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
Oswego County News Now -- Thu, 23 Jul 2026 Local residents promoted in Army National Guard LATHAM Major General Ray Shields, the adjutant general for the state of New York, announces the promotion of members of the New York Army National Guard in recognition of their capability... (more)
Department of War -- Tue, 21 Jul 2026 New York Guardsmen, Greenland Airports Partner to Improve Lodging Facility The New York Air National Guard, New York Army National Guard and Greenland Airports are working together to improve living conditions for airmen by repairing a long-standing roof issue at... (more)
Times Union -- Wed, 15 Jul 2026 Leaders urge Hochul to sign bill renaming Patroon Island Bridge for Henry Johnson Naming the bridge in honor of Black WWI hero would correct present-day attempts to whitewash history, state Sen. Pat Fahy said ALBANY Under hazy skies from Canadian wildfire smoke that state... (more)