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174th Attack Wing
174th Attack Wing
174th Attack Wing
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174th Attack Wing
ActiveSeptember 1, 1962–present
Country United States
Allegiance New York
Branch  Air National Guard
TypeWing
RoleUAV ISR/Attack
Part ofNew York Air National Guard
Garrison/HQHancock Field Air National Guard Base, Syracuse, New York.
Nickname"The Boys From Syracuse"
Tail Code"NY"
Website174attackwing.ang.af.mil
Commanders
Current
commander		Colonel John O'Connor
Deputy commanderColonel Brett Batick
Command ChiefCommand Chief Master Sergeant Sonja A. Williams
Aircraft flown
AttackGeneral Atomics MQ-9 Reaper

The 174th Attack Wing (174 ATKW) is a unit of the New York Air National Guard, stationed at Hancock Field Air National Guard Base, Syracuse, New York. The 174th is equipped with the MQ-9 Reaper. If activated to federal service, the Wing is gained by the United States Air Force Air Combat Command.

Overview

[edit]

The 174th Attack Wing currently operates the MQ-9 Reaper Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA). Its mission is to provide qualified airmen and weapon systems engaging in global air, space and cyberspace operations; supporting homeland defense, joint operations and aid to civil authorities at the direction of the Governor.

Units

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The 174th Attack Wing consists of the following major units:

History

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Established by the USAF and allotted to New York ANG in 1962 as an expansion of the 138th Tactical Fighter Squadron. Received federal recognition by the National Guard Bureau and activated on 1 September 1962 as the 174th Tactical Fighter Group. The group was stationed at Hancock Field, Syracuse, New York. and allocated to Tactical Air Command.

Other squadrons assigned into the group were the 174th Headquarters, 174th Material Squadron (Maintenance), 174th Combat Support Squadron, and the 174th USAF Dispensary. The 138th TFS was equipped with the F-86H Sabre.

Vietnam era

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The squadron engaged normal peacetime training and exercises. In the summer of 1965, the squadron took part in Exercise Oneida Bear II at Fort Drum, which involved some 6 500 soldiers of the regular Army, the Army Reserve and the National Guard. 138th TFS aircraft from Syracuse provided close air support to both aggressor and friendly forces during the exercise, and were engaged in realistic tactical air strikes. In the exercise, conducted by the First Army, the Second Brigade of the Army's Fifth Infantry was opposed by an aggressor force of selected Army National Guard and Army Reserve Units. The 174th Group's pilots flew 77 sorties for a total of 114 hours without a single abort.

138th Tactical Fighter Squadron F-86H Sabre 53-1519 about 1966 in Vietnam War camouflage

The squadron trained at Ramey AFB, Puerto Rico, in early 1967 in an all service amphibious and airborne exercise. A detachment of unit pilots and support personnel participated (22 officers and 69 airmen). Twelve F-86H aircraft participated with three C-130 Hercules for equipment and personnel support. All types of tactical air missions were flown. Total sorties were 213 with total hours flown, 308. Special firepower demonstration was accomplished with 20 sorties delivering 40 (750 lbs) and 2000 rounds of 20 mm fired. Later in 1967, Operation Sentry Post I was held in August. This was a joint Air National Guard – TAC Exercise. Twelve F-86Hs were flown and squadron pilots worked with radar flying air-to-air and air-to-ground gunnery with and without FAC type missions. A total of 204 sorties and 245 hours were flown in this operation.

In 1968, the 174th TFG was federalized and placed on active duty. The Group was alerted for active duty on 11 April 1968, partially mobilized on 13 May and deployed to Cannon Air Force Base, Clovis, New Mexico. The mission of the 174th was to train Forward Air Controllers (FAC) for service in South Vietnam. The FAC flew a light observation aircraft at low altitudes, visually observing enemy installations and movements and providing on-the-spot directions for fighters and bombers. The FAC dictated the type of ordnance to be delivered, observes the strike, and evaluates its effectiveness. The mission of the 174th was to give FACs in training actual experience in fighter aircraft so that they would be fully apprised of the requirements of the men they would be directing in combat in South Vietnam.

On arrival at Cannon AFB along with the Maryland ANG 175th Tactical Fighter Squadron, they comprised the 140th Tactical Fighter Wing. Originally based in Denver, Colorado, headquarters of the 140th moved to Cannon AFB with the deployment of the 140th Tactical Fighter Group to active duty in Vietnam. Not all members of the 174th Tactical Fighter Group were mobilized, however. Subsequent to the alert notice, a change directed mobilization of only the Group Headquarters, the 138th Tactical Fighter Squadron, and the 174th Camron. The remaining members of the 174th remained in Syracuse on a drill status during the eight months of mobilized service. The unit was released from active duty as of 20 December 1968, and all members reverted to Air National Guard drill status.

Close air support

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138th TFS Cessna A-37B Dragonfly 69-6423, 1974

In 1970, the 174th began retiring its F-86H Sabres after over a decade of service, the 138th Tactical Fighter Squadron flying the last USAF/ANG Sabre sortie on 30 September. Replacing the Sabre was the Cessna A-37B Dragonfly and a newly conceived close air support tactical fighter mission in a ground insurgency environment which were gained by combat experience in Vietnam.

After a decade of routine peacetime exercises and training with the A-37, in 1979 the 174th began a transition to the A-10A Thunderbolt II. With the arrival of the A-10, the 174th was changed in status from a Group to a Wing on 1 July 1979. The wing was one of three Air National Guard units equipped with the A-10 as part of the "Total Force" concept which equipped ANG units with front-line USAF aircraft. In 1980, after the transition to the A-10 was completed, the 138th TFS was deployed to Savannah Air National Guard Base, Georgia. On arrival, the unit was given sealed orders directing them to a remote, forward operational location and operate combat sorties, fully loaded with live ordnance. Not only was the 174th's combat readiness put to the optimum peacetime test, but the unit's mobility was tested to the fullest. In response, an additional six A-10s were assigned to it, making the 138th TFS the Air National Guard's only "super" squadron, with 24 aircraft.

With the transition complete, the unit deployed eight A-10 aircraft from Syracuse, non-stop to a forward operation location in West Germany. In exercise Cornet Sail, the 138th demonstrated for the first time the ability of an Air National Guard or Air Force Reserve unit to deploy this advanced aircraft in this manner. Combat readiness in West Germany was achieved 12 hours after departing Hancock Field.

With the move of the USAF 21st Air Division to Griffiss AFB in 1984, the 174th TFW became the host unit at Hancock Field. Later that year, the unit deployed to Exercise Air Warrior at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, California; a three-week deployment to Lechfeld Air Base, West Germany and with the NY ANG 107th Fighter-Interceptor Group at Goose Air Base, Labrador.

A 138th TFS A-10A Thunderbolt II 78-0670

The 174th also was among the first A-10 close support aircraft organizations to provide temporary tactical air defense support from Howard Air Force Base, Panama when the unit deployed to Howard in March 1985 when runway construction precluded the use of the A-7D Corsair IIs that normally fulfilled the tactical air defense duties of the Panama Canal. Shortly afterward, it deployed to Alaska for the first time. The 138th TFS completed the 2,700-mile flight to Eielson AFB without external navigation aids.

As in past years, continuing NATO deployments to West Germany in the late 1980s saw the 174th TFW personnel training and living side-by-side with their West German Air Force counterparts as they would in a combat situation. The 174th began 1988 on a high note when the Air Force announced the wing would convert from the A-10 to the specialized Block 10 F-16A/B Fighting Falcon, also referred to as the F/A-16 due to its close air support configuration. With the Block 10 F-16, the 174th became the first Air Force organization to fly the Fighting Falcon with a Close Air Support mission.

The first F-16 aircraft started arriving in late 1988. These aircraft were passed down from regular USAF units who were upgrading to the F-16C/D model. During 1989, the 138th TFS was chosen as a test unit for a close air support version of the F-16. The aircraft were the only F-16s ever to be equipped with the General Electric GPU-5/A Pave Claw gun pod, which contained a 30mm cannon intended for use against a variety of battlefield targets, including armor.[1] The unit received the USAF's Outstanding Maintenance Squadron Award that year.

Operation Desert Storm

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In 1991, the 138th TFS deployed to the Persian Gulf with 516 members in support of Operation Desert Storm. The 138th was one of only two Air National Guard units to fly combat missions during Operation Desert Storm. The Close Air Support project however proved to be a miserable failure. Precision aiming was impossible for several reasons: the pylon mount wasn't as steady as the A-10's rigid mounting; the F-16 flies much faster than an A-10, giving the pilots too little time approaching the target; firing the gun shook the aircraft harshly and made it impossible to control; essential CCIP (continuously computed impact point) software was unavailable. The pilots ended up using the gun as an area effect weapon, spraying multiple targets with ammunition, producing an effect rather like a cluster bomb. It took only a couple of days of this before they gave up, unbolted the gun pods, and went back to dropping real cluster bombs – which did the job more effectively.[citation needed]

The unit received the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, with the "V" device for valor, during Operation Desert Storm; the Air Force Association Outstanding Unit Award; and the National Guard Association's Best Family Support Center Award.

Air Combat Command

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138th TFS – General Dynamics F-16A Block 10 Fighting Falcon 79-0352

In March 1992, with the end of the Cold War, the 174th adopted the Air Force Objective Organization plan, and the unit was re-designated as the 174th Fighter Wing. With the organization change, the 138th Fighter Squadron was assigned to the new 174th Operations Group. In June, Tactical Air Command was inactivated as part of the Air Force reorganization after the end of the Cold War. It was replaced by Air Combat Command (ACC).

In 1993 the 174th FW started trading in their old Block 10 F-16 A/B models for newer Block 30 F-16C/D aircraft configured for Tactical Air Support. In that process the squadron had the 'honor' of sending the first F-16 to AMARC storage. This happened on 20 July 1993, when an F-16A (#79-0340) was flown to Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona for flyable storage. Although these aircraft were only 13 years old, they were put into storage due to more modern models becoming available and Block 10 wasn't needed any longer by the USAF. The general mission for the squadron remained unchanged with this transition.

Also in 1993, the 138th TFS became the first US unit to have a female F-16 fighter pilot, Jackie Parker, in 1993 immediately after combat roles were opened to females.[2]

In June 1995, the unit deployed for 30 days rotation to Incirlik Air Base, Turkey as part of Operation Provide Comfort, assisting in the enforcement the No Fly Zone over Northern Iraq.

In mid-1996, the Air Force, in response to budget cuts, and changing world situations, began experimenting with Air Expeditionary organizations. The Air Expeditionary Force (AEF) concept was developed that would mix Active-Duty, Reserve and Air National Guard elements into a combined force. Instead of entire permanent units deploying as "Provisional" as in the 1991 Gulf War, Expeditionary units are composed of "aviation packages" from several wings, including active-duty Air Force, the Air Force Reserve Command and the Air National Guard, would be married together to carry out the assigned deployment rotation.

138th Fighter Squadron – General Dynamics F-16C Block 30B Fighting Falcon 85-1570 at Nellis AFB, Nevada during the units final deployment with the F-16, 2009.

The 138th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron (138th EFS) was first formed and deployed in August 1996 for Operation Northern Watch (ONW). ONW was a US European Command Combined Task Force (CTF) who was responsible for enforcing the United Nations mandated no-fly zone above the 36th parallel in Iraq. This mission was a successor to Operation Provide Comfort which also entailed support for the Iraqi Kurds.

In 1997, the 138th Fighter Squadron commemorated its 50th anniversary in conjunction with the United States Air Force by hosting the United States Air Force Thunderbirds aerobatics team at the Syracuse Air Show.

During 1996–97, the 174th FW deployed to Andøya Air Station, Norway as part of the "Adventure Express 97" NATO exercise. In 1998, the 174th FW deployed to Tyndall AFB, Florida, for the "Combat Archer" exercise and also to the Dugway Proving Ground, Utah, to participate in exercise "Global Patriot 98".

Only six years later, in 1999, the 138th FS changed block types once more, sending its Block 30s to the Illinois ANG 170th Fighter Squadron and receiving older block 25 F-16s from the Texas ANG 182d Fighter Squadron. This meant changing again from the General Electric engine to the Pratt & Whitney.

An AEF deployment to Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia resulted in the formation of the 138th EFS in early 2000. Operation Southern Watch was an operation which was responsible for enforcing the United Nations mandated no-fly zone below the 32d parallel in Iraq. This mission was initiated mainly to cover for attacks of Iraqi forces on the Iraqi Shi’ite Muslims. The squadron returned to the Block 30 Aircraft in 2004, receiving aircraft from the 50th TFW at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany shifting from engine type once more.

As part of the global war on terrorism, the 138th EFS deployed twice to Balad Air Base, Iraq in 2006 and 2008.

Four F-16C Fighting Falcons from the 174th Fighter Wing fly over the "New" Yankee Stadium on Opening Day in 2009

In 2008 and 2010 members 174th Fighter Wing Security Forces Squadron deployed to Manas Air Base in Kyrgyzstan. The Security Forces members were attached to the 376th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron where they provided base security.

In 2012 members of the 174th Attack Wings Security Forces Squadron deployed to Bagram Airfield Afghanistan. The Security Forces members were attached to the 455th Expeditionary Security Forces where they provided base security, fly away security, and air base ground defense.

MQ-9 Reaper and Attack Mission

[edit]
General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper

In 2008 it became apparent that the 138th FS was going to lose its F-16s and that Hancock ANGB would lose its manned aviation after more than 60 years of operations. The squadron was set to fly the MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The unit's transition from flying F-16 fighter jets in theater to operating unmanned aircraft from the suburbs was more than a tactical shift: it assured the future of the base at Hancock Field. In October 2009, the 174th Fighter Wing cut the ribbon on its new MQ-9 Reaper maintenance school, where it trains technicians from across the country, from all military branches. The 174th Fighter Wing converted to the MQ-9 Reaper and began flying 24/7 operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom on 1 December 2009.[3]

On 6 March 2010 the last two F-16s (#85-1561 and #85-1570) departed Hancock Field marking the end of F-16 operations at the base. They made three low passes for the assembled crowd gathered to commemorate the end of manned aviation at the Syracuse ANG base in upstate New York. The 174th Fighter Wing was renamed 174th Attack Wing on 9 September 2012, becoming the first Air National Guard MQ-9 Reaper Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) unit.[4] The wing's MQ-9 Reaper have flown combat missions in Afghanistan since November 2009, supporting the global war on terror.[5]

Lineage

[edit]
1991 Desert Storm patch
Operation Southern Watch deployment patch
  • Established as 174th Tactical Fighter Group and allotted to New York ANG in 1962
Received federal recognition and activated on 1 September 1962
Status changed from Group to Wing, 1 July 1979
Re-designated 174th Tactical Fighter Wing, 1 July 1979
Re-designated 174th Fighter Wing, 16 March 1992
Re-designated 174th Attack Wing, 9 September 2012

Assignments

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Gained by Tactical Air Command, ???? – 31 May 1992
Gained by Air Combat Command, 1 June 1992 – present

Components

[edit]

Stations

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Designated Hancock Field Air National Guard Base, 1991 – present

Aircraft

[edit]

References

[edit]

Notes

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

174th Attack Wing

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The 174th Attack Wing (174 ATKW) is a unit of the stationed at Hancock Field Air National Guard Base in . It operates the MQ-9 Reaper remotely piloted aircraft to conduct intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and precision strike missions. The wing's mission encompasses providing qualified airmen and weapon systems for joint global air, space, and operations, while also supporting homeland defense and state-directed civil support activities under the . Activated shortly after the attack in 1941, the 174th has evolved from a tactical fighter unit equipped with aircraft such as the F-86 Sabre, A-37 Dragonfly, A-10 Thunderbolt II, and F-16 Fighting Falcon to its current focus on unmanned systems. In 2008, the decision was made to transition from manned fighters to the MQ-9 Reaper, with F-16s retired by 2010 and the wing redesignated as an attack wing in September 2012, marking it as one of the first Air National Guard fighter units to adopt remotely piloted aircraft operations. The 174th has participated in key operations including the Berlin Crisis, Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, Northern Watch, Allied Force, Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, and Freedom's Sentinel, with its F-16s among the first scrambled in response to the , 2001 attacks. In its era, the wing achieved over 60,000 hours of combat flight time by late 2019 and continues to log significant flight hours in support of global operations, demonstrating sustained contributions to persistent aerial operations. If federalized, the unit falls under .

Overview

Mission and Strategic Role

The 174th Attack Wing's core mission is to provide qualified Airmen and weapon systems for engaging in global air, space, and cyberspace operations, alongside state civil support missions. This encompasses operating the MQ-9 Reaper remotely piloted aircraft to conduct intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) tasks, as well as precision strikes in support of , , and expeditionary forces. The wing maintains through continuous training, including simulated infiltrations of hostile and remote landing operations, enabling flexible deployment of persistent aerial capabilities. Strategically, the 174th functions as a key reserve component of the U.S. , delivering mission-ready personnel and platforms that extend operational reach without the logistical demands of manned fighters, thereby enhancing in contested environments. Its MQ-9 operations have accumulated over 60,000 flight hours, supporting sustained global engagements such as and border surveillance, while minimizing personnel exposure to high-risk scenarios. This role aligns with the Air National Guard's broader mandate as the 's primary combat reserve, integrating federal wartime requirements with state-level responses to natural disasters and civil emergencies.

Location, Personnel, and Affiliation

The 174th Attack Wing is stationed at Hancock Field Base, , with its primary address at 6001 East Molloy Road. This facility serves as the home station for the wing's operations, including maintenance, training, and administrative functions supporting its MQ-9 Reaper mission. The wing's personnel consist of traditional part-time Air National Guardsmen, full-time (AGR) members, and Air Reserve Technicians (ARTs) who hold both military and civilian roles focused on equipment readiness. These Airmen provide combat-ready crews, support staff, and technical expertise for global deployments and domestic missions. As a component of the , the 174th Attack Wing operates under the New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs for state-directed tasks, reporting to the during emergencies or civil support operations. In its federal role, it aligns with as a gained unit, enabling integration into active-duty structures for wartime or contingency operations.

Organization

Subordinate Units and Squadrons

The 174th Attack Wing comprises five primary subordinate groups that support its MQ-9 Reaper operations, training, and sustainment missions: the 152nd Air Operations Group, 174th Operations Group, 174th Maintenance Group, 174th Mission Support Group, and 174th Medical Group. The 152nd Air Operations Group handles functions for air operations, integrating with and forces. The 174th Operations Group provides combat-ready aircrews, support personnel, and equipment for MQ-9 missions, including meeting crew production goals for and the while maintaining air-to-ground training ranges. Its primary squadron, the 138th Attack Squadron, executes operational and formal training flights with the MQ-9 Reaper, accumulating over 60,000 flight hours as of 2020 in intelligence, , , and strike roles. The 174th Maintenance Group delivers worldwide deployable maintenance for MQ-9 aircraft and associated systems, ensuring readiness for combat support. The 174th Mission Support Group manages base infrastructure, security, logistics, and to sustain wing operations at Hancock Field Air National Guard Base. The 174th Medical Group provides , health services, and readiness training for wing personnel.

Command Structure and Leadership

The 174th Attack Wing maintains a standard wing command structure, with dual chains of responsibility: state-level authority under the New York Adjutant General and federal gainment by during mobilization. The wing commander, typically a , holds ultimate operational and administrative authority over approximately 1,000 personnel, directing subordinate groups including the 174th Operations Group, 174th Maintenance Group, 174th Mission Support Group, and the 152nd Air Operations Group. These groups manage core functions such as MQ-9 Reaper operations, , , security, and air battle management. Supporting the commander are the deputy commander, who assists in daily operations and assumes duties as needed, and the , the senior enlisted advisor on personnel readiness, training, and welfare. Group-level commands report directly to the wing staff, ensuring integrated mission execution for , , , and attack roles. Colonel Brett Batick assumed command of the 174th Attack Wing on December 6, 2025, succeeding Colonel John R. O'Connor, who served from June 4, 2023, to 2025. Batick previously held the deputy commander position, appointed in April 2024 following the retirement of Colonel Charles Hutson. Command Chief Master Sergeant Sonja A. Williams, the first woman in the role, assumed duties on February 4, 2023, advising on enlisted matters across the wing.

Historical Evolution

Formation and Early Fighter Operations (1946-1960s)

The 138th Fighter Squadron, the primary flying component of what would become the 174th Attack Wing, was authorized on March 3, 1946, as an Air National Guard fighter squadron stationed at Hancock Field in Syracuse, New York. It received federal recognition on October 28, 1947, marking it as the first post-World War II Air National Guard flying unit in New York State. Initially equipped with Republic P-47 Thunderbolt aircraft, which arrived on March 8, 1948, the squadron focused on training and readiness for air defense missions during the early Cold War period. In January 1950, the 138th became New York's first jet-equipped unit with the F-84B Thunderjet, necessitating runway extensions at Hancock Field for operations. However, amid the mobilization in June 1950, the F-84s were redirected to forces, prompting a temporary transition to North American F-51 Mustang fighters. By March 1953, the squadron participated in a classified air defense exercise that established a permanent role for units in continental U.S. air defense, conducting alert operations with F-51D Mustangs from dawn to dusk. The unit transitioned to the in December 1957, shifting emphasis toward ground attack capabilities while retaining interceptor roles. Throughout the late and early , the 138th conducted routine exercises, deployments for proficiency, and alerts, earning recognition such as the Governor's Air Trophy and Commander's Trophy in April 1961 as the outstanding unit in New York. On October 1, 1961, during the Berlin Crisis, the squadron mobilized and deployed to Phalsbourg Air Base, , operating as part of the 174th Tactical Fighter Group upon its return, marking an early expansion of the . Further activation occurred on April 11, 1968, for the Pueblo Crisis, with deployment to , , underscoring the squadron's readiness for federal call-ups. These operations honed fighter tactics, including air-to-air and air-to-ground proficiency, in support of national defense priorities.

Cold War and Vietnam-Era Engagements (1960s-1990)

The 174th Tactical Fighter Group, comprising the 138th Tactical Fighter Squadron equipped with F-86H Sabre fighters, maintained air defense and ground attack readiness during the early 1960s as part of deterrence efforts. On October 1, 1961, the unit was mobilized in response to the Berlin Crisis, deploying to Phalsbourg Air Base, , from October 1961 to August 1962, where it supported U.S. 7th ground operations in one of the largest fighter deployments to since . In April 1968, amid the Pueblo Crisis, the 138th was federalized on April 11 and relocated to , , conducting training for U.S. Air Force forward air controllers preparing for operations, though the squadron itself did not deploy to combat in . Returning to state control later that year, the unit transitioned in March 1970 to the A-37B Dragonfly, a light capable of and , which facilitated participation in exercises like Operation Bright Shield in May 1971. By July 1, 1979, the 174th was redesignated as the 174th Tactical Fighter Wing and received the Fairchild Republic A-10A Thunderbolt II for enhanced capabilities, enabling deployments such as Coronet Sail to that year. Throughout the , the wing engaged in exercises and training, including RED FLAG in 1978 and in 1981, before converting to the General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon between 1988 and 1989, enhancing multirole fighter operations in preparation for potential escalations.

Gulf War and F-16 Modernization (1990s-2005)

In August 1990, following Iraq's invasion of Kuwait, the 174th Tactical Fighter Wing mobilized in support of Operation Desert Shield, with initial deployments of maintenance personnel to the region by early 1991. The wing's 138th Tactical Fighter Squadron deployed 24 F-16A Block 10 Fighting Falcons and approximately 516 personnel to King Abdulaziz Air Base in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, commencing combat operations as part of Operation Desert Storm on January 17, 1991. The squadron flew over 1,000 combat sorties, primarily close air support and interdiction missions against Iraqi ground forces and infrastructure, marking the 174th as one of only two Air National Guard units to conduct such operations in the conflict. For its performance, the wing earned the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Combat "V" device, the Air Force Association's Outstanding Unit Award, and the National Guard Association's Best Family Support Center Award. Postwar, the wing redesignated as the 174th Fighter Wing in 1992 under reorganization, continuing F-16 operations from Hancock Field Air National Guard Base in . It supported enforcement of s over through two deployments to , Turkey: first for II (a humanitarian and containment mission from 1991 to 1996), followed by (enforcing the northern from 1997 to 2003), where F-16s conducted armed reconnaissance, suppression of enemy air defenses, and strike missions against Iraqi targets. These rotations involved rotating squadrons of 12 to 18 aircraft and hundreds of personnel, accumulating thousands of flight hours in contested airspace while integrating with active-duty and allied forces. In the mid-1990s, the wing modernized its fleet by transitioning from F-16A/B models—optimized for but limited in multirole capability—to upgraded F-16C Block 30 variants, which featured enhanced , increased payload capacity, and improved systems for precision strikes and beyond-visual-range engagements. This upgrade, completed by the late 1990s, aligned the 174th with multirole fighter standards, enabling participation in exercises like Red Flag and supporting homeland air sovereignty missions under the post-9/11 Air Defense of the Continental framework by 2001. The Block 30 F-16Cs, such as tail number 85-1570, remained the wing's primary manned asset through 2005, logging over 70,000 total flight hours in the type across combat and training roles before eventual phase-out.

Transition to Unmanned Attack Operations (2005-2011)

In the years leading up to the transition, the 174th maintained its F-16C Fighting operations, including multiple deployments of over 300 personnel between 2002 and 2008 in support of Operations Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom. In June 2008, the wing deployed F-16 aircraft and personnel to Southwest Asia for Operation Iraqi Freedom, marking the final overseas combat mission for its manned fighters. Concurrently, leadership decided in 2008 to realign the unit from manned fighters to the MQ-9 Reaper , positioning the 174th as the first entity to adopt this platform for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and strike missions. Preparations for the conversion began amid the deployment, with the wing initiating an 18-month transition process in October 2008 by transferring the first two F-16s out of Hancock Field Air National Guard Base in Syracuse, New York. Wing members conducted initial MQ-9 familiarization and infrastructure upgrades, including the establishment of a dedicated Reaper maintenance field training detachment in October 2009, which became the Air Force's sole facility for training MQ-9 technicians across active, reserve, and Guard components. The unit's return from Iraq in May 2009 enabled full focus on the shift, with a media unveiling of the MQ-9 at Hancock Field on June 26, 2009, highlighting its role as the pioneering ANG Reaper operator. By December 2009, the 174th had stood up its initial six months ahead of schedule, commencing 24/7 remotely piloted operations in support of overseas contingencies. The retirement of the remaining F-16 fleet culminated in a farewell flight on June 3, 2010, after which the wing fully divested manned aircraft inventory. Transition activities extended into 2011, including the commencement of local MQ-9 training sorties from in October, utilizing dedicated airspace previously allocated for F-16 exercises, to build proficiency in unmanned systems while phasing out legacy fighter infrastructure. This period marked a doctrinal pivot toward persistent, low-risk aerial persistence over high-threat environments, driven by the Reaper's extended endurance and precision strike capabilities compared to manned platforms.

MQ-9 Reaper Era and Global Deployments (2011-Present)

In summer 2011, the 174th Fighter Wing established a MQ-9 Reaper Launch and Recovery Element (LRE) at Fort Drum, New York, to manage takeoffs and landings for training flights, marking a key step in integrating remotely piloted aircraft operations locally. That year, the unit achieved several milestones, including the first MQ-9 flight in New York state, the initial flight from Syracuse to Nevada, and the first GBU-12 laser-guided bomb drop by wing personnel. By fall 2011, a Formal Training Unit (FTU) was set up to qualify MQ-9 aircrews across active duty, Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard, and foreign military partners. The wing was redesignated the 174th Attack Wing on July 26, 2012, with the 138th Fighter Squadron becoming the 138th Attack Squadron, formalizing its shift to unmanned attack missions under Air Combat Command. In March 2013, local MQ-9 operations surpassed 1,000 flying hours, reflecting growing proficiency in maintenance and launch/recovery at Hancock Field Air National Guard Base. The FTU evolved into the 108th Attack Squadron in 2014, expanding training capacity for MQ-9 pilots and sensor operators. By late November (year unspecified in reports, but post-transition), wing-flown MQ-9s accumulated 60,000 combat hours, primarily supporting intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) alongside precision strikes in overseas theaters. Global engagements involved deploying personnel and LRE teams to forward locations for MQ-9 sustainment, while ground control stations in Syracuse enabled remote piloting of missions worldwide. In 2012, Security Forces Squadron members deployed to , , supporting base security amid ongoing MQ-9 contributions to operations. The wing participated in Valiant Shield 2022, an exercise, partnering with the Air National Guard's 119th Wing to deploy MQ-9s to overseas sites near , demonstrating persistent ISR and multi-domain integration against simulated threats. Such rotations underscored the unit's role in projecting unmanned capabilities without basing entire aircraft abroad, with crews rotating to sites like for extended operations. In 2023, the wing hosted , a competitive MQ-9 skills event for U.S. components, enhancing tactical proficiency for global contingencies. Recent activities include supporting U.S. SEAL exercises in 2024 and collaborating with the on MQ-9 innovations, bolstering deployable ISR and strike endurance. These efforts maintain the wing's focus on high-altitude, long-endurance missions, with MQ-9s enabling real-time targeting data to joint forces in contested environments.

Operational Engagements

Combat and ISR Missions

The 174th Attack Wing transitioned to MQ-9 Reaper operations in 2009, enabling persistent combat air patrols (CAPs) and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions in support of overseas contingency operations. Beginning on December 1, 2009, the wing's 138th Attack Squadron initiated 24/7 MQ-9 flights for , providing real-time ISR feeds and precision strike capabilities to ground forces in . These missions emphasized , targeted kinetic strikes against insurgent threats, and extended loiter times exceeding 14 hours per sortie to monitor high-value targets and dynamic battlefields. By December 2012, the wing had accumulated 42,000 combat flight hours across Operations Iraqi Freedom, New Dawn, and Enduring Freedom, sustaining continuous MQ-9 operations from in . ISR contributions included multi-sensor data collection—electro-optical/ imagery, , and —to facilitate time-sensitive targeting and , with crews integrating feeds into joint operations centers for enhanced . Combat sorties often involved Hellfire missile engagements and 500-pound GBU-12 laser-guided bomb drops, supporting troop movements and disrupting enemy supply lines, though specific strike counts remain classified. Milestones reflect the wing's operational tempo: 40,000 combat hours by November 2017 and 60,000 by November 2020, underscoring reliability in environments. Post-2014 drawdown in , missions expanded to ISR-dominant roles in other theaters, including counter-terrorism surveillance and dynamic targeting against ISIS affiliates in and , while maintaining readiness for rapid deployment taskings under . The wing's remotely piloted architecture allows simultaneous home-station execution of forward-deployed missions, minimizing personnel footprint overseas and enabling scalable responses to emerging threats.

Domestic Response and Support Roles

The 174th Attack Wing, as a unit of the , maintains readiness for state active duty missions, including disaster response, civil support, and homeland defense operations under the direction of the . These roles encompass rapid deployment for , logistics support, infrastructure protection, and emergency assistance, leveraging the wing's personnel, equipment, and expertise in air operations. Wing members regularly participate in training exercises simulating domestic contingencies, such as aircraft drills at Hancock Field Air National Guard Base, which involve coordination with local authorities to respond to simulated airport disasters. On September 11, 2001, F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 174th Fighter Wing (predecessor to the current attack wing) at Hancock Field were among the first U.S. scrambled in response to the terrorist attacks, conducting combat air patrols over and supporting Operation Noble Eagle's ongoing air sovereignty alerts. In natural disaster scenarios, the wing has provided direct aid; for instance, during in October 2012, approximately 140 Airmen deployed to and to distribute food, water, and supplies to affected residents, including operations on where power outages and structural damage hindered recovery. Similarly, in flood relief efforts in Sodus Point, New York, wing personnel stacked sandbags to mitigate water damage, while in Wayne County, they offered logistical support to local communities. More recently, the 174th has contributed to recovery from events, deploying 25 Airmen in July 2024 to assist with debris clearance following a in , working alongside units to restore access and safety. During the , wing members supported initiatives, including staffing testing and vaccination sites as well as aiding operations to ensure continuity of care amid staffing shortages. These efforts underscore the wing's dual federal-state mission, emphasizing rapid mobilization for civil-military partnerships without compromising its primary remotely piloted aircraft operations.

International Training and Partnerships

The 174th Attack Wing participates in multinational exercises to integrate operations with allied forces, focusing on intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and joint targeting in contested environments. These activities promote , particularly in the Indo-Pacific and European theaters, where the wing's remotely piloted aircraft provide persistent overhead support without forward basing risks. During Exercise Valiant Shield, conducted from May 25 to June 20, 2022, at , , personnel from the 174th Attack Wing collaborated with the Air National Guard's 119th Wing to launch, operate, and recover MQ-9 Reapers from continental U.S. ground control stations. The exercise involved U.S. , , , and Marine Corps assets alongside multinational partners including , , and , with the wing contributing to simulated kill chains by identifying, tracking, and targeting high-value assets via and extended loiter capabilities. This marked the first large-scale Pacific joint exercise featuring MQ-9 participation, emphasizing dynamic force employment against peer adversaries. In Europe, over 60 Airmen from the wing's 152nd Air Operations Group joined Austere Challenge 2024 in spring, spanning sites like , , and , , with headquarters support from . The exercise included more than 4,000 participants from U.S. European Command and allies such as , , , , , the Netherlands, , , , , and the United Kingdom, concentrating on resilient cyber and attack operations, joint fires, logistics, and agile combat employment for great-power competition scenarios. Closer to home, the wing supported bi-national training with from November 4 to 15, 2024, at , New York, facilitating (JTAC) qualifications for over 300 personnel from the U.S. 20th and 274th Air Support Operations Squadrons and Canada's 2nd Regiment . Activities encompassed more than 60 sorties on the Adirondack air-to-ground range, including live-fire missions and tactical exchanges to align procedures. Similarly, during Jaded Thunder from September 9 to 18, 2024, at the same location, the wing's maintenance and range control teams enabled over 180 sorties by U.S., Australian, Canadian, and British forces, expending 43,000 munitions across 10 airframes for validation. Through New York National Guard's with , established in 2025, the 174th Attack Wing hosted Chief Maj. Gen. Jonas Wikman on April 14, 2025, demonstrating MQ-9 pilot, sensor operator, and maintenance training protocols to build bilateral exchange capabilities in remotely piloted systems. These engagements underscore the wing's role in exporting MQ-9 expertise to allies, though formal training remains limited to U.S. personnel at its Formal Training Unit.

Equipment and Capabilities

Aircraft Inventory and Evolution

The 174th Attack Wing's aircraft inventory originated with propeller-driven fighters shortly after , transitioning progressively to jet-powered interceptors, tactical fighters, and ultimately remotely piloted systems aligned with evolving U.S. Air Force priorities for air defense, , and persistent surveillance. In 1948, the unit received the P-47 Thunderbolt as its initial fighter aircraft at Hancock Field. By 1950, it adopted the F-84B Thunderjet, marking New York state's first jet-equipped unit, though a brief interim shift to the F-51 Mustang occurred in June of that year. Subsequent upgrades emphasized interceptor and ground-attack capabilities: the two-seat F-94 Starfire arrived in 1954 for air defense roles, followed by the F-86 Sabre in 1957, which enhanced the wing's proficiency in missions. In March 1970, the 174th Tactical Fighter Group integrated the A-37B Dragonfly, introducing aerial refueling capability and serving through 1979 for light attack duties. That year, conversion to the A-10A Thunderbolt II prompted reorganization to wing status as the 174th Tactical Fighter Wing, enabling the unit's first Air A-10 deployment to in 1979 for exercises. The late era brought multirole fighters with the F-16 Fighting Falcon's adoption in 1989, replacing the A-10 and incorporating variants like the F-16A Block 10 and F-16C Block 30 for air-to-air and air-to-ground operations, including deployments supporting Operations Desert Storm and Southern Watch. This manned fighter phase concluded with the decision in 2008 to realign the wing toward unmanned systems amid demands for persistent , , , and strike in asymmetric conflicts. On October 1, 2008, formal transition to the MQ-9 Reaper began, with F-16 retirement completed by 2010 as the last aircraft departed Hancock Field. The MQ-9 Reaper, a medium-altitude long-endurance equipped for precision strikes with Hellfire missiles and GBU-12 bombs, constitutes the wing's current operational inventory, operated by the 138th Attack Squadron for global combat and training missions. This shift positioned the 174th as the first Air unit dedicated to MQ-9 operations, with the wing redesignated in September 2012 to reflect its attack focus. By 2020, wing personnel had accumulated over 60,000 flight hours on the platform, underscoring its integration into sustained remote operations.

Technological Innovations and Support Systems

The 174th Attack Wing has incorporated satellite communication (SATCOM) upgrades into its MQ-9 remotely piloted aircraft, enabling enhanced , , and (ISR) missions with transmission over extended distances and at high altitudes beyond visual line-of-sight. These upgrades, tested in collaboration with the Air National Guard-Air Force Reserve Command Test Center and the 556th Test and Evaluation Squadron, utilize advanced satellite technology to support operations in diverse environments, including contested airspace. Through a with the Research Laboratory's Networked Embedded Modular Distributed (NEMDOA) program, the wing integrates the Agile system to advance applications in MQ-9 operations, particularly within its role as a Formal Unit. This collaboration, formalized in December 2024, accelerates the adoption of cutting-edge technologies for command, control, and ISR functions, providing a testing ground for and integration. Innovations in remote landing and takeoff systems have reduced dependency on chase aircraft for MQ-9 recoveries, streamlining training and enabling expanded domestic applications such as or . These systems enhance operational flexibility and safety during launch and recovery element activities at Hancock Field Base. Support systems encompass advanced (C2) platforms developed with the , which bolster ISR and multi-domain awareness for the wing's MQ-9 fleet. The 174th delivers over 4,000 annual hours to qualify pilots, operators, and personnel, leveraging these technologies to maintain competency-based pipelines under the RPA Training Next initiative.

Lineage, Honors, and Impact

Official Lineage and Assignments

The 174th Attack Wing's lineage originates with the federal recognition and activation of the 138th Fighter Squadron on 28 October 1947 as the inaugural post-World War II flying unit of the , initially equipped with P-47D Thunderbolts for air defense duties at Hancock Field, . On 1 January 1960, the squadron integrated into the 174th Tactical Fighter Group structure, reflecting expanded tactical fighter responsibilities under the wing's evolving command framework. A major reorganization occurred on 1 July 1979, when the 174th Tactical Fighter Group was redesignated the 174th Tactical Fighter Wing, achieving full wing status and transitioning to A-10A Thunderbolt II aircraft while assigned to . In 1992, amid Air Force-wide structural reforms emphasizing objective wings, it was renamed the 174th Fighter Wing and equipped with F-16C Fighting Falcons, maintaining alignment with successors. The wing's current designation as the 174th Attack Wing took effect on 26 July 2012, accompanying the operational shift to MQ-9 Reaper remotely piloted aircraft and the redesignation of the 138th Fighter Squadron to the 138th Attack Squadron; this change preserved all prior history, honors, and lineage per protocols. Assignments have centered on Hancock Field Air National Guard Base as the permanent station since 1947, with the wing operationally subordinate to the for state missions and, upon federal activation, to major commands such as Air Defense Command from 1953 for interceptor roles, during fighter operations from the 1960s through the 1990s, and post-2000s for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and precision strike functions. Subordinate units, including the 174th Operations Group, have supported these assignments, with detachments like the MQ-9 Launch and Recovery Element at established in 2011 to facilitate expanded remotely piloted operations. The wing's dual state-federal role has involved periodic mobilizations, such as during the 1961 Berlin Crisis under U.S. Air Forces Europe and Operations Desert Shield/Storm in 1991 under .

Awards, Recognitions, and Strategic Contributions

The 174th Attack Wing earned the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for its performance from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2020, cited for unprecedented achievements, unwavering commitment to the mission, and superior support to global operations amid challenges like the . Its subordinate units have received specialized honors, including the Chief of the naming the wing's the Greg O. Winjum of the Year for 2022, recognizing excellence in , , and relations. The wing's team was awarded the Legend Award in October 2025, one of the highest honors in the field, for operational proficiency and lifesaving preparedness. Individual Airmen have garnered state and wing-level recognitions for valor and excellence, such as Lt. Col. Joshua Carter receiving the New York State Medal for Valor on November 14, 2023, for intervening in a violent assault while off-duty. In 2012, wing members secured three of six New York Air National Guard state-level awards, including Honor Guard Member of the Year. Recent lifesaving efforts earned Staff Sgt. Colin Kistner and others the 174th Attack Wing Safety Award and Diamond Sharp Award in 2024, highlighting exemplary conduct and professional growth. Strategically, the wing has supported U.S. objectives across major conflicts, deploying 516 members during Operation Desert Storm in 1991 as the 174th Fighter Wing to conduct air superiority and close air support missions. Its lineage includes contributions to Operations Provide Comfort II, Northern Watch, Allied Force, Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, Odyssey Dawn, Freedom's Sentinel, and Resolute Support, providing combat-ready remotely piloted aircraft crews for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and precision strikes. Transitioning to MQ-9 Reaper operations since 2011, the wing has logged over 60,000 flight hours, enabling persistent overwatch in asymmetric warfare environments and accumulating more than 1,000 combat sorties. It hosts formal training units, partners with active-duty forces for joint exercises like Jaded Thunder in 2024, and collaborates with the Air Force Research Laboratory on advanced technologies, including remote takeoff and landing capabilities, enhancing operational flexibility and deterrence. Since 2000, over $142 million in infrastructure investments have bolstered national defense and homeland security roles, including civil support under New York state authority.

Debates on RPA Operations

Effectiveness and Achievements in Asymmetric Warfare

The 174th Attack Wing's transition to MQ-9 Reaper operations enabled persistent intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) alongside precision strikes, key advantages in asymmetric warfare against non-state actors like insurgents and terrorists who rely on mobility and concealment. These remotely piloted aircraft provide endurance exceeding 27 hours per sortie, allowing continuous monitoring of dynamic battlefields without exposing aircrews to anti-air threats prevalent in counterinsurgency environments. Since establishing its first combat air patrol on December 1, 2009, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, the wing has contributed to disrupting enemy networks through real-time targeting data shared with joint forces, enhancing ground troop safety and operational tempo in Afghanistan and subsequent theaters. By the end of November 2020, the 138th Attack Squadron, the wing's operational MQ-9 unit, had accumulated 60,000 combat flight hours, reflecting sustained commitment to operations including Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, and Inherent Resolve against ISIS affiliates. This milestone underscores the wing's role in providing actionable ISR that facilitated time-sensitive strikes and , critical for minimizing civilian exposure while neutralizing high-value targets in urban and rural insurgent strongholds. In 2020 alone, the wing executed over 7,400 MQ-9 flying hours supporting , the U.S. advisory mission in post-combat drawdown, where drone persistence proved vital for overwatch amid resurgence. These efforts earned the wing the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for the period encompassing January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2020, citing exemplary performance in global operations despite concurrent domestic demands. The MQ-9's integration of , electro-optical/ sensors, and Hellfire armament has enabled the 174th to support raids and , yielding measurable impacts such as enemy combatant eliminations and infrastructure denial, though exact strike counts remain classified. Overall, the wing's contributions affirm the efficacy of RPA platforms in asymmetric contexts, where through unmanned persistence outweighs traditional manned aircraft limitations.

Criticisms, Ethical Concerns, and Counterarguments

Critics of remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) operations, including those conducted by units like the 174th Attack Wing with the MQ-9 Reaper, have raised concerns about the psychological toll on operators, who experience stress akin to traditional pilots but compounded by the remote, video-game-like interface that may foster moral detachment. Studies indicate that RPA personnel face elevated risks of (PTSD), particularly from witnessing post-strike civilian casualties or "bystander deaths," with one analysis linking such exposures to increased PTSD symptoms among crews. Local opposition near Hancock Field, home to the 174th, has highlighted ethical unease with remote strikes, arguing they differ fundamentally from direct by allowing operators to attack without personal risk, potentially lowering thresholds for lethal action. Broader critiques question the of signature strikes—targeting patterns of rather than confirmed identities—which some ethicists contend blur distinctions between combatants and civilians in . Operational incidents, such as the 2013 MQ-9 crash into during a 174th-associated mission from Wheeler-Sack Airfield, have fueled debates on reliability and environmental risks, though investigations attributed it to cold-weather equipment failures rather than systemic flaws. Concerns also extend to the potential for RPA proliferation enabling non-state actors or adversaries to adopt similar technologies, raising fears of escalated global drone arms races, as noted in analyses of military AI applications. Domestically, some advocacy groups have protested RPA basing, citing risks to civilian airspace during flights exceeding 4,000 hours annually at Hancock Field. Counterarguments emphasize empirical evidence of RPA precision, with MQ-9 strikes demonstrating lower rates compared to manned —often under 1% in vetted operations—due to persistent and loitering capabilities that enable better target discrimination. Proponents, including U.S. analyses, assert that RPAs adhere to laws of armed conflict by minimizing through real-time , contrasting with higher-risk manned missions that historically produced greater unintended losses. The remote format, while psychologically challenging, reduces operator fatalities to zero, preserving force structure and enabling sustained operations without deploying ground troops, as evidenced by contributions to over 16 targeted strikes in early deployments. Public opinion polls reflect broad acceptance, with majorities viewing drones as effective for despite acknowledged concerns, attributing turnover among pilots more to workload than inherent ethical flaws.

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