for support. In December 2023, the 147th Attack Wing received its first Block 5 MQ-9 Reaper, featuring enhanced communication systems, increased endurance, and improved multi-spectral targeting for contested environments, bolstering the unit's adaptability to great power competition requirements. This upgrade supported ongoing missions, including domestic response efforts such as deploying an MQ-9 in 2023 to provide real-time ISR for in , demonstrating the platform's versatility beyond combat roles. The wing advanced agile combat employment (ACE) concepts with MQ-9 operations, conducting a satellite launch and recovery test at Scholes International Airport on January 10, 2024, to validate dispersed operations with reduced footprint teams. In June 2023, personnel executed the first European MQ-9 ACE movement at Čáslav Air Base, , integrating military and civilian airfields for rapid deployment and recovery, enhancing interoperability with partners. Further, during NATO's Formidable Shield 2025 exercise in July 2025, the 147th achieved a milestone with the inaugural MQ-9 flight from , , testing integration and high-latitude operations. These developments underscore the wing's evolution toward distributed, resilient UAS employment, supporting over 1,085 personnel in , , and strike readiness for global contingencies. initiatives, such as participation in Pacific exercises and internal courses like the 2024 Rising Leaders Course, have refined tactics for peer adversaries.

Lineage and Heraldry

Official Lineage

The 147th Attack Wing's official lineage originates with the establishment of the 147th Fighter Group (Air Defense) and its allotment to the Texas Air National Guard in 1957, followed by extended federal recognition on 1 July 1957 at Ellington Air Force Base, Houston, Texas. This unit initially focused on air defense missions with interceptor aircraft. On 10 March 1992, the group was redesignated simply as the 147th Fighter Group, reflecting shifts in mission emphasis away from strict air defense designations. Under the U.S. Air Force's objective wing reorganization, its status transitioned from group to wing level on 1 October 1995, with a concurrent redesignation to the 147th Fighter Wing, incorporating operational, maintenance, and support squadrons under a single command structure. The wing underwent further redesignation to the 147th Reconnaissance Wing on 1 July 2008, aligning with its realignment to intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations using unmanned aerial vehicles such as the MQ-1 Predator. This change supported post-2005 directives that divested manned fighter operations in favor of remotely piloted aircraft capabilities. In April 2017, the unit was redesignated the 147th Attack Wing, emphasizing its combat-oriented role with MQ-9 Reaper drones for , armed reconnaissance, and strike missions in support of global contingency operations. The wing's primary flying component, the 111th Attack Squadron, inherits additional campaign honors from its antecedent organizations, including the 111th Aero Squadron (organized 14 August 1917) and subsequent observation, reconnaissance, and fighter designations through and the mobilization.

Assignments and Command History

The 147th Fighter Group (Air Defense), upon receiving federal recognition on 1 July 1957, was assigned to the 136th Air Defense Wing. This assignment aligned the unit with continental air defense missions under Air Defense Command structures during the Cold War era. On 1 September 1961, the group transferred to the direct control of the Texas Air National Guard, reflecting a shift toward state-level oversight for non-mobilized operations while retaining federal mobilization pathways. Following its redesignation as the 147th Fighter Wing on 1 October 1995, the unit continued under jurisdiction, with operational control ceded to active-duty commands during federal activations, such as those under for post-9/11 deployments. The 2008 transition to the 147th Reconnaissance Wing and subsequent 2017 redesignation as the 147th Attack Wing maintained this assignment structure, emphasizing integration with U.S. Air Forces Central Command for remotely piloted aircraft missions. No further reassignments to intermediate wings occurred, preserving its role as a primary Texas ANG combat unit. Command of the 147th upon effective organization on 17 May 1958 fell to Major Robert H. Taylor, previously commander of the subordinate 111th Fighter Interceptor Squadron, overseeing initial interceptor training and operations. Subsequent leadership evolved with unit expansions, including group-to-wing status in 1995, though comprehensive historical rosters of wing commanders remain documented primarily through internal ANG records. As of 2025, Colonel Sandie Pynes serves as 147th Attack Wing Commander, with Colonel Glen Sutton as Deputy Commander and Bennie Bellvin as Command Chief. These positions direct the wing's MQ-9 Reaper operations, support groups, and mission readiness under ANG and federal tasking.

Stations

The 147th Attack Wing, originally activated as the 147th Fighter Group (Air Defense), has maintained its primary station at Ellington Field in , , since receiving federal recognition on 1 July 1957. The installation, initially under Air Force Base designation, supported the unit's early air defense missions with F-86D Sabre interceptors. On 1 July 1976, the base transitioned to Ellington Air National Guard Base, aligning with the unit's evolution into fighter interceptor and later tactical fighter roles, including operations with F-102 Delta Daggers and F-16 Fighting Falcons. This change reflected greater National Guard control amid post-Vietnam force restructurings. In 1991, the facility was redesignated Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base, incorporating joint Army, Air Force, and Coast Guard elements while remaining the host for the 147th Wing's MQ-9 Reaper operations. Predecessor elements, such as the 111th Observation Squadron (formed 1917), operated from transient locations including (1917), Municipal Airport (1927–1956), and brief returns to Ellington Field starting in 1923 and permanently from November 1956, prior to the wing's formal establishment. These earlier postings supported and fighter roles but were consolidated at Ellington by the mid-1950s to centralize assets. No permanent stations outside have been assigned to the 147th Wing since its inception.

Aircraft and Equipment Evolution

The 147th Attack Wing, through its subordinate units such as the 111th Attack Squadron, has operated a diverse array of reflecting shifts from and fighter roles in the interwar and eras to air defense interceptors during the , tactical fighters in the late , and remotely piloted for reconnaissance and attack missions in the . Early equipment included basic trainers and observation planes suited for state missions, evolving to combat types during federal activations. Post-World War II, the wing maintained propeller-driven fighters before adopting in the 1950s. Cold War priorities emphasized supersonic interceptors for air defense, transitioning to multirole fighters by the 1980s. The 2005 Base Realignment and Closure recommendations prompted a pivot to unmanned systems, replacing manned fighters with MQ-1 Predators in 2006 and MQ-9 Reapers by 2017, enabling persistent intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and strike capabilities without risking pilots. The following table summarizes key aircraft types and their operational periods with the wing:
Aircraft TypeOperational PeriodNotes
Curtiss JN-6H Jenny1923–1927Initial trainers for basic flight operations at Ellington Field.
Douglas O-2, O-38, O-43, O-471928–1942Observation aircraft for reconnaissance and artillery spotting.
P-39 Airacobra, P-51 Mustang1942–1945Fighters for reconnaissance and escort during World War II federal service; P-51Ds retained postwar.
F-84E Thunderjet1950–1953Jet fighters during Korean War mobilization.
F-80 Shooting Star, T-33 Shooting Star1953–1957Transition to jet interceptors; T-33s used for training into the 1980s.
F-86D/L Sabre1957–1960All-weather interceptors for Air Defense Command missions.
F-102A Delta Dagger1960–1974Supersonic interceptors; some used for combat crew training.
F-101F Voodoo1971–1982Replaced F-102s for air defense alert duties.
F-4C/D Phantom II1982–1989Multirole fighters for tactical operations and alert; F-4Ds upgraded in 1987.
F-16A/B, F-16C/D Fighting Falcon1989–2008Block 25 models for air-to-air and air-to-ground missions; conversion from F-4s completed by 1997.
RC-26B Condor1989–presentLight observation aircraft for battlefield surveillance, redesignated from C-26 in 2005.
MQ-1 Predator2006–2017Unmanned aerial vehicle for reconnaissance following 2005 BRAC-directed transition.
MQ-9 Reaper2017–presentAdvanced remotely piloted aircraft with strike capability; Block 5 variants received as late as 2023 for enhanced sensors and satellite operations.
This progression underscores adaptations to strategic needs, from manned fighters emphasizing speed and pilot survivability to unmanned systems prioritizing endurance and reduced operational costs, with the MQ-9 enabling over 20,000 flight hours in support of by 2023.

Operational Achievements

Combat Contributions and Metrics

The 147th Fighter Wing contributed to homeland defense following the September 11, 2001, attacks through , flying 284 missions over and Washington, D.C., between December 2001 and April 2002. In support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, wing elements deployed to , , from August to October 2005, executing 462 sorties and approximately 1,900 flight hours with F-16 Fighting Falcons, achieving 100% mission effectiveness and 100% weapons employment success. The wing returned to Balad in April 2007 for another deployment, conducting combat operations that included its final F-16 missions before transitioning to unmanned systems. Following the 2008 reorganization to the 147th Reconnaissance Wing, the unit operated MQ-1B Predator unmanned aerial systems, providing persistent intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) support with two 24/7 combat sorties. By November 2015, the wing had accumulated 100,000 flight hours on the MQ-1B platform, many in direct support of Global War on Terrorism operations including reconnaissance over conflict zones. Transitioning to the MQ-9 Reaper by 2016 and redesignated the 147th Attack Wing in 2022, the unit expanded capabilities to include precision strikes, sustaining ISR and kinetic contributions in theater commands, though specific post-2015 sortie or hours metrics remain classified or aggregated with joint remotely piloted aircraft totals exceeding 4 million combined MQ-1/MQ-9 hours by 2019.
DeploymentPeriodSorties/HoursKey Metrics
Dec 2001–Apr 2002284 combat air patrolsHomeland defense patrols over U.S. cities
Operation Iraqi Freedom (Balad AB)Aug–Oct 2005462 sorties; ~1,900 hours100% mission effectiveness; 100% weapons employment
MQ-1B Predator Operations2008–2015100,000 total flight hoursPersistent ISR for GWOT; 24/7 sorties

Key Deployments and Exercises

The 147th Attack Wing has conducted several notable deployments and exercises highlighting the MQ-9 Reaper's role in intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and strike operations. In September 2024, the wing deployed MQ-9 assets to support wildfire response efforts across , with pilots and sensor operators providing real-time video feeds and from to incident commanders on the ground. This operation utilized the aircraft's advanced electro-optical and sensors to map fire perimeters and identify hot spots, aiding in and safety. In May 2025, during NATO's Formidable Shield exercise at Keflavík Air Base, , the wing achieved a milestone by executing the first MQ-9 Reaper flight from Icelandic territory, deploying 55 personnel, one aircraft, and support equipment via three C-17 Globemaster III flights. The exercise, spanning May 9 to 27 and involving over 3,000 participants from nine nations, focused on integrated air and missile defense against anti-surface and anti-submarine threats, with the 147th contributing ISR capabilities to multinational scenarios. Key exercises have emphasized agile combat employment (ACE) and readiness. In June 2023, the wing completed an ACE movement in the , transitioning an MQ-9 from Čáslav Air Base to Ostrava Airport—the first such integration of a and civilian facility in —demonstrating rapid dispersal and operational sustainment in austere conditions. In July 2021, a joint ACE exercise tested the wing's ability to establish an immediate reaction force, deploying MQ-9 assets from Ellington Field to operate fully mission-capable within hours. Earlier evaluations included a November 2019 weapon system exercise, where MQ-9s flew from Ellington to a range for live munitions drops, validating precision strike accuracy and integration with ground controllers. The wing also routinely conducts unit readiness exercises, such as the September 2019 locally generated drill simulating deployed scenarios, and an inspection in March 2022 assessing operational proficiency. These activities underscore the wing's transition to remotely piloted aircraft and its contributions to both domestic emergencies and international deterrence.

References

  1. https://www.147atkw.ang.af.mil/
  2. https://www.facebook.com/147AttackWing/videos/147th-attack-wing-vision-and-mission-statement-overview/2044806322482748/
  3. https://www.147atkw.ang.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/450152/history-of-the-147th-attack-wing/
  4. https://www.dvidshub.net/news/499866/147th-attack-wing-makes-history-natos-formidable-shield-2025-exercise
  5. https://www.147atkw.ang.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1194169/museum-honors-oldest-flying-squadron-in-texas/
  6. https://www.147atkw.ang.af.mil/News/Features/Display/Article/2726436/grounded-on-values-new-commander-sets-the-direction-for-147th-attack-wing/
  7. https://www.ang.af.mil/Media/Article-Display/Article/3625116/texas-guards-147th-attack-wing-receives-latest-mq-9-reaper/
  8. https://www.dvidshub.net/news/460604/147th-attack-wing-receives-cutting-edge-mq-9-reaper
  9. https://www.ang.af.mil/Media/Article-Display/Article/3648452/texas-air-guard-tests-agile-combat-employment-with-mq-9-reaper/
  10. https://www.facebook.com/147AttackWing/
  11. https://www.expressnews.com/hill-country/article/guadalupe-river-flood-texas-military-mq9-drone-20759951.php
  12. https://www.flightglobal.com/military-uavs/mq-9s-deployed-in-search-and-rescue-effort-following-deadly-texas-floods/163706.article
  13. https://comptroller.texas.gov/economy/economic-data/military/2023/ellington-field.php
  14. https://tmd.texas.gov/air-guard
  15. https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/147ATKW
  16. https://147asos.org/about/
  17. https://currentops.com/installations/us/tx/ellington-field-jrb
  18. https://www.health.mil/Military-Health-Topics/Access-Cost-Quality-and-Safety/Patient-Portal-for-MHS-Quality-Patient-Safety-and-Access-Information/See-How-Were-Doing/Air-Force/147TH-ANG-MED-SQ-HOUSTON
  19. https://www.nationalguard.mil/News/Article-View/Article/3396497/texas-air-national-guard-trains-in-hawaii/
  20. https://flightlineinsignia.com/product/272d-engineering-installation-squadron/
  21. https://www.dvidshub.net/image/4184468/272nd-engineering-installation-squadron-welcomes-new-commander
  22. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=827632534100265&id=137127959817396&set=a.150891701774355
  23. https://www.texasmilitaryforcesmuseum.org/snoopers.htm
  24. https://www.nationalguard.mil/portals/31/Features/AF60th/pdf/ANG_CHRON_1908-2007.pdf
  25. https://www.americanairmuseum.com/archive/unit/111th-tactical-reconnaissance-squadron
  26. https://usafunithistory.com/PDF/0100/125-149/147%20ATTACK%20WG.pdf
  27. https://www.nationalguard.mil/News/Article-View/Article/573276/f-16-unit-moves-to-next-chapter-of-distinguished-history/
  28. https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/usaf/147fw.htm
  29. https://www.f-16.net/f-16-news-article1430.html
  30. https://www.f-16.net/f-16-news-article2202.html
  31. https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/2005/07/07/452/head-of-brac-visits-ellington-air-force-base/
  32. https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc20256/
  33. https://www.chron.com/neighborhood/article/Governor-says-Predators-headed-to-Ellington-9819417.php
  34. https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/2005/08/17/723/ellington-field-will-keep-part-of-147th/
  35. https://www.nationalguard.mil/News/Article-View/Article/3625058/texas-guards-147th-attack-wing-receives-latest-mq-9-reaper/
  36. https://www.nationalguard.mil/News/Article-View/Article/3735334/texas-air-guard-deploys-mq-9-to-help-fight-wildfires/
  37. https://www.nationalguard.mil/News/Article-View/Article/3648353/texas-air-guard-tests-agile-combat-employment-with-mq-9-reaper/
  38. https://www.ang.af.mil/Media/Article-Display/Article/3434048/147th-attack-wing-mq-reaper-completes-ace-movement-in-europe/
  39. https://www.147atkw.ang.af.mil/Portals/43/documents/Leader%20Bios/Col%20Sutton%20-%20CD%20-%20June%202025.pdf?ver=oYGwQqBmeSMBIHSmWbsQrQ%3D%3D
  40. https://www.147atkw.ang.af.mil/About-Us/Leadership/
  41. https://www.gao.gov/assets/gao-04-670t.pdf
  42. https://www.nationalguard.mil/News/Article/628495/147th-reconnaissance-wing-reaches-100k-flight-hours-on-mq-1-predator/
  43. https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1781271/mq-1b-mq-9-flight-hours-hit-4-million/
  44. https://www.dvidshub.net/news/468127/texas-military-department-deploys-147th-attack-wing-mq-9-support-wildfires
  45. https://www.nationalguard.mil/News/State-Partnership-Program/Article/3432060/147th-attack-wing-mq-reaper-completes-ace-movement-in-europe/
  46. https://www.ang.af.mil/Media/Article-Display/Article/2710608/147th-attack-wing-tests-agile-combat-employment-in-joint-exercise/
  47. https://tmd.texas.gov/147th-attack-wing-participates-in-weapon-evaluation-exercise
  48. https://www.147atkw.ang.af.mil/News/Video/?videoid=719569&dvpmoduleid=12130
  49. https://www.usfk.mil/What-We-Do/Exercises/Freedom-Shield/?videoid=868744&dvpTag=147th
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