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149th Fighter Wing

The 149th Fighter Wing (149 FW) is a unit of the Texas Air National Guard stationed at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, operating F-16C/D Fighting Falcon aircraft as an F-16 flying training unit with a worldwide mobility commitment.^[1] Its primary mission is to produce highly skilled Airmen capable of engaging national threats anywhere in the world, while also supporting domestic operations, humanitarian relief, and community service as citizen-Airmen.^[2] Known as the "Lone Star Gunfighters," the wing emphasizes uncompromised excellence and mission dominance, with priorities centered on people, mission, community, and innovation.^[1] The wing's structure includes the 182nd Fighter Squadron, which flies the F-16C/D Block 30 multi-role fighters—first introduced to the unit in 1986 and upgraded to the C/D models in 1996—and supporting elements such as the 149th Maintenance Group and geographically separated units like the 209th Weather Flight in Austin and the 273rd Cyber Operations Squadron.^[2] Under dual state and federal control, it reports to the Texas Adjutant General for state missions including emergency relief, search and rescue, civil defense, and counterdrug operations, while contributing to federal roles in tactical airlift, combat communications, aeromedical evacuations, aerial refueling, and air defense.^[1] Currently commanded by Colonel Walter Ehman, the wing maintains approximately 1,200 personnel and generates an annual economic impact of $89.9 million in the San Antonio region.^[3]^[2] Established with federal recognition on October 6, 1947, as the 182nd Fighter Squadron, the 149th Fighter Wing traces its lineage to the 396th Fighter Squadron of World War II, which flew P-47 Thunderbolts in the European Theater and earned distinctions including the Belgian Fourragère, two Belgian Croix de Guerre, and a Distinguished Unit Citation for operations over Mons, France, on September 3, 1944.^[4] Reorganized as the 149th Fighter Group in 1960, the unit has flown a succession of fighter aircraft, including the F-51 Mustang, F-84 Thunderjet, F-102 Delta Dagger, F-100 Super Sabre, F-4 Phantom II, and F-16 Fighting Falcon since 1986.^[4] Notable achievements include its mobilization during the Korean War as the first Air National Guard unit to enter combat, where it pioneered aerial refueling in combat and became the first ANG squadron to shoot down a MiG-15.^[2] Over its 70-plus years of fighter operations, the wing has participated in numerous worldwide deployments, homeland defense missions, and state emergencies, solidifying its role as a cornerstone of Texas' air defense and national security.^[4]

Overview

Mission and Role

The 149th Fighter Wing serves as a Formal Training Unit (FTU) within the Air National Guard, established on October 23, 1999, when its mission transitioned from air combat operations to providing advanced F-16 pilot training under the oversight of Air Education and Training Command (AETC).^[5] This role involves qualifying both experienced aircrew and recent graduates from undergraduate pilot training programs to operate and employ the F-16 Fighting Falcon effectively in combat scenarios.^[4] The wing delivers initial qualification, instructor upgrade, and refresher training to pilots from active duty Air Force, Air National Guard, and Air Force Reserve components, ensuring they meet standardized proficiency standards for global operations. Known as the "Lone Star Gunfighters," the 149th Fighter Wing plays a critical role in AETC's fighter training pipeline by producing combat-ready pilots capable of engaging national threats worldwide while also supporting domestic missions.^[6] The cornerstone of this effort is the 182nd Fighter Squadron, which conducts syllabus-driven instruction emphasizing tactical employment of the F-16 in realistic environments, including exercises like Coronet Cactus to simulate deployed operations.^[4] Through this training, the wing contributes to the overall readiness of the fighter force by fostering skilled aviators who can transition seamlessly to operational units.^[7] As part of the Texas Air National Guard, the 149th integrates its FTU mission with the state's broader objectives of air defense, homeland security, and community support, maintaining a dual state-federal posture that enhances combat readiness across the Total Force.^[1] This alignment ensures that trained pilots bolster both national defense commitments and Texas-specific emergency response capabilities, such as disaster relief and civil support operations.^[2]

Location and Command Structure

The 149th Fighter Wing is stationed at Kelly Field Annex, which is part of Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland in Texas, having relocated there on April 1, 2001, as a tenant unit following the realignment of Kelly Air Force Base. This location enables shared use of facilities with active-duty components, including the 37th Training Wing, facilitating integrated operations and resource efficiency within the joint base environment.^[8] The wing maintains a dual command structure typical of Air National Guard units, reporting to the Texas Military Department for state active duty missions such as disaster response and civil support operations.^[9] In federal service, it is operationally gained by the Air Education and Training Command (AETC), a shift that occurred on April 1, 1999, aligning the unit with active-duty training priorities while preserving its state-level authority under the Texas Adjutant General.^[10]^[11] Current leadership is headed by Colonel Walter Ehman, who assumed command of the 149th Fighter Wing in 2024 and oversees all aspects of the unit's readiness and operations.^[6] Supporting him is Colonel Stohler as vice commander, who assumed the role in 2024, with the wing's chain of command extending upward to the Texas Air National Guard headquarters and AETC for federal oversight.^[12] Facilities at Kelly Field Annex support the wing's F-16 operations through dedicated hangars for aircraft maintenance and storage, a state-of-the-art mission training center featuring advanced flight simulators for pilot proficiency, and comprehensive support infrastructure including maintenance bays, logistics depots, and administrative buildings. These assets enable efficient execution of the wing's training-focused mission in a shared joint base setting.^[13]

Organization

Primary Units

The 149th Fighter Wing's primary units are organized into four core groups headquartered at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, which collectively enable the wing's F-16 training mission through specialized operational, maintenance, support, and medical functions.^[14] These groups operate under the wing commander's oversight, ensuring integrated sustainment of air operations and personnel readiness.^[15] The 149th Operations Group directs the wing's flying activities, including the planning, execution, and supervision of F-16 pilot training sorties.^[14] It encompasses the 182nd Fighter Squadron, responsible for conducting advanced fighter training missions, and the 149th Operations Support Squadron, which delivers essential services such as intelligence analysis, weather forecasting, and airfield operations management to facilitate safe and effective flights.^[14]^[16] Additionally, the group includes the 273rd Cyber Operations Squadron for network defense and the Operations Group Detachment-1 at Yankee Range for range control support during training exercises.^[17] The 149th Maintenance Group is tasked with the comprehensive upkeep of the F-16 fleet, encompassing scheduled inspections, unscheduled repairs, munitions handling, and supply chain logistics to maintain aircraft combat readiness.^[14] This group includes the 149th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, which focuses on direct aircraft servicing and launch/recovery operations, and the 149th Maintenance Squadron, which manages component repairs and munitions assembly.^[14] These efforts ensure the wing's approximately 24 F-16C/D aircraft remain mission-capable for training demands.^[15] The 149th Mission Support Group oversees infrastructure and administrative services critical to wing functionality, including base security, civil engineering projects, communications networks, and logistics planning.^[14] Its key components comprise the 149th Civil Engineer Squadron for facility maintenance and emergency response, the 149th Security Forces Squadron for law enforcement and force protection, the Logistics Readiness Squadron for deployment sustainment, and the Communications Flight for IT and cybersecurity infrastructure.^[14] The group also includes a Mission Support Flight to coordinate personnel services and fiscal management, supporting daily operations for over 1,070 assigned members.^[14]^[18]^[15] The 149th Medical Group delivers preventive and acute healthcare, along with operational readiness training, to safeguard the health and deployability of wing personnel.^[14] It provides primary care, dental services, mental health support, and aeromedical evaluations, ensuring compliance with Air Force medical standards for flight and ground duties.^[19] The group conducts periodic fitness assessments and readiness drills to maintain unit medical preparedness.^[20] These primary groups coordinate seamlessly to sustain the wing's training mission, integrating efforts across operations, maintenance, support, and medical domains through shared planning and resource allocation. This collaboration involves both full-time Active Guard Reserve personnel and traditional part-time Guardsmen, who drill one weekend per month and two weeks annually, blending federal and state roles to achieve operational efficiency.^[14]

Components and Geographically Separated Units

The 149th Fighter Wing operates several geographically separated units (GSUs) and subordinate components that extend its operational footprint beyond the primary base at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, enabling specialized training, support, and readiness functions across Texas. These units enhance the wing's ability to produce combat-ready Airmen while contributing to state and federal missions, including disaster response and joint exercises.^[14] The 182nd Fighter Squadron, nicknamed the "Lone Star Gunfighters," functions as the wing's primary flying unit, conducting advanced F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot training for both active-duty and Guard personnel. Headquartered at Kelly Field Annex, Joint Base San Antonio, the squadron maintains detached training elements, such as Detachment 1 at Yankee Range, to support range operations and live-fire exercises essential for mission qualification. This structure allows the squadron to integrate real-world scenarios into its curriculum, producing approximately 50 pilots annually for global deployments.^[14]^[21] The 203rd Ground Combat Training Squadron, a key GSU, is based at Fort Bliss, El Paso, Texas, and specializes in ground defense, survival, and weapons training through the Desert Defender program. It equips Airmen with skills in close-quarters combat, convoy security, and environmental survival, serving as a Total Force training integrator for Air National Guard security forces. Members of the squadron regularly participate in state-level readiness events, such as the 2025 Governor's Twenty marksmanship competition held at Camp Swift, Bastrop, Texas, where they demonstrated proficiency in pistol and rifle handling alongside Army National Guard counterparts.^[22]^[23]^[24] The 149th Force Support Squadron delivers essential personnel services, including administrative support, family readiness programs, and morale initiatives like fitness and recreational activities, tailored to the needs of distributed Guard members. Operating across dispersed sites, it coordinates benefits counseling, deployment preparation, and community events to sustain high retention and operational tempo among the wing's over 1,070 personnel.^[25]^[2]^[15] Additional GSUs bolster the wing's specialized capabilities, including the 209th Weather Flight at Camp Mabry, Austin, Texas, which delivers meteorological support to joint operations, such as forecasting for the 47th Bomb Wing at Laughlin Air Force Base. Regional recruiting detachments, coordinated through the wing's recruiting office, conduct outreach in areas like San Angelo and El Paso to attract diverse candidates for aviation, maintenance, and support roles. The 204th Security Forces Squadron, located at Fort Bliss, provides heavy weapons training and quick reaction force capabilities, integrating with the 203rd for combined exercises that enhance wing-wide security posture. Collectively, these units support overall readiness by fostering interoperability in events like the Governor's Twenty, ensuring the 149th Fighter Wing remains a vital asset for homeland defense.^[2]^[26]^[27]^[28]

History

Formation and Early Interceptor Operations (1961–1968)

The 149th Fighter-Interceptor Group was designated and allotted to the Texas Air National Guard in 1961, receiving extended federal recognition on 1 August 1961 at Kelly Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas.^[11] This activation established the unit as a key component of the nation's air defense network during the Cold War, with its primary mission focused on intercepting potential Soviet bomber threats to South Texas and the surrounding region.^[11] The group's formation built upon earlier Texas ANG roots dating to World War II squadrons like the 396th Fighter Squadron, re-designated as the 182nd Fighter Squadron in 1946.^[4] Equipped with the Convair F-102 Delta Dagger supersonic interceptor, the 149th became one of the first Air National Guard units to operate this aircraft, emphasizing all-weather air defense capabilities.^[4] The 182nd Fighter-Interceptor Squadron served as the group's operational flying component, conducting initial training for pilots at Perrin Air Force Base in Sherman, Texas, to master F-102 tactics and instrumentation. Personnel also deployed periodically to Gulf Coast bases for enhanced readiness exercises, simulating responses to airborne incursions along vital coastal approaches. These early operations underscored the unit's role in maintaining continuous aerial vigilance, with routine patrols and alert postures integrated into standard drills. A pivotal early event came during the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, when the 149th was federalized and placed on heightened alert status, maintaining 24 F-102s fully armed on 15-minute scramble readiness around the clock at Kelly Field.^[29] Squadron pilots conducted multiple intercepts of Soviet reconnaissance and bomber aircraft approaching U.S. airspace over the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic routes, contributing to the broader Continental Air Defense Command efforts to deter escalation.^[29] Throughout the 1960s, the group performed routine intercepts of unidentified aircraft, honing interception procedures and radar-guided engagements to ensure rapid response to potential threats, thereby bolstering national defenses until its transition to tactical roles in 1968.^[11]

Tactical Fighter Transition (1968–1986)

In 1968, the 149th Fighter Interceptor Group underwent a significant redesignation to the 149th Tactical Fighter Group on July 1, reflecting a broader shift within the Air National Guard from air defense interceptor missions to tactical fighter operations focused on close air support and ground attack roles.^[11] This transition aligned with evolving U.S. military needs during the Vietnam War era, emphasizing offensive capabilities to support ground forces rather than purely defensive intercepts.^[4] The unit began equipping with the Republic F-84F Thunderstreak in 1968, marking its entry into the tactical fighter domain with an aircraft optimized for low-level strikes and fighter-bomber missions.^[4] By 1970, the 149th Tactical Fighter Group upgraded to the North American F-100D Super Sabre, a supersonic fighter-bomber that enhanced its ability to deliver ordnance in support of tactical operations, serving in this role through 1978.^[30] These aircraft transitions supported the group's contributions to national defense during the late Vietnam period, including readiness for potential deployments and state-level tactical support missions, though the unit itself was not federalized for overseas combat.^[11] In 1979, the group further modernized by adopting the McDonnell Douglas F-4C Phantom II, a versatile multirole fighter that bolstered its tactical air support capabilities for ground troops with advanced avionics, radar, and payload options for air-to-ground strikes.^[11] This upgrade emphasized the unit's evolving focus on integrated close air support, aligning with Air Force Tactical Air Command priorities for rapid response and precision in simulated and real-world scenarios.^[4] Throughout the period, the 149th Tactical Fighter Group participated in key training exercises to hone its tactical proficiency, including the Air Force-wide William Tell air-to-air gunnery competition in 1976, where the 182nd Tactical Fighter Squadron placed second overall, demonstrating superior marksmanship and combat readiness with its F-100 Super Sabres.^[31] These exercises, along with routine mobilizations for state emergencies such as flood relief in the 1970s, underscored the group's dual federal-state role in providing tactical air assets for disaster response and civil support operations in Texas.^[11]

F-16 Adoption and Training Focus (1986–2000)

In 1986, the 149th Tactical Fighter Group, Texas Air National Guard, received its first F-16A/B Block 15 aircraft, marking it as the first Air National Guard unit in Texas to operate the Fighting Falcon and shifting its focus from earlier F-4 operations to advanced fighter capabilities.^[11] This transition enhanced the unit's air defense and tactical roles at Kelly Air Force Base, with initial training emphasizing pilot qualification in the multirole platform.^[4] The adoption aligned with broader Air Force modernization efforts at the close of the Cold War, allowing the 182nd Tactical Fighter Squadron to integrate the F-16's superior maneuverability and avionics for both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.^[11] Following the 1990–1991 Gulf War, the unit underwent activations that underscored its evolving multi-role fighter operations. Approximately 95 personnel from the 149th were mobilized during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, supporting logistical and operational needs without direct combat deployment of the squadron's aircraft.^[32] Post-conflict, the group converted fully to multi-role missions, incorporating precision strike capabilities into its training regimen and preparing for potential expeditionary deployments under the Air Force's post-Cold War restructuring.^[11] On March 15, 1992, the 149th Tactical Fighter Group and its 182nd Tactical Fighter Squadron were redesignated as the 149th Fighter Group and 182nd Fighter Squadron, respectively, reflecting this operational pivot away from tactical fighter designations.^[32] By 1995, the unit expanded its structure to meet growing demands, with the 149th Fighter Group redesignated as the 149th Fighter Wing on October 1, establishing a wing-level organization that included operations, maintenance, and support groups for enhanced administrative and mission efficiency.^[11] This change positioned the wing under Air Combat Command, emphasizing readiness for composite wing operations and integrating with active-duty forces.^[5] The redesignation supported a broader footprint, with the wing maintaining 24 F-16s and focusing on high-tempo training to sustain combat proficiency amid force reductions.^[11] In 1999, the 149th Fighter Wing transitioned to a primary training role under Air Education and Training Command, becoming a Formal Training Unit (FTU) on April 1 and tasked with qualifying U.S. and international pilots in F-16 operations.^[11] This shift included the introduction of F-16 Block 25 and Block 30 variants starting in 1996, with full upgrades to Block 30 C/D models by 1998, featuring improved radar, weapons systems, and two-seat configurations for instructor-led training.^[32] The FTU mission trains approximately 50 pilots annually from active, reserve, Guard, and allied forces, emphasizing advanced tactics and multi-role employment to address Air Force-wide pilot shortages.^[21]

Twenty-First Century Developments (2001–2025)

In 2001, the 149th Fighter Wing relocated to Kelly Field Annex at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, following the closure of Kelly Air Force Base and its redesignation as an annex under Lackland AFB support.^[33] This move positioned the wing to continue its F-16 training mission while enhancing integration with active-duty forces at the joint base. Amid the Global War on Terror, the wing contributed to homeland defense through Operation Noble Eagle, conducting combat air patrols over major U.S. cities in the immediate post-9/11 period.^[34] Additionally, personnel supported Operation Enduring Freedom with rotations to Afghanistan, including deployments in 2001-2002 that involved individual augmentations and unit-level contributions to combat operations.^[35] Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, the wing participated in key multinational exercises to maintain combat readiness, such as Exercise Sentry Aloha in 2006, where six F-16s and crews from the 149th deployed to Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, for dissimilar air combat training with Pacific Air Forces assets.^[36] In 2019, the unit engaged in Operation Coronet Bronco, a large-scale training event at Mountain Home AFB, Idaho, involving F-16 student pilots and instructor-led missions to simulate high-end combat scenarios and enhance interoperability with active-duty units.^[37] In October 2020, the 149th marked the 25th anniversary of its redesignation from the 149th Fighter Group to Fighter Wing with ceremonies and a heritage-painted F-16 featuring a Vietnam-era scheme, honoring its historical transitions and ongoing training role.^[5] Recent developments include leadership transitions, such as the August 2024 change of command where Col. Walter R. Ehman assumed duties as wing commander from Col. Carol Kohtz, emphasizing continued focus on pilot production and mission support.^[38] In January 2025, wing members competed in the Governor's Twenty marksmanship competition at Camp Swift, Texas, alongside other Texas National Guard units, fostering inter-service skills in pistol and rifle proficiency.^[39] The 149th has sustained its F-16C/D Block 30 fleet through ongoing life-extension programs, addressing aging airframe requirements to ensure training viability into the mid-2020s.^[40] In October 2025, members of the wing mobilized to El Paso, Texas, in support of Operation Lone Star.^[41] To support these efforts, the wing actively recruits for maintenance and sustainment roles, adapting to Air Education and Training Command priorities amid Air National Guard resource limitations.^[42]

Lineage and Honors

Lineage

The lineage of the 149th Fighter Wing traces its origins to World War II through the 396th Fighter Squadron, which was constituted as the 396th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) on 29 September 1942 and activated on 1 October 1942 as part of the 365th Fighter Group.^[5] The squadron served in the European Theater, flying P-47 Thunderbolts, before being inactivated on 20 August 1946.^[5] On 24 May 1946, it was redesignated as the 182nd Fighter Squadron and allotted to the Texas Air National Guard, receiving federal recognition on 6 October 1947 as a fighter-bomber unit equipped with F-51 Mustangs.^[5]^[4] The 149th Fighter Group was organized on 1 July 1960, incorporating the 182nd Fighter-Interceptor Squadron (formerly the 182nd Fighter Squadron); it was redesignated the 149th Fighter-Interceptor Group and allotted to the Texas Air National Guard on 1 August 1961, with federal recognition extended on that date.^[11]^[5] On 1 July 1968, the group was redesignated as the 149th Tactical Fighter Group, reflecting a shift to a tactical fighter mission with aircraft such as the F-100 Super Sabre and later the F-4 Phantom II.^[11]^[4] Further redesignations occurred on 16 March 1992, when the unit became the 149th Fighter Group, and on October 16, 1995, when it was redesignated as the 149th Fighter Wing, gaining wing status under the Air National Guard.^[11] On 23 October 1999, the wing's mission aligned with that of a Formal Training Unit under Air Education and Training Command, focusing on F-16 pilot training for Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve, and active-duty personnel, though its designation remained unchanged.^[11]^[5] The wing has remained active without major inactivations since its initial recognition in 1961.^[11]

Assignments and Stations

The 149th Fighter Wing traces its higher-level assignments to its establishment as the 149th Fighter Interceptor Group on 1 August 1961, when it was allotted to the Texas Air National Guard and operationally gained by Fourth Air Force for air defense interceptor missions until 1968. Following redesignation as the 149th Tactical Fighter Group on 1 July 1968, the unit shifted to a tactical fighter role under the gain of Tactical Air Command, serving in this capacity through 1992. The wing was then realigned under Air Combat Command from 1992 to 1999, reflecting its post-Gulf War operational focus on combat readiness. On 1 April 1999, it transferred to Air Education and Training Command, adopting a primary mission of F-16 pilot training for both Air National Guard and active-duty forces, a role it maintains today.^[11]^[5] The wing's primary stations have centered on facilities in San Antonio, Texas, beginning with Kelly Air Force Base upon activation on 1 August 1961, where it operated through its interceptor and early tactical fighter periods until 2001. In 2001, as part of base realignments, the unit relocated to Kelly Field Annex at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, maintaining tenant status there to the present day and leveraging proximity to training resources at Lackland.^[11]^[21] In addition to its permanent basing, the 149th Fighter Wing has conducted temporary duty assignments to support national operations and exercises, including the activation of approximately 95 members for Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm from 1990 to 1991. The unit also participated in overseas rotations during the 1990s to enhance combat skills and interoperability, such as deployments for joint training in regions including Puerto Rico in 1968 and various international sites later in the decade.^[11]

Aircraft

The 149th Fighter Wing's aircraft inventory reflects its evolution from an interceptor mission to a multi-role fighter training unit, with a focus on supersonic jet fighters designed for air defense and tactical operations. From 1961 to 1968, the wing operated the Convair F-102A Delta Dagger, a delta-wing supersonic interceptor equipped with AIM-4 Falcon missiles and serving as the primary aircraft for air defense alert duties; the unit initially received 48 of these aircraft upon activation as the first Air National Guard organization to fly the type.^[4] In 1968, the wing transitioned to tactical fighter operations with the Republic F-84F Thunderstreak, a swept-wing jet capable of low-level strikes and air-to-ground missions, which it flew until adopting the North American F-100D Super Sabre in the early 1970s; the F-100D, the single-seat fighter-bomber variant of the USAF's first production supersonic fighter, remained in service through 1978 and emphasized close air support capabilities.^[4] The McDonnell Douglas F-4C Phantom II equipped the wing from 1978 to 1986, marking its shift to a more advanced all-weather interceptor and strike platform with twin engines, variable-geometry intakes, and compatibility for a wide array of air-to-air and air-to-ground ordnance.^[4] Since 1986, the wing has flown the General Dynamics (later Lockheed Martin) F-16 Fighting Falcon, beginning with A/B Block 15 variants featuring improved avionics and multi-role adaptability; upgrades progressed to Block 25/30 C/D models in the 1990s, incorporating enhanced radar, precision-guided munitions integration, and conformal fuel tanks for extended range. The current fleet comprises approximately 24 F-16C/D aircraft, with service life extended beyond 2030 via structural modifications and avionics refreshes under the USAF's Service Life Extension Program.^[43]^[44]

Decorations

The 149th Fighter Wing, through its lineage and operations, has earned several unit decorations and honors, primarily from its predecessor units' World War II and Korean War service, as well as modern Air Force recognition for excellence. The wing has been awarded the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for outstanding achievement and service.^[11] The predecessor 396th Fighter Squadron received the Distinguished Unit Citation for extraordinary heroism in action over Mons, France, on September 3, 1944, during World War II.^[4] The same unit also earned the Belgian Fourragere for participation in the Belgian Campaign and was awarded the Belgian Croix de Guerre twice for valorous actions in the European Theater.^[4] The 182nd Fighter Squadron, a component of the wing, was honored for its pioneering Korean War contributions as the first Air National Guard unit to engage in combat, achieve a MiG-15 shootdown, and execute aerial refueling operations in a combat environment.^[4] Although the wing has no campaign credits for major conventional wars, it has earned service streamers for participation in the Global War on Terror, including support to Operation Noble Eagle for homeland defense and Operation Enduring Freedom through personnel deployments to Afghanistan.^[15] In recent years, the wing has received recognitions for operational readiness, including participation in the Texas Military Department's Best Warrior Competition in 2020 and 2021 to demonstrate excellence in warrior skills and leadership.^[45]^[46] The wing has also supported state disaster response efforts, such as hurricane recovery operations, contributing to community aid without specific state-level unit awards documented in official records.^[47]

References

[1]
About Us - 149th Fighter Wing
The primary mission of the 149th Fighter Wing is to produce the finest Airmen, capable of engaging national threats anywhere in the world and citizen airmen ...
[2]
149th Fighter Wing - Quick Facts
The 149 FW is extremely proud of its heritage, which includes 70 years of flying fighter aircraft, mobilizing for numerous worldwide deployments.
[3]
Biographies - 149th Fighter Wing
EHMAN. Colonel Walter Ehman is the Commander of the 149th Fighter Wing, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. He is responsible for organizing, training, and ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[4]
History - 149th Fighter Wing
The 149th Fighter Wing is an F-16 flying training unit that includes a support group with a worldwide mobility commitment.
[5]
149th Fighter Wing celebrates redesignation anniversary
Oct 16, 2020 · On Oct. 23, 1999, the mission of the 149th FW changed from an Air Combat Operations unit to a Formal Training Unit under the Air Education and ...
[6]
Home of the 149th Fighter Wing
If you are interested in joining the unit, don't hesitate to get in touch with one of our recruiters at 210-925-5825 or email us at Karmichael.hankins.1@us.af.Job Openings · Units · Contact Us · Recruiting Office
[7]
149th Fighter Wing - Air Education and Training Command
The job of its instructor pilots is to take inexperienced fighter pilots and teach them how to employ the F-16 to defend the country.<|control11|><|separator|>
[8]
Joint Base San Antonio (Lackland, Randolph, Sam Houston)
Lackland is comprised of the 37th Training Wing; 149th Fighter Wing; 59th ... Camp Bullis, located northwest of San Antonio, serves primarily as a field training ...
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Air Guard - Texas Military Department
The 149th Fighter Wing at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, is an F-16 flying training unit. 149FW Homepage · 149FW Facebook · 149FW Twitter · 149FW YouTube.
[10]
Targeting pods bolster F-16 training > Air Force > Article Display
Jan 27, 2004 · The 149th FW has been training Air Force pilots since the unit transferred to Air Education and Training Command in 1999. During their time with ...
[11]
Tag: 149th FW - Joint Base San Antonio
Col. Megan Erickson is the new vice commander of the 149th Fighter Wing at Joint. 149th Force Support Squadron takes part in Home Station Readiness Training in ...
[12]
F-16 Pilot Training At The 149th Fighter Wing At Lackland AFB, San ...
Feb 29, 2012 · About fifty pilots go through F-16 training at the 149th every year. The B-course, which runs from September through May, accounts for ten to ...Missing: capacity annual
[13]
Units - 149th Fighter Wing
The 149th Fighter Wing - Lone Star Gunfighters - is an F-16 training unit at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. It is part of the Air National Guard.
[14]
COLONEL WALTER R. EHMAN > 149th Fighter Wing > Display
Colonel Walter Ehman is the Commander of the 149th Fighter Wing, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. He is responsible for organizing, training, ...Missing: structure AETC
[15]
COLONEL BENJAMIN J. SCHILL > 149th Fighter Wing > Display
Colonel Benjamin J. Schill is the Commander, the 149th Operations Group, 149th Fighter Wing, Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA)-Lackland, TX.
[16]
Biographies - 149th Fighter Wing
He commands the 182d Fighter Squadron, 149th Operations Support Squadron, and 273d Cyber Operations Squadron, and the 149th Operations Group Detachment-1 at the ...
[17]
149th Mission Support Group members provide fiscal education ...
Dec 15, 2022 · 149th Mission Support Group members provide fiscal education, support for mission, community, future. Published Dec. 15, 2022; By Senior Airman ...
[18]
lieutenant colonel charles p. biediger - 149th Fighter Wing
Lt Col Charles “Smoke” Biediger is the Commander of the 149th Medical Group, advising the 149th Fighter Wing on health and safety. He is a Flight Surgeon with ...
[19]
149th Medical Group - Air Education and Training Command
Aug 2, 2019 · 149th Medical Group assists with COVID-19 testing in Fredericksburg · 149th Medical Group Gunfighters 'All In' for Nevada exercise · Quick Links.<|separator|>
[20]
Lone Star Gunfighters use experience to train F-16 pilots
Lone Star Gunfighters use experience to train F-16 pilots. By Tech. Sgt. Agustin Salazar, 149th Fighter Wing Public Affairs, Texas Air National Guard. SAN ...
[21]
Video - Small Arms Training 203rd Ground Combat Training - DVIDS
Apr 16, 2019 · The 203rd Ground Combat Training Squadron is a geographically separated unit of the 149th Fighter Wing and is part of the Desert Defender schoolhouse.
[22]
Desert Defender recognized as Total Force training integrator
Oct 28, 2022 · Hernandez is a Texas Air National Guardsmen from the 203rd Ground Combat Training Squadron, a sub-unit of Desert Defender. (U.S. Army photo ...
[23]
Video - Governor's Twenty Marksmanship Competition - DVIDS
Jan 28, 2025 · BASTROP, TEXAS, UNITED STATES · 01.05.2025 · Video by Staff Sgt. Derek Gutierrez · 149th Fighter Wing (Texas Air National Guard).
[24]
Contact Us - 149th Fighter Wing
Contact Me: A response is requested. Contacts. 149th Force Support Squadron. 210-925-5534. 149th Public Affairs. 210-925-7772. 149th Recruiting Office.
[25]
Air Guard forecasting for the Joint Force - 149th Fighter Wing
Mar 5, 2013 · The flight is a geographically separated unit of the Texas Air Guard's 149th Fighter Wing, headquartered at Joint Base San Antonio - Lackland, and provides ...
[26]
149th Fighter Wing Recruiting - AF.mil
Full-Time Active Duty Military Careers Excel to greater heights with a full time career in the Air National Guard. Make your future happen and apply today!Missing: detachments | Show results with:detachments
[27]
204th Security Forces Squadron receives 'outstanding' award
Mar 25, 2010 · The 149th Fighter Wing here has received notification that one of its geographically separated subordinate units, the 204th Security Forces ...
[28]
None
### Summary of 149th Fighter Wing (1961–1968)
[29]
Convair F-102 Delta Dagger - Wikipedia
The F-102 was the first operational supersonic interceptor and delta-wing fighter operated by the United States Air Force (USAF).
[30]
San Antonio, Texas - Oral History
Dec 4, 2012 · Well during the Cuban Missile Crisis, they called us up to active duty and we had twenty-four F-102's, fully loaded on the 15 minute alerts ...
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[PDF] LIST OF F-100 UNITS IN THE USAF/ANG - Super Sabre Society
1954 – Some USAF F-100 Units designated Fighter Day Wing/Sqdn (FDW/FDS). 1 ... 149th TFG. 182 TFS. Kelly AFB, TX. 1971-1979. 150th FIG. 188 FIS. Kirtland AFB ...
[32]
182nd Fighter Squadron recalls legacy
Feb 7, 2008 · The 149th Fighter Wing hosted the 60th anniversary celebration of the 182nd Fighter Squadron with events in San Antonio Oct. 11, 12 and 13.
[33]
https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/kelly-air-force-base
[34]
Kelly Air Force Base - Texas State Historical Association
Apr 4, 2018 · Lackland Air Force Base took over base support of Kelly Field Annex ... Airlift Wing, and 149th Fighter Wing on April 1, 2001. Port San ...Missing: relocation | Show results with:relocation
[35]
F-16 Fighting Falcon > 149th Fighter Wing > Display - AF.mil
The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a compact, multi-role fighter aircraft. It is highly maneuverable and has proven itself in air-to-air combat and air-to-surface ...
[36]
149th FIGHTER SQUADRON – HERITAGE | Flightline Insignia
149th Fighter Squadron extended federal recognition on 21 Jun 1947. Redesignated: 149th Fighter Bomber Squadron in Dec 1951; 149th Bomb Squadron (Light) on 1 ...
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Sentry Aloha > Air Force > Article Display
Six F-16s and crews from the Texas Air National Guard's 149th Fighter Wing are participating in ... Sentry Aloha. Published Sept. 7, 2006. Related Links ...
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149th FW Gunfighters take part in Operation Coronet Bronco > Joint ...
Members of the 149th Fighter Wing at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland have been taking part in Operation Coronet Bronco at Mountain Home Air Force Base, ...
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149th Fighter Wing Change of Command [Image 5 of 7] - DVIDS
Sep 20, 2024 · Walter Ehman, the new commander of the 149th FW, during a change of command ceremony at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Aug. 16, 2024.
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Governor's Twenty Pistol Competition [Image 1 of 8] - DVIDS
May 1, 2025 · US Army and Air National Guardsmen participate in the Governor's Twenty marksmanship competition at Camp Swift, Bastrop, Texas, Jan. 5, 2025.
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https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/149FWPA
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Job Openings - 149th Fighter Wing
Search for a job in the Search bar or the list. 149TH FW JOBS STEP BY STEP Step Five: Follow the instructions for your chosen job and apply.Missing: traditional | Show results with:traditional
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Lone Star Gunfighters train future warfighters - Joint Base San Antonio
Nov 7, 2018 · The 149th FW, known as the Lone Star Gunfighters, is an F-16 training unit that is a part of the Texas Air National Guard and the Texas Military Department.
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149th Fighter Squadron (USAF ANG) - F-16.net
1957: F-84F 'Thunderstreak' (part of 192 FIG); 1962: F-84F 'Thunderstreak' (part of 192 TFG); 1971: F-105D/F 'Thunderchief'; 1981: A-7D/K 'Corsair II'; 1991: F ...<|control11|><|separator|>
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U.S. Air Force Authorizes Extended Service Life for F-16 - Apr 12, 2017
Apr 12, 2017 · Validation of the extended flight hour limit directly supports the SLEP goal of extending the service life of up to 300 F-16C/D Block 40-52 ...Missing: 149th 30
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Cessna T-41A Mescalero - Air Force Museum
The T-41 trainer was a standard Cessna Model 172 light general aviation aircraft purchased "off-the-shelf" by the US Air Force for preliminary flight screening.
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The 149th Fighter Wing Gunfighters compete in TMD's Best Warrior ...
Mar 8, 2020 · JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO- LACKLAND, Texas -Three airmen assigned to The 149th Fighter Wing participated in the Texas Military Department 2020 Best ...
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Texas Military Departments Best Warrior Competition 2021
Mar 6, 2021 · Texas Military Departments Best Warrior Competition 2021. 149th Fighter Wing (Texas Air National Guard). Video by Staff Sgt. Derek Davis. March ...Missing: awards 2021-2025
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State Military Forces Help Texans Recover After Hurricane - DVIDS
Mar 7, 2025 · John Nichols of the Texas Air National Guard's 149th Fighter Wing in ... Texas National Guard Distributes Aid to Flood Victims During Hurricane ...