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
Loading Press Releases...NY National Guard In the News
Times Union -- Mon, 13 Apr 2026 Duty Calls: Army general from Delmar is among top NATO leaders Army Maj. Gen. Sean Flynn, of Delmar, a veteran of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars who has led many New York Army National Guard units, is now the top-ranking American officer in one of the... (more)
Corning Leader -- Thu, 09 Apr 2026 Corning resident wins NY Army National Guard Best Warrior Competition A New York Army National Guard member from Corning was one of two winners of the New York Army National Guard's statewide Best Warrior Competition, held on March 23. Staff Sgt. Derek... (more)
Niagara Frontier Publications -- Thu, 09 Apr 2026 New York Army National Guard conducting joint training with New York Air Guard at Youngstown local training area New York Air National Guard Airmen from the 107th Attack Wing at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station will team up with New York Army Guard aviators based in Rochester for an exercise this weekend... (more)