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
WTEN -- Tue, 21 Oct 2025 State Police K-9 honors fallen NY Guardsman LATHAM, N.Y. (NEWS10) A New York State Police Canine (K-9) Officer was praised for his heroic efforts in a recent drug bust. K-9 J has sniffed out nearly 20 pounds of drugs, including fentanyl... (more)
Times Union -- Tue, 21 Oct 2025 New York bill would restrict outside National Guard from entering state ALBANY Democrats in New York introduced a bill Monday that would prohibit other states, territories or districts from sending their National Guard troops to the Empire State without approval... (more)
WTEN -- Tue, 21 Oct 2025 Sovereignty showdown: Bill would keep other states National Guard from invading New York ALBANY, N.Y. (NEXSTAR) A bill introduced in the New York State Senate would clarify the governors authority over out-of-state National Guard deployments, in a move Democratic State Senator... (more)