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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North Country Public Radio -- Sat, 15 Nov 2025 Senior Planet, National Guard to host emergency preparedness training in Plattsburgh Winter is heading our way in the North Country. That means its a good idea to stock up on emergency supplies in case of a snowstorm or power outage. But weather isnt the only thing North... (more)
Spectrum News -- Fri, 14 Nov 2025 Military museum highlights accomplishments, sacrifices of New York veterans (video) One museum in the Capital Region shines a light on New York's military history and the stories of the state's veterans. Located in Saratoga Springs, the New York State Military... (more)
National Guard.mil -- Thu, 13 Nov 2025 NY Army Guard Provides Funeral Honors for Homecoming of WWII Airman LYONS, N.Y. - A Lyons resident who died in World War II was laid to rest with full honors by seven Soldiers of the New York Army National Guard at the towns Old Elmwood Cemetery on Nov. 7. ... (more)