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Download full resolution image New York Air Guard Unit Celebrates 100 Years

New York Air Guard Unit Celebrates 100 Years

In this painting from the National Guard historical series, members of the 1st Aero Company, New York National Guard, return from the first mass flight--12 JN-4"Jenny" aircraft-- in U.S. history from Mineola, Long Island to Princeton, N.J. and back, that was conducted Nov. 18-19, 1916.
The descendants of the 1st Aero Company, the New York Air National Guard's 106th Rescue Wing, is based on Long Island today, flying air rescue missions out of Francis Gabreski Airport; the oldest Air National Guard unit in the United States.
The 1st Aero Company was organized as an Signal Corps observation balloon company by the New York National Guard on 30 April, 1908.
One hundred soldiers gathered in the 71st Regiment Armory in New York City eventually formed the company, which in 1915 switched from balloons to airplanes.

DMNA Press Releases

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NY National Guard In the News

Sullivan County Democrat -- Tue, 10 Feb 2026 Prepare for emergencies at free class NARROWSBURG The Upper Delaware Council (UDC) and New York National Guard invite river valley residents in New York and Pennsylvania to attend a free Citizen Preparedness Training course on... (more)

CPA Journal -- Mon, 09 Feb 2026 Remembering a Forgotten Leader and New Yorks First African American CPA: The Legacy of General Wilmer F. Lucas When Brigadier General Wilmer F. Lucas retired from the United States Army Reserve, he did so as a war hero who had led the Harlem Hellfighters at the World War II battle of Okinawa. For his... (more)

Times Union, -- Mon, 09 Feb 2026 Duty Calls: Niskayuna resident takes command of 5,100 soldiers New York Army National Guard Col. Jason Lefton of Niskayuna, an Iraq War veteran, took command of 5,100 soldiers of the 53rd Troop Command during a ceremony at Camp Smith Training Site, Cortlandt... (more)

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Dated: Fri, Apr 23, 2010 @ 15:25