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SCOTIA-- Airmen from the New York Air National Guard's 109th Airlift Wing prepare to launch an LC-130H "Skibird" heading for Antarctica at Stratton Air National Guard Base in Scotia, New York on October 17, 2024. The wing launched two aircraft with ten Airmen on the five day flight to Christchurch, New Zealand on the 17th and three aircraft and aircrew the day before. Five LC-130s and 400 Airmen will support the National Science Foundation Antarctic research mission from now until Februar, 2025.
Oct 17, 2024
SCOTIA-- Airman assigned to the 109th Airlift Wing, based at Stratton Air National Guard Base in Scotia, New York participate in a security forces augmented training course on September 17, 2024. The purpose of the augmentee course is to backfill at home station when security forces defenders must forward deploy. The course covers weapons training use of force and day-to-day base procedures.
Oct 16, 2024
STRATTON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, SCOTIA--New York Senator Charles Schumer, left, accompanied by Col. Robert Donaldson, the commander of the 109th Airlift Wing, exits and LC-130 "Skibird" during a visit to Stratton Air National Guard Base on Monday, April 22, 2024. Schumer, the Senate Majority Leader, visited with wing Airmen and leaders and also called on the Air Force to fund the purchase of new aircraft for the wing, during his visit.
Apr 24, 2024
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF- RICHARDSON, ALASKA--New York Air National Guard Tech. Sgt. Nickolas Cross, a crew chief with the 109th Airlift Wing, marshals in a C-130 Hercules aircraft at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, March 7, 2024. The aircraft was returning from a mission in support of Arctic Edge 24, a U.S. Northern Command-led homeland defense exercise demonstrating the U.S. military's capabilities in extreme cold weather.
Apr 23, 2024
STRATTON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE-- New York State Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh, who represents parts of Saratoga and Schenectady coutie, presents a legislative proclamation honoring the New York Air National Guard's 109th Airlift Wing to Col. Robert Donaldson, the wing commander, during a visit to Stratton Air National Guard base on April 12, 2024. Walsh met with wing leaders as well as Major General Ray Shields, the adjutant general of New York, and Major General Denise Donnell , the commander of the New York Air National Guard.
Apr 16, 2024
KELLY FIELD--Soldiers from the New York Army National Guard Military Funeral Honors team load the remains of two helicopter pilots who lost their lives in a Texas helicopter crash Army National Guard Chief Warrant Officers 2 Casey Frankoski and John M. Grassia III at Kelly Field Texas March 18 2024. Their remains were transported to the Army Aviation Support Facility at Albany International Airport on board an LC-130 Hercules assigned to the New York Air National Guards 109th Airlift Wing.
Mar 20, 2024
ARCTIC OCEAN (March 9 2024)-- A C-130 Hercules assigned to the 109th Airlift Wing part of the New York Air National Guard flies over East Coast-based Naval Special Warfare Operator (SEALs) Norwegian Naval Special Operations Commandos and the Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Hampton (SSN 767) during an integration exercise designed to bolster skills in an Arctic environment March 9 2024 as part of Arctic Edge 24. AE 24 provided Special Operations Command North the opportunity to test a range of capabilities and response options to deter disrupt degrade and deny competitor activity in the Arctic in support of globally integrated layered defense and deterrence of the homeland.
Mar 13, 2024
EILSON AIR FORCE BASE, ALASKA --New York Air National Guard Tech. Sgt. Eric Junquera marshals a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System off of a C-130 Hercules aircraft in support of Arctic Edge 2024 at Eielson Air Force Base Alaska Feb. 24 2024. Special Operations Command North deployed more than 600 joint and allied Special Operations Forces across the pan-Arctic region during Arctic Edge 24 to hone SOFs ability to disrupt irregular and conventional threats erode competitors confidence to hold the North American Arctic at risk
Mar 07, 2024
STRATTON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE --Col. Robert Donaldson receives the 109th Airlift Wing guidon from Major Gen. Denise Donnell the New York Air National Guard commander during the wing's change of command ceremony at Stratton Air National Guard base March 2. During the ceremony, command passed from Col. Christian Sander to Donaldson.
Mar 04, 2024
ANTARCTICA--An LC-130 Hercules "Skibird" assigned to the New York Air National Guard's 109th Airlift Wing flies past Mount Erebus, an active volcano in Antarctica, after taking off from the ice runway serving McMurdo Station, the center of United States Antarctic Program research in December 2023. The 109th Airlift Wing flies missions to Antarctica resupplying science stations across the continent.
Feb 22, 2024
STRATTON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE--Danish Major General Soren Andersen, commander of Denmarks Joint Arctic Command, listens as New York Air National Guard Col. Christian Sander right demonstrates the skis of one of the 109th Airlift Wings LC-130 Hercules Skibird aircraft during Andersens visit to Stratton Air National Guard Base in Scotia New York on Nov. 7 2023. Andersen accompanied by Danish Brig. Gen. . Poul Primdahl met with Sander and other New York Air National Guard leaders prior to initialing a Statement of Intent with the New York National Guard to explore opportunities for joint training and exchanges.
Nov 22, 2023
LAS VEGAS-- New York Air National Guard Master Sgt. Sarah Chambers, a member of the 109th Airlift Wing, competes at the United States Powerlifting Association 2023 Drug Tested National Championship in Las Vegas Nevada on July 10 2023. Chambers, who began power lifting in 2018, has earned several championships in womens powerlifting competition.
Oct 10, 2023
MAYFIELD--Airmen from the 109th Airlift Wing participate in water survival and parachute refresher training at the Mayfield, New York field office of the Hudson River-Black-River regulating district on Great Sacandaga Lake on August 5, 2023. the Airmen received flotation device and life raft familiarization training as well as practicing their parachute landing skills.
Aug 31, 2023
STRATTON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, SCOTIA--Col. Christian Sander Commander of the 109th Airlift Wing gives the guide on to Command Chief Master Sgt. Karolyn De Vito in a Change of Responsibility ceremony at Stratton Air National Guard Base on August 5 2023. De Vito assumed the position as the 12th Command Chief of the 109th Airlift Wing.
Aug 09, 2023
COVERLO, California-- New York Air National Guard Capt. Jessica Alves, a medical specialist assigned to the 109th Airlift Wing, works with a patient during an Innovative Readiness Training medical mission in Covelo, California, June 16, 2023. This mission, which involved 17 members of the 109th Airlift Wing, offered no-cost medical care to at the Indian Health Care clinic which serves the town and the nearby Indian reservation.
Aug 03, 2023
RAVEN CAMP, GREENLAND-- Airmen assigned to the New York Air National Guard's 109th Airlift Wing cut snow blocks to make shelters during Barren Land Survival Training, known as BLAST for short in May 2023. Airmen who are assigned to the wing and fly aboard the LC-130 "Skibirds" the wing flies have to go through the training.
Jun 30, 2023
GREENLAND -- Pilots assigned to the New York Air National Guard's 109th Airlift Wing fly an LC-130 Hercules over the Baffin Bay in Greenland May 12 2023. The 109th travels to Greenland annually to provide airlift support for the National Science Foundation and to train service members in the Arctic environment.
May 31, 2023
MCMURDO STATION, Antarctica--Master Sgt. Geoff Cerrone, a loadmaster assigned to the 139th Airlift Squadron, part of the 109th Airlift Wing, prepares a LC-130 Hercules for departure at McMurdo Station, Antarctica. The 109th Airlift Wing flies the only ski-equipped LC-130s in the world and supports the National Science Foundation research efforts in Antarctica every year.
Mar 29, 2023
CORNWALLIS ISLAND, Nunavut, Canada--Army National Guard National Guard Soldiers from Vermont and New Hampshire alongside their Canadian counterparts exit a New York Air National Guard LC-130 operated by the 109th Airlift Wing during a tactical insertion exercise conducted as part of Guerrier Nordique 23 on the Arctic Ocean near Cornwallis Island in Nunavut, Canada on March 15, 2023. the exercise began earlier this month and ended on March 20.
Mar 20, 2023
RESOLUTE BAY, Nunavut--Airmen from the 139th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron and medics from the Royal Canadian Armed Forces receive quick response training in a de Havilland Canada CC-138 Twin Otter aircraft from the 440 Transport Squadron Royal Canadian Armed Forces in Resolute Bay Nunavut Canada 26 Feb 2023. Airmen learned about the capabilities of the aircraft and determined how they could adapt the aircraft for casualty evacuation.
Mar 06, 2023
RESOLUTE BAY, Nunavut, Canada--Airmen from the 109th Airlift Wings Polar Camp Skiway Team and members from the 440 Transport Squadron Royal Canadian Armed Forces are loading equipment and fuel into a Twin Otter aircraft at Resolute Bay, Nunuvut, Canada preparation for Exercise Guerrier Nordique.The Polar Camp Skiway Team will establish a remote camp and then build a ski landing area and provide Canadian and Vermont Army personnel with tactical support via the 109ths LC-130 Skibirds.
Mar 01, 2023
SCOTIA, New York-- Nine LC-130 Hercules ski-equipped transports line up on the runway at Stratton Air National Guard Base in Scotia New York on Saturday Sept. 10 2022 while another flies overhead as the New York Air National Guards 109th Airlift Wing conducts its first Elephant Walk. An Elephant Walk is an maximum surge effort by a wing to get as many aircraft airborne in as short a time as possible.
Sep 13, 2022
STRATTON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE-- Master Sgt. Terra Martin, left, and Master Sgt. Matthew King, both members of the 109th Airlift Wing Base Honor Guard, have been recognized for their efforts by the Air National Guard. Martin has been selected as Honor Guard Manager of the Year, while King has been named Honor Guard Member of the Year.
Aug 09, 2022
SCOTIA--U.S. Air National Guard Staff. Sgt. Jason Candido, a propulsion specialist at the 109th Airlift Wing, performs maintenance on a 3.5 turbo engine on Jan. 26, 2022 at Stratton Air National Guard Base in Schenectady, New York. Candido was one of two airmen who spent over a month assembling the engine from scratch. The new engine will provide more power for the wing's LC-130 Skibirds as they take off from the ice in Antarctica or Greenland.
Mar 15, 2022
GREAT SACANDAGA LAKE--Airmen assigned to the New York Air National Guard's 109th Airlift Wing prepare to set up camp on the ice of the Great Sacandaga Lake near Northville, New York on Feb. 15, 2022 . The Airmen were training on the tasks involved with creating an ice "ski-way" to land massive ski-equipped LC-130 Hercules aircraft on ice in the polar regions.
Feb 17, 2022
KANGERLUSSUAQ, GREENLAND-- New York Air National Guard Airmen assigned to the 109th airlift Wing pose for a photo on top of an LC-130 ski bird while preparing for an airdrop mission in support of the Danish military during Operation Arctic Light in Kangerlussuaq Greenland on Nov. 4 2021. Thirty-four members of the New York Air National Guards 106th Rescue Wing and 109th Airlift Wing supported Denmarks Joint Arctic Command during the five day search and rescue exercise.
Dec 02, 2021
STRATTON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE-- An LC-130 Skibird ski-equipped aircraft assigned to the New York Air National Guards 109th Airlift Wing leaves Stratton Air National Guard Base in Scotia New Yoirk heading to Antarctica on Nov. 15 2021. The wing flies the largest ski-equipped aircraft in the world and supports National Science Foundation research in Antarctica. The wing is deploying five aircraft and 184 Airmen on the missions this year
Nov 15, 2021
GREENLAND-- New York Air National Guard Technical Sgt. Zachary Parrillo, a loadmaster assigned to the 109th Airlift Wing takes a break in an LC-130 "Skibird" during a mission to Greenland in May.The 109th operates in Greenland April-August each year to complete resupply missions for the National Science Foundation and polar operations training.
Jun 11, 2021
STRATTON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE- Command Chief Master Sgt. Tony Whitehead, the senior enlisted advisor to the Chief of the National Guard Bureau (center) poses for a photograph with Airmen from the New York Air National Guard's 109th Airlift Wing in front of an LC-130 skibird at Stratton Air National Guard Base on Monday, May 24, 2021. Whitehead toured the base and met with Airmen.
May 26, 2021
SCOTIA--Major General Ray Shields (left) the Adjutant General of New York, passes the guidon of the 109th Airlift Wing to Col. Christian Sander, the Wing commander, as the previous commander, Col. Michele Kilgore (right) looks on during change-of-command ceremonies at Scotia Air National Guard Base on April 11, 2021.
Apr 12, 2021
KANGERLUSSUAQ, GREENLAND--An LC-130 Skibird from the 109th Airlift Wing sits on the ramp at Kangerlussuaq Airport Greenland with the Northern Lights dazzling in the sky above. The Northern Lights occur during the winter and are especially bright on a dark night in Greenland. The 109th conducts training and scientific research support annually in Greenland from March-August.
Mar 16, 2021
STRATTON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE-- An LC-130 "Skibird" assigned to the New York Air National Guard's 109th Airlift Wing taxies to the hanger at Stratton Air National Guard Base in Scotia, New York on Wednesday night, Feb. 24 as the crew returns from a deployment to Antarctica and New Zealand. Three aircraft and their crews conducted missions moving 148 researchers and support staff and 63,000 pounds of critical cargo to facilities in Antarctica between November and February. They also conducted three medical evacuation missions.
Feb 25, 2021
KINDERHOOK--Brig. Gen. Michael Bank the Assistant Adjutant General Air for New York state and Chief Master Sgt. Jeffrey Trottier salute the resting place of former President Martin Van Buren along with other members of the Air National Guard during a ceremony commemorating the birthday of Van Buren at the Kinderhook Reformed Church Cemetery in Kinderhook New York. Van Buren was the eighth President of the United States and a native of Kinderhook.
Dec 07, 2020
BALLSTON SPA--Volunteers from the New York National Guard pass a tree up to FedEx driver Don Pelletier during the Trees for Troops loadout November 30, 2020 at Ellms Tree Farm in Ballston Spa, N.Y. More than 20 volunteers from the New York Army and Air National Guard joined with Capital District area veterans to help load about 125 Christmas trees being donated and sent to military bases around the country to support troops and military families this holiday season. This marks the 16th year of military members volunteering their time to assist in the loading of trees destined for fellow service members and their families around the country and around the world.
Dec 01, 2020
SCHENECTADY -- An LC-130 ski-equipped aircraft from the 109th Airlift Wing lifts off the runway at Stratton Air Natrional Guard Base in Scotia, New York on the way to New Zealand on Nov. 23. Three aircraft and 31 Airmen from the wing will be on standby in Christchurch, New Zealand to fly missions to Antarctica if required.
Nov 23, 2020
MANAUS, BRAZIL--New York Air National Guard Senior Airman Caleb Lapinel poses for a photograph on Nov.10 2020 after completing international course conducted annually bu the Brazil Jungle Warfare Center knowns as CIGS for its Portugese initials. Lapinel was the only American in the class of ten.
Nov 19, 2020
STRATTON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE--Master Sgt. Brian Kissinger, Master Sgt. Brian Devlin, and Tech. Sgt. Daniel Marchand, members of the 109th Airlift Wing Fire Department stand before a fire engine with the equipment they would use in flood water rescues on August 4, 2020. The three Airmen have been trained in swift water rescue techniques and are part of the New York State Flood Incident Response Strike Team of New York Task Force 2, an urban search and rescue team.
Aug 18, 2020
SCHENECTADY N.Y-Members of the New York Air National Guard attend a surprise promotion call for Senor Airman Samantha Post from the 107th Medical Group stationed at Stratton Air National Guard Base in support of the NY National Guard response to COVID19 as she was promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant in the New York Air National Guard.But the promotion wasnt the only total surprise to Amn Post. What made it even more special was that she was promoted by Major General Timothy LaBarge the Assistant Adjutant General and the Commander of the New York Air National Guard.The reason why the general wanted to be here was that Senior Airman now Staff Sergeant Post was on duty at the SUNY Albany COVID19 testing site this year when an emergency happened and Sgt Post saved a mans life.
Jun 12, 2020
An LC-130 assigned to the 109th Airlift Wing of the New York Air National Guard passes by an American flag erected on a fire trucks ladder during a flyover at St. Marys Hospital in Amsterdam N.Y. on May 12 2020. The wing conducted a multi-city flyover on May 12 as part of the Air Force Salutes flyover program to salute medical workers first responders and essential employees during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
May 12, 2020
SCOTIA, N.Y--The New York Air National Guard's 109th Airlift Wing will conduct a flyover to salute healthcare workers, essential workers, and first responders across Capital Region, North Country and Mohawk Valley on Tuesday, May 12. The flight will go over hospitals in Amsterdam, Utica, Glens Falls, Saratoga Springs, Troy, Albany, and Schenectady. The flight is part of an Air Force-wide effort to conduct flyovers to salute first responders.
May 08, 2020
ALASKA--U.S. Marines with 5th Battalion 11th Marine Regiment load a M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) onto a New York Air National Guard LC-130H assigned to the 109th Airlift Wing during U.S. Northern Commands Exercise Arctic Edge. Arctic Edge 2020 is a North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command exercise scheduled every two years. The exercise focuses on training experimentation techniques tactics and procedures development for Homeland Defense operations in an Arctic environment. Arctic Edge 20 provides opportunities to validate Arctic capabilities. The 109th Airlift Wing sent 65 Airmen and two planes to the exercise
Mar 05, 2020
ANTARCTICA- A loadmaster from the New York Air National Guard's 109th Airlift Wing directs the loading of cargo on board an LC-130 "Skibird" on Jan. 24, 2020. The wing flies equipment and people across Antarctica in support of the National Science Foundation's research on the continent. Loading gear on board an LC-130 is like playing Tetris, the video game that requires matching different shapes in places where they will fit.
Feb 11, 2020
GLENVILLE- Airmen from the 109th Airlift Wing provide funeral honors for New York Air National Guard Staff Sgt. George Girtler on January 31, 2020 at St. Anthony Cemetery, Glenville, N.Y. Girtler, a mechanic in the wing, died of a pulmonary embolism on January 11 while deployed to McMurdo Station, Antarctica with other members of the 109th Airlift Wing. Girtler, age 37,was an aircraft electrical and environmental specialist.
Feb 03, 2020
STRATTON AIR GUARD BASE--A finished crate constructed by Airmen of the 109th Airlift Wing and designed to carry the landing gear skis that enable wing's LC-130s to land on ice and snow, sits on a trailer ready to be shipped to Antarctica for use at Stratton Air National Guard Base in Scotia N.Y. in December 2019. The 109th Airlift Wings Logistical Readiness Squadron designed the new crates to carry the 25-foot long skis of the wing's LC-130s.
Jan 10, 2020
STRATTON ANGB- Snow shovels wait to be loaded into humvees lined up and ready to go at Stratton Air National Guard Base in Scotia N.Y. on Dec. 3 2019 as members of the 109th Airlift Wing of the New York Air National Guard prepare to help clean up after a major storm which hit the region on Dec. 1 and 2 2019. New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo called out up to 300 New York National Guard Soldiers and Airmen to assist in the wake of the storm.
Dec 10, 2019
MCMURDO STATION ANTARCTICA -- An LC-130 assigned to the New York Air National Guard's 109th Airlift Wing takes off from the runway at McMurdo Station, Antarctica on Nov. 14, 2019. The 109th is the DoD only ski-equipped aircraft supporting the National Science Foundation and the United States Antarctica Program.
Nov 19, 2019
New York Air National Guard Master Sgt. Roger Yurko the 109th Airlift Wing Emergency Management directs Staff Sgt Kaitlyn Keefe as sheoperates a Kabota Skid Steer to rebuild a shoulder on White Creek Road in the the town of Newpor Herkimer County N.Y on Nov. 3 2019. The 109th Airlift Wing dispatched its debris clearance team and general purpose forces in support of the New York National Guard effort to assist the county after a major storm on Halloween night 2019.
Nov 04, 2019
STRATTON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE N.Y-- Members of the 109th Airlift Wing roll out with humvees and debris cleaing equipment in support of the flodding in upstate New York. Over 200 members of the New York National Guard will recieve missions this morning and work the day across Herkimer County focusing on debris removal . General purpose members could be allocaed almost anywhere the damage is most severe .
Nov 02, 2019
An LC-130 Skibird assigned to the New York Air National Guards 109th Airlift Wing takes off from Stratton Air National Guard Base in Scotia N.Y. on Monday October 28 2019 en route to McMurdo Station Antarctica. The trip will take approximately one week. The 109th which supports the U.S. Antarctic Program each year as part of the militarys Operation Deep Freeze will deploy five aircraft to Antarctica. About 600 Airmen will deploy between October 2019 and March 2020. ( U.S. Air National Guard Photo by Senior Master Sgt William Gizara)
Oct 28, 2019
THULE, Greenland-- New York Air National Guard Airmen from the 109th Airlift Wing and Royal Canadian Air Force Airmen from 8 Wing in Trenton Ontario who teamed up to resupply Canadian Forces Station Alert as part of Operation Boxtop pose for a photo in front of a Ne York Air National Guard C-130 at Thule Air Base Greenland on October 3 2019.
Oct 09, 2019
STRATTON ANGB--Col. Michelle Kilgore, (left) the commander of the New York Air National Guard's 109th Airlift Wing,passes the guidon of the 109th Maintenance Group to Lt. Col. William Carraher, the new commander of the group during change of command ceremonies at Stratton Air National Guard Base on Sept. 7, 2019. Col. Robert Donaldson, the outgoing commander, is at right.
Sep 19, 2019
PARIS--Airmen from the New York Air National Guards 109th Airlift Wing attending the Paris Air Show June 17-23 point to the spot at Le Bourget Airport where Charles Lindbergh landed after flying solo from Long Island to Paris on May 21 1927 on June 18 2019. They are from left 1st Lt. Laura James Senior Airman Ben LaFond and 1st Lt. Dan Urbanski. The wing sent 12 Airmen and an LC-130 the worlds largest ski-equipped aircraft to participate in the world famous Paris Air Show.
Jun 20, 2019
NEW YORK--Col. Michele Kilgore commander of the 109th Airlift Wing gives an interview during Air National Guard Day 2019 at Penn Station in New York City May 17 2019. New York City officials drafted a proclamation declaring ANG Day 2019 in order to recognize and support the Air National Guards mission which empowers citizens of the city through world-class training tuition assistance and career opportunities.
May 23, 2019
THULE GREENLAND-- Gen. Terrence OShaughnessy,the commander of North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command, stands with New York Air National Guard Lt. Col. Stephen Slosek during a visit to the base at Thule Greenland, April 24-25. The 109th currently has Airmen deployed to Greenland supporting National Science Foundation missions .
May 01, 2019
STRATTON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE N.Y-- The first of several LC-130 Hercules from the 109th Airlift Wing New York Air National Guard base in Schnectady New York takes off to Greenland in support of the National Science Foundation research projects. In addition to carrying cargo for science the 109th aircrews will conduct important ski-landing training and off-loading operations conducted each year.
Apr 24, 2019
STRATTON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE -- 109th Airlift Wing Security Forces Airmen carry a stretcher case during an obstacle course challenge on April 6 2019. The airmen had to complete specific challenges that included shooting at targets working together to solve a puzzle and providing medical aid to simulated airman in addition to physical fitness challenges throughout the course.
Apr 11, 2019
A member of the New York Air National Guards 109th Airlift Wing performs maintenance on an LC-130 ski equipped aircraft at McMurdo Station Antarctica on December 17 2018. The 109th Airlift Wing provided aviation support to U.S. Antarctic research mission from October 2018 to February 2019 as part of Operation Deep Freeze the U.S. military support to the National Science Foundation. The mission wrapped up at the end of February.
Mar 04, 2019
BALLSTON SPA--New York Air National Guard Master Sgt. Kyle Defeo assigned to the 109th Airlift Wing in Scotia N.Y. helps load donated Christmas trees at Ellms Tree Farm in Ballston Spa N.Y. November 26 2018. Nearly 20 volunteers turned out to help load 130 Christmas Trees bound for military families at Fort Bragg N.C. The effort supported Trees for Troops a nationwide campaign of the Christmas Spirit Foundation to deliver donated trees to military personnel and their families across the country and around the globe.
Nov 29, 2018
STRATTON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE--An LC-130 assigned to the New York Air National Guard's 109th Airlift Wing leaves Stratton Air National Guard Base on Sept. 16 en route to McMurdo Sound, Antarctica. The 109th Airlift Wing flies the only ski-equipped planes in the U.S. military which can land on snow and ice. The 109th provides support for National Science Foundation research on the continent as part of the U.S. militaries Operation Deep Freeze.
Oct 19, 2018
MENANDS--New York Air National Guard Brig. Gen. Timothy J. LaBarge, the NewYork National Guard Director of Joint Staff, and Command Chief Master Sgt. Maureen Dooley, the senior ranking noncommissioned officer for the New York Air National Guard, present a wreath from President Donald Trump at the gravesite of President Chester A. Arthur in Albany Rural Cemetery in Menands, N.Y. on October 5, 2018. Representatives of the United States Armed Forces present a wreath from the current president at the gravesite of past presidents on their birthdays. Arthur, the 21st President of the United States, was born on Oct. 5, 1829.
Oct 05, 2018
SCOTIA--Family members spray New York Air National Guard Lt. Col. David Panzera down with a hose following his list flight as a military pilot with the 109th Airlift Wing at Stratton Air National Guard Base in Scotia N.Y. on Tuesday July 17th 2018. Panzer is retiring after 33 years of service.
Jul 18, 2018
RAVEN CAMP, GREENLAND--Students build a shelter during barren land arctic survival training, commonly known as Kool School on June 9, 2018 at Raven Camp, Greenland. This year, 25 Airmen from the New York Air National Guards 109th Airlift Wing in Scotia, New York, completed the training, learning basic arctic survival skills.
Jun 22, 2018
LATHAM-- Maj. Gen. Anthony German, the Adjutant General of New York, re-administers the officers oath of office to newly promoted Brig. Gen. Shawn Clouthier following his pinning of this one-star rank as the New York Air National Guards newest general officer in Latham, March 21, 2018. Clouthier, the former commander of the 109th Airlift Wing, now serves as the Assistant Adjutant General for the New York Air National Guard
Mar 29, 2018
KINDERHOOK--Brig. Gen. Timothy LaBarge the Chief of Staff for the New York Air National Guard and Command Chief Master Sgt. Denny Richardson of the 109th Airlift Wing salute during a ceremony honoring former President Martin Van Buren at his gravesite in Kinderhook N.Y. on Dec. 5 2017. Members of the military present a wreath from the current President at the gravesites of former presidents on their birthdays. The New York National Guard honors Van Buren and Presidents Millard Filmore and Chester Arthur.
Dec 05, 2017
ANTARCTICA--New York Air National Guard Staff Sgt. Latisha Webb,a 139th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron crew chief, taxis an LC-130 Skibird into the fuel pit on the Williams Field skiway at McMurdo Station, Antarctica, on Nov. 6, 2017. Both Webb and the LC-130 are deployed to Antarctica in support of Operation Deep Freeze from the New York Air National Guards 109th Airlift Wing in Scotia, New York.
Nov 22, 2017
ANTARCTICA--This LC-130 Skibird crew landed at the South Pole Station with minimum visibility and maximum crosswinds and then were forced to make an emergency weather divert to Terra Nova Bay when extreme weather made it unsafe to land at McMurdo Station on Nov. 9 2017. The crew (from left) 1st Lt. Brian Alexander co-pilot; Airman 1st Class Ryan Rhoads loadmaster; Lt. Col. Ronald Ankabrandt navigator; Senior Master Sgt. Michael Messineo flight engineer; Senior Master Sgt. David Vesper loadmaster; and Capt. Brandon Caldwell pilot.
Nov 17, 2017
STRATTON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE --An LC-130 Skibird takes off from Stratton Air National Guard Base Scotia N.Y. to begin the journey to McMurdo Station Antarctica on Oct. 17 2017. This is the 30th season that the unit will participate in Operation Deep Freeze the military component of the U.S. Antarctic Program which is managed by the National Science Foundation.
Oct 19, 2017
STRATTON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE-- Col. Michele Kilgore, center, accepts the guidon of the 109th Airlift Wing from Major General Anthony German, the Adjutant General of New York and Commander of the New York Air National Guard, during change of command ceremonies on Sunday, Oct. 15, as Col. Shawn Clouthier, the outgoing commander, looks on. Kilgore is the first female commander of the wing and the second woman to command a New York Air National Guard flying wing.
Oct 16, 2017
KANGERLUSSUAQ, GREENLAND -- Staff Sgt. Kayla Ludivig, crew chief with the 109th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, marshalls an LC-130 Skibird before it takes off for Raven Camp, Greenland, on July 27, 2017. The 109th AW is currently in its fifth rotation of the Greenland season which started in April and will run through September. Four LC-130s and about 100 Airmen are deployed here from Stratton Air National Guard Base, Scotia, New York, during the current rotation.
Jul 27, 2017
STRATTON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE N.Y. -- Airman 1st Class Frances Andrew is assigned to the 109th Airlift Wings Command Support Staff here. Andrew first arrived in the United States in 2001 at the age of 21. He grew up in a refugee camp from the age of 7 and is known as one of the Lost Boys of Sudan.
Jun 13, 2017
STRATTON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE-- Employers of Airmen assigned to the 109th Airlift Wing of the New York Air National Guard board an LC-130 "Skibird" at Stratton Air National Guard Base in Scotia, N.Y. on April 14. The wing flies the only ski-equipped aircraft in the U.S. military. A "boss lift" provides employers of National Guard Airmen with an idea of what their employees part-time job entails.
Apr 17, 2017
STRATTON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE--Airmen assigned to the New York Air National Guard's 109th Airlift Wing offload from a C-17 Globemaster III from the 105th Airlift Wing at Stratton Air National Guard Base Scotia New York on March 1 2017. The Airmen were in Antarctica supporting the 29th season of Operation Deep Freeze the military component of the U.S. Antarctic Program managed by the National Science Foundation.
Mar 01, 2017
STRATTON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE--Col Shawn Clouthier Commander 109th Airlift Wing Stratton Air National Guard base Scotia NY along with Col Alan Ross Vice Commander 109th Airlift Wing and Major General Anthony German, the Adjutant General of New York, gives a tour of the units LC-130 aircraft to US Senator Kristen Gillibrand and staff on 19 Febuary 2017 at Stratton Air National Guard base Scotia NY. The senator visited the base to learn more about the wing's mission supporting the National Science Foundation.
Feb 22, 2017
STRATTON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE --An LC-130 "Skibird" assigned to the 109th Airlift Wing of the New York Air National Guard sits on the flightline at Stratton Air National Guard Base in Scotia, N.Y. on Feb. 9, 2017 as snow clearing operations begin as a nor'easter storm hits the base. The 109th Airlift Wing operates the only ski-equipped aircraft in the U.S. military and supports operations in theAntarctic, Greenland, and the high Arctic.
Feb 09, 2017
ANTARCTICA --U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Dan Hokanson,the vice chief of the National Guard Bureau, second from right; and United States Air Force Lt. Gen. Scott Rice, Air National Guard Director, meet with Airmen of the 109th Airlift Wing on Feb. 2 during a visit to Operation Deep Freeze, a joint service, on-going defense support to civilian authorities activity in support of the National Science Foundation (NSF), lead agency for the United States Antarctic Program. LC-130 ski-equipped Hercules cargo planes deployed forward to Antarctica from the 109th Airlift Wing, Stratton Air National Guard Base, New York, provide on-continent heavy lift to the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station, Antarctica, and other remote science outposts in Antarctica.
Feb 08, 2017
STRATTON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE -- Spouses of Airmen assigned to the New York Air National Guard's 109th Airlift Wing stand before ski-equipped LC-130 Hercules on Oct. 21, 2016 before taking an orientation flight. "The spouse orientation flights are part of an incentive flight program designed to familiarize the military spouse with our unit's aircraft/mission and to enhance understanding of our contribution to the U.S. Air Force," said Col. Christian Sander, 109th Operations Group commander.
Oct 25, 2016
STRATTON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE --An LC-130 "Skibird" with the New York Air National Guard's 109th Airlift Wing departs for McMurdo Station, Antarctica, from Stratton Air National Guard Base in Scotia, N.Y. on Oct. 18, 2016. This is the 29th season that the unit will participate in Operation Deep Freeze, the military component of the U.S. Antarctic Program, which is managed by the National Science Foundation.
Oct 19, 2016
STRATTON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE -- Community leaders and members of the Schenectady Unified Military Affairs Council or UMAC participate in a civic leader orientation flight, Sept. 2, 2016. The 109th Airlift Wing hosted the group and provided an overview of the unit's polar and aeromedical evacuation programs.
Sep 14, 2016
STRATTON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE--Civil Air Patrol Cadets got a first hand look at an MQ-9 Reaper from the 174th Attack Wing, Syracuse, New York, on July 27, 2016. One hundred and sixty-five cadets from New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and Connecticut, ages 12-21, are at Stratton Air National Guard Base for a weeklong leadership encampment.
Jul 27, 2016
STRATTON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE--Brig.Gen. Timothy LaBarge Chief of Staff of the New York Air National Guard demonstrates the prescription drop box placed at Stratton Air National Guard Base by the New York National Guard Counterdrug Task Force on Monday July 11 2016. The drop box located in the Security Forces building allows Airmen and Soldiers stationed at the base to get rid of unneeded prescription medications before they can be abused by somebody.
Jul 11, 2016
KANGERLUSSUAQ, GREENLAND --LC-130 "Skibirds" from the New York Air National Guards 109th Airlift Wing in Scotia, New York sit on the runway at Kangerlussuaq Greenland on June 27 2016. Four LC-130s and about 80 Airmen from the Wing recently completed the third rotation of the 2016 Greenland season. Airmen and aircraft for the 109th Airlift Wing stage out of Kangerlussuaq Greenland during the summer months supplying fuel and supplies and transporting passengers in and out of various National Science Foundation camps throughout the entire season.
Jul 11, 2016
STEWART AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE--Members from the 109th Security Forces Squadron firing on the Stewart Air National Guard Base Indoor Range on June 21, 20916 as they test on the Pistol Qualification portion of the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge Competition.
Jun 29, 2016
GLENVILLE -- New York Air National Guard Senior Airman Dominic Scaringe and Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Valk compete in the swim portion of the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge Competition on June 16, 2016, at the Glenville YMCA. Eight Airmen with the 109th Airlift Wing competed in the second phase of the competition - to qualify they needed to swim 100 meters in under 4 minutes.
Jun 17, 2016
CORNWALLIS ISLAND, CANADA-- New York Air National Guard Maj. Matthew Sala taxis in an LC-130 aircraft on the ski-way at Little Cornwallis Island Nunavut Canada on April 13 2016 in support of Canadas annual Operation Nunalivut. Sala was part of the eight-person team from the New York Air National Guards 109th Airlift Wing that prepared the ski-way for LC-130 operations. Nearly 50 Airmen and two LC-130s from the 109th were part of the exercise. This is the third year the 109th has participated.
Apr 20, 2016
STRATTON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE--New York Air National Guard Maj. Timothy Novak, a navigator with the 109th Airlift Wing, exits an LC-130Hercules aircraft after returning back to Stratton Air National Guard Base, New York, on March 8,2016, after supporting support of Operation Deep Freeze in Antarctica.. Five hundred members of the wing conducted operations at McMurdo Station from October to March in support of the National Science Foundation, by flying 3,900 researchers and support staff plus about 4 million pounds of cargo and 1.2 million pounds of fuel to research stations across Antarctica.
Mar 10, 2016
MCMURDO STATION, ANTARCTICA--An LC-130 Skibird from the New York Air National Guard's 109th Airlift Wing , like this one sitting on the ice runway near McMurdo Station Antarctica Nov. 9 2015 flew an emergency mission on Saturday, Feb 27, to carry 35 Australian researchers from their base 1,400 miles away across the continent, back to McMurdo. The Australians, who had been working at the Australian Antarctic Division's Davis Station, were supposed to leave on an Australian icebreaker, but the ship ran aground before it could get to them.
Mar 01, 2016
ANTARCTICA-- The view from theflight deck of a New York Air National Guard LC-130 "Skibird" as aircrew assigned to the 139th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron fly a mission in support of Operation Deep Freeze in Antarctica Dec. 2 2015. A total of seven LC-130s are deployed from the New York Air National Guards 109th Airlift Wing in Scotia New York this season and about 330 missions planned through the season which ends in February.
Jan 21, 2016
Members of the New York Army and Air National Guard load one of about 125 donated Christmas Trees at Ellms Tree Farm in Charlton N.Y. in support of their delivery this holiday season as part of Trees for Troops on Monday. Nov. 30. The Soldiers part of the 42nd Infantry Division Headquarters and Airmen from the 109th Airlift Wing were present to show their support of fellow service members currently overseas for the holiday season. The donated trees will be delivered to Fort Bragg North Carolina.
Nov 23, 2015
CAMP SMITH--New York Air National Guard Tech. Sgt. Adam Myers the non-commissioned officer in charge of the 109th Airlift Wing Fire Department urban search and rescue team at Stratton Air National Guard Base directd high angle training during a joint search and rescue training exercise Oct. 21 2015 at Camp Smith New York with members of the New York Air National Guards 106th Rescue Wing. The 109th USAR team the lead within the New York Air National Guard is currently the only self-sufficient fully capable mobile unit in the Air National Guard.
Oct 23, 2015
STRATTON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Scotia --New York Air National Guard Staff Sgt. Jennifer Bristol and Staff Sgt. Christopher Meyer (center) rescue a victim as Tech. Sgt. Brian Kissinger (right) assists during confined space training for the 109th Fire Departments search and rescue team at Stratton Air National Guard Base New York on Sept. 17 2015. The 12-person search and rescue team trains monthly on various rescue techniques.
Sep 30, 2015
STRATTON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE- Newly promoted New York Air Natgional Guard Col. Jeffrey Hedges the 109th Mission Support Group commander gets pinned by his family during his promotion ceremony Aug. 18 2015 at Stratton Air National Guard Base New York.
Aug 28, 2015
STRATTON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE --New York Air National Guard Chief Master Sgt. Mark Schaible instructs Staff Sgt. Jodie Ruther, a firefighter with the 109th Airlift Wing, on how to operate a skid steer on Aug. 12, 2015 at Stratton Air National Guard Base, New York. The skid steers are part of the equipment package the 109th AW received as part of the debris clearance package to support domestic operations. The 109th Logistic Readiness Squadron's Vehicle Maintenance Flight has been training members throughout the base on the equipment received. Schaible is the Vehicle Maintenance superintendent.
Aug 14, 2015
STRATTON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE-- Members of the 139th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron of the New York Air National Guards 109th Airlift Wing the 118th Medical Group Tennessee Air National guard and the Albany New York Veterans Administration members carry patients made up from the New York Civil Air Patrol from the staging area tent to a LC-130 Hercules aircraft during an exercise at Stratton Air National Guard Base Scotia New York.
Aug 04, 2015
STRATTON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE-- Members of the Alplaus Fire Department deal with a simulated casualty with a sign post in his stomach during a Major Accident Response Exercise conducted on Sunday, June 14 by the 109th Airlift Wing here. The exercise tested the ability of the wing and local first responders to deal with a tanker fire and other incidents at the base. About 50 local fire fighters, emergency medical service and police took part in the exercise.
Jun 16, 2015
STRATTON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE--Airmen don their masks during the hands-on chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear training at Stratton Air National Guard Base, New York, on April 18, 2015. The training was part of the 109th Airlift Wing's first ancillary training rodeo where more than 200 Airmen were trained on CBRN as well as self-aid and buddy care.
Apr 21, 2015
CAMBRIDGE BAY, Nunavut, Canada -A ski-equipped LC-130 Hercules assigned to the New York Air National Guard's 109th Airlift Wing lands at Cambridge Bay Airport, Nunavut to drop off cargo during Operation NUNALIVUT 2015, on April 14, 2015. Two LC-130s from the 109th and their crews are supporting this annual Canadian Forces Exercise.
Apr 20, 2015
STRATTON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE--New York Air National Guard Master Sgt. Shawn Talbota member of the 109th Maintenance Squadron talks to the media after his flight home from McMurdo Station Antarctica to Strattion Air National Guard Base outside Schenectady N.Y. on Tuesday Feb. 24 2015. Talboty and 29 other Airmen returned home after supporting Operation Deep Freeze in Antarctica. More Airmen and LC-130 ski-equipped aircraft will return throughout the week following the the 109th Airlift Wings 27th year supporting the National Science Foundation.
Feb 26, 2015
McMurdo Station, Antarctica--Secretary of the Air Force, Deborah Lee James, greets 109th Airlift Wing members Airman 1st Class Wyatt Peters and Lt. Col. Kurt Bedore in Antarctica on 25 January, 2015. Both Airmen were supporting transportation operations in Antarctica as part of Operation Deep Freeze. The first of seven deployed LC-130s returned to Stratton Air National Guard base early on Tuesdaymorning, Feb. 24 and Airmen and plans will be arriving back in New York all week.
Feb 24, 2015
AMSTERDAM-- Members of the New York Air National Guard's 109th Airlift Wing attending the Marie Curie Institute magnet school's "Valentines for Vets" program on Friday, Feb. 13.Each of the Airmen received cards made by the students
Feb 13, 2015
MCMURDO STATION, Antarctica-- New York Air National Guard Tech. Sgt. Jonathan Peck, a member of the 109th Airlift Wing, runs the annual McMurdo Marathon in Antarctica on Jan. 11, 2015. He and Master Sgt. Michael Lazzari, also a 109th Airlift Wing member both ran the 26.2-mile course -- a feat few in the world can say they accomplished. The wing rotates Airmen and ski-eqipped LC-130 planes into and out of the United States McMurdo Station to support Antarctic research duiing the Antarctic summer from the wing's home at Stratton Air Natinal Guard Base in Scotia.
Jan 14, 2015
SCHENECTADY-- New York Air National Guard 1st Lt. Jared Semerad, Tech. Sgt. Brittany Rinaldi and Airman 1st Class Tobin read to preschoolers at Howe Early Childhood Education Center in Schenectady, New York, on Oct. 21, 2014. Airmen with the 109th Airlift Wing and other community members read to children throughout the school as part of Howe's participation in Jumpstart's national campaign of "Read for the Record".
Oct 27, 2014
STRATTON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE --An LC-130 Hercules with the 109th Airlift Wing takes off from Stratton Air National Guard Base, Scotia, New York, on Oct. 17, 2014. The aircraft is headed to Antarctica for the Wing's 27th year participating in Operation Deep Freeze in support of the National Science Foundation. The 109th AW boasts the U.S. military's only ski-equipped aircraft, which has been supporting the NSF's South Pole research since 1988.
Oct 20, 2014
STRATTON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Scotia -- A rainbow appears over the flight line here on Thursday, Oct.9, as an LC-130 Skibird waits for its next mission. Airmen from the 109th Airlift Wing will begin deploying to Antarctica next week in support of Operation Deep Freeze, the U.S. military support to the United States Antarctic program.
Oct 09, 2014
SCHENECTADY --New York Air National Guard Airmen with the 109th Airlift Wing participated in the Adopt-A-Highway program in Schenectady New York on Aug. 10 2014. The First Six Council planned the event to clean up the Wings neighboring community and will be out four times a year.
Aug 11, 2014
KANGERLUSSUAQ, Greenland--An LC-130 "Skibird" with the 109th Airlift Wing from Stratton Air National Guard Base, Scotia, N.Y., takes off from Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, on June 29, 2014, for Summit Camp. Two LC-130s and 70 Airmen from the Wing recently completed the fourth rotation of the 2014 Greenland season. The unit flies supply and refueling missions to various camps in support of the National Science Foundation and also trains for the Operation Deep Freeze mission in Antarctica.
Jul 03, 2014
SCHENECTADY COUNTY AIRPORT--New York Air National Guard Airmen with the 109th Airlift Wing pull an LC-130 aircraft 15 feet at Richmor Aviation Schenectady County Airport on May 22 2014 as part of the the Unified Military Association Councils Airplane Pull. The 109th team of 25 members kicked off the event pulling the aircraft in 1448 seconds. The corporate challenge included nearly 20 teams most of which were corporations throughout the community.
May 23, 2014
SHERARD OSBORN ISLAND, Nunavut--An LC-130 Hercules aircraft from the New York Air National Guard’s 109th Airlift Wing flies over Ice Camp One, Sherard Osborn Island, Nunavut during Operation NUNALIVUT on April 15, 2014. The exercise tests Canadian and American forces ability to respond to threats in the high Arctic. The 109th Airlift Wing flies the only ski-equipped aircraft in the U.S. military.
Apr 18, 2014
RESOLUTE BAY, Nunavut--In this Canadian Forces Photo An LC-130 of the New York Air National Guard's 109th Airlift Wing lands at the Resolute Bay Airport, Nunavut on April 11, during Operation NUNALIVUT 2014, an annual exercise conducted by the Canadian Forces Joint Task Force North. The 109th Airlift Wing is a New York Air National Guard unit who will be using this aircraft to position fuel and supplies for the operation. The 109th Airlift Wing employs the United States Department of Defence’s only ski-equipped aircraft capable of conducting operations in remote Polar Regions.
Apr 14, 2014
COLONIE-- New York Air National Guard Airmen of the 109th Airlift Wing return to the Capital Region from Bagram, Afghanistan on Saturday, March 15. The Airmen were greeted by friends and family after arriving at Albany International Airport following a six month deployment.
Mar 17, 2014
PEGASUS FIELD, Antarctica- An LC-130 Skibird from the New York Air National Guard's 109th Airlift Wing is jacked up on the frozen ice shelf of Pegasus field 16 Jan 2014 after aircrew discovered a landing gear issue. The maintenance crews of the 109th Airlift Wing do not have hangars to work out of while deployed to Antarctica for Operation DEEP FREEZE and must work in the elements and handle unique challenges nearly every day.
Feb 04, 2014
SCOTIA N.Y. -- Air National Guardsmen construct a tower made of spaghetti and marshmallows during a team building exercise Jan. 11 at the 109th Airlift Wings first Leadership Development Course. The three-day course held by the 109th AW chiefs council at the Naval Operations Support Center Jan. 10-12 2014 covered topics including Profession of Arms performance review writing time management and career management.
Jan 16, 2014
STRATTON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Scotia-- U.S. Senator Charles Schumer inspects and LC-130 "Ski Bird" aircraft flown by the New York Air National Guard's 109th Airlift Wing during a visit to the base on Friday, Jan. 3. Col. Shawn Clouthier, the wing commander, provided the Senator with a tour of the aircraft and then presented a briefing on the wing's mission of support for National Science Foundation research in Antarctica and Greenland.
Jan 06, 2014
ALBANY N.Y. -- The 109th Airlift Wing Company Grade Officers Council donated 2250 to the Fisher House on Dec. 17 2013 with funds raised from a golf tournament the council hosted earlier in the year. Pictured are (from left) Capt. James Vendetti Capt. James Roth Linda Weiss Stratton VA Medical Center Director Capt. Melissa Cucchi Capt. Ashley FitzGibbon and Jerry Jensen Albany Fisher House Manager.
Dec 19, 2013
AMUNDSEN-SCOTT STATION, ANTARCTICA, South Pole -- New York National Guard Command Sgt. Major Frank Wicks ( right) and 109th Airlift Wing Command Chief Master Sgt. Amy Giaquinto at the South Pole during a Thanksgiving Week visit to meet with New York National Guard Airmen from the 109th who support the United States Antarctic Program run by the National Science Foundation. The two journeyed to the South Pole Station on board a New York Air National Guard LC-130 as part of their trip
Dec 03, 2013
SCOTIA N.Y. - New York Air National Guard Staff Sergeants Michael Crisalli (left) and Ernesto Morales (right) from the 109th Security Forces squadron begin the tactical obstacle course as part of warrior week training at Stratton Air National Guard base 20 Sep 2013. The warrior week exercise was conducted to build team-working skills confidence and develop real-world tactical experience for security forces members.
Oct 08, 2013
STRATTON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Scotia--Airman assigned to the 139th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron of the New York Air National Guard's 109th Airlift Wing work alongside civilian agencies to carry a simulated patient, a Civil Air Patrol cadet, to an LC-130 aircraft Aug. 8, 2013. The patient transport is part of an exercise, which highlighted the vital function of the 109AW and 139AES in the National Disaster Medical System and homeland defense mission as well as the cooperation and coordination between the 109AW and New York state civilian medical and emergency management assets.
Aug 09, 2013
STRATTON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE--Pilot Maj Joshua Hicks arrives at Stratton ANGB after flying a New York Air National Guard LC-130 aircraft assigned to the 109th Airlift Wing from Antarctica in support of the National Science Foundation operations. The ski-equipped LC-130s operated by the 109th Airlift Wing are the only aircraft in the United States military capable of landing on snow and ice. This is the 24th year that the 109th will support operations in Antarctica.
Feb 25, 2013
ANTARCTICA-- New Zealand Prime Minster John Key and his wife Bronagh, pose for a photo with members of the New York Air National Guard’s 109th Airlift Wing during a trip to Antarctica. The 109th Airlift Wing crew picked the Prime Minister up in New Zealand and flew him to McMurdo Station for his multi-day visit earlier in January. With the Prime Minster and his wife are LtCol Vinnie Wilson (Navigator),Major Dave Panzera (Pilot), Captain Patrick Newton (Co-Pilot), Tech Sgt Brandon Gutthinger (Flight Engineer), Staff Sgt Bret Gatta and Senior Airman Treavor Britt, both Loadmasters.
Jan 30, 2013
QUEENS-- New York Air National Guard Senior Airman Abby of the 109th Medical Group, Air National Guard Base, Scotia, N.Y., and Pattersonville, N.Y., native, evaluates New York Army National Guard Pfc. Nathaly Eumana, a motor transport operator of the 719th Transportation Company, New York City, N.Y., during a routine visit to the Floyd Bennet Field aid station, New York City, on Nov. 10, 2012. Nine Students from the St. Paul School of Nursing, visited medical service members mobilized in support of Huuricane Sandy relief efforts.
Nov 14, 2012
SCOTIA, NY (08/16/12) - Megan Lambert gets prepared to climb a rock wall sponsored by the New York National Guard Counterdrug Task Force at Stratton Air National Guard Base on August 16th, 2012. Assisting Megan is Senior Airman Chris Pierson from Counterdrug. Airman Pierson said these activities are presented as an alternative to taking drugs. It’s going great today. They are learning a lot. These activities help the kids learn how to overcome the challenges in life.
Aug 16, 2012
STRATTON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE , Scotia N.Y. --New York Army National Guard Soldiers from the 42nd Infantry Division load personnel and cargo onto a C-130 Hercules aircraft here on August 10th, 2012. The Soldiers were training to deploy an advance part from the division headquarters, according to Lt. Col. John Andonie, the Division Operations Officer. The 42nd were heading to Fort Pickett, Virginia to set up a Command and Control Center which would initiate communication back to Operations.
Aug 10, 2012
STRATTON ANGB, Scotia NY. --New York Air National Guard Tech.Sgt Brandon Guthinger, a flight engineer with the 109th Airlift Wing, gets a warm welcome from his wife Misty and daughter Brianna as he returns from South East Asia. Guthinger had been deployed since February.
Jul 17, 2012
STRATTON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE--Members from the 109th Airlift Wing, New York Air National Guard load personnel onto a C-130 Hercules aircraft on 9 March 2012 at Stratton Air National Guard Base, Scotia, New York. The 109th deployed 30 members to support Operation EDURING FREEDOM. Members of the 109th will be deployed for at least 60 days.
Mar 09, 2012
STRATTON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE - The propellers of a New York Air National Guard LC-130 assigned to the 109th Airlift Wing make spirals in the early morning rain as the plan takes off for Antarctica on October 14. The flight was the first in a series that Airmen from the 109th will make to support Operation Deep Freeze, the resupply of Antarctica research stations.
Oct 14, 2011
STRATTON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Scotia-- Members of the Navy Reserve welcome the ship’s bell of the USS Schenectady here on Wednesday, Sept. 14. The bell,which has been in storage since the landing ship tank was decommissioned in 1993, will be displayed on the "quarterdeck" of the United States Navy Operational Support Center in the Glenville Armed Forces Reserve Center. The bell was flown from the storage site to the Capital Region on a C-130 assigned to the 109th Airlift Wing.
Sep 15, 2011
Middleburgh, N.Y.-- New York Air National Guard Master Sgt Mike Rogers from the 109th Logistics Readiness Squadron uses a chain saw to help break apart a large tree stump which blocks the track at the Middleburg High school. The Airman was one of 55 members of the 109th Airlift Wing, based at Stratton Air National Guard Base in Scotia, N.Y. who assisted in a project to clean up flood damage at the Middleburgh High School. The Airmen cleaned the school’s gym, basketball court, bus garage, boiler room, track, sewage treatment plant, and hallways during the first day of a two-day operation.
Sep 06, 2011
STRATTON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE--Airman 1st Class Dan James, a loadmaster from the New York Air National Guard’s 109th Airlift Wing answers questions from Capitol Region media about the return of the units LC-130 aircraft from earthquake torn New Zealand. James recalled the feeling of being in an earthquake and described the powerful sensation and sounds that he experience that day. The 109th deploys each year to Antarctica in support of Operation DEEP FREEZE and uses Christchurch New Zealand as deployed duty location to launch aircraft to and from McMurdo Station Antarctica. This aircraft made the 11,000 mile journey home on March 1st 2011.
Mar 02, 2011
MCMURDO BASE, Antarctica--Major General Patrick Murphy (left) the Adjutant General of New York, speaks with members of the New York Air National Guard’s 109th Airlift Wing at McMurdo Base in Antarctica prior to boarding an LC-130 for a flight to the South Pole on January 31. Murphy visited the Antarctic to get a first-hand look at the vital mission the Schenectady-based 109th handles each year when it flies supplies and people around the continent in support of National Science Foundations Missions. Every component of the Amundsen-Scott Station the United States maintains at the bottom of the world was flown in by a New York Air National Guard aircraft.
Feb 07, 2011
STRATTON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE--New York Air National Guard Master Sgt Kerri Booth, a Loadmaster with the 109th Airlift Wing,explains duties onboard her units LC130 Hercules aircraft to members of a South African National Defence Force Reserves delegation on Sunday, Dec.5. The South Africans toured the base and the unit’s LC130 ski equipped Hercules aircraft. The 109th Airlift Wing supports the National Science Foundation by deploying every year to Antarctica bringing important cargo 11,000 miles to the bottom of the world. Pictured are (from left) South African Rear Admiral Earnst Penzhorn, Director of Naval Reserves; Booth; South African Major Gen. Roy Andersen, Chief of Defence Force Reserves; Brig. Gen. Isaac Osborne, Deputy Commander of U.S. Army Africa; and Brig. Gen.Gen Susan Molefe,Director of Defence Reserves.
Dec 06, 2010
STRATTON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Scotia--An LC-130 belonging to the New York Air National Guard’s 109th Airlift Wing roars down the runway here on Friday, Oct. 15 as it heads for Antarctica. The plane and its seven-member crew are the first of six ski-equipped C-130s that will spend the 16-week Antarctic summer transporting people and equipment around the southern continent in support of the National Science Foundation.
Oct 18, 2010
STRATTON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE--Col. Timothy LaBarge accepts the colors of the 109th Airlift Wing from Brig. Gen. Patrick Murphy, the Adjutant General, during change of command ceremonies held at the base on Saturday, June 12. LaBarge took over from Col. Anthony German who was promoted to Brig. Gen. on Sunday. June 13 and is now taking on the duties of Assistant Adjutant General for Air.
Jun 15, 2010
JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR HICKAM, Hawaii -- As part of Operation Deep Freeze, Airmen at McMurdo Station, Antarctica, held a retreat ceremony Feb. 16 after the last LC-130 Hercules belonging to the New York Air National Guard's 109th Airlift Wing left the continent. The 2009-2010 season of Deep Freeze, the Department of Defense's logistical support to the National Science Foundation and U.S. Antarctic Program in Antarctica, is wrapping up as personnel re-deploy from Antarctica and New Zealand. In this file photo from 2007, a maintenance crew conducts a post-flight check of an LC-130 Hercules on the ice runway near McMurdo Station, Antarctica, during Operation Deep Freeze. Ski-equipped LC-130s, crews and support personnel from the New York Air National Guard's 109th Airlift Wing from Scotia, N.Y., supported the 13th Air Force-led Joint Task Force Support Forces Antarctica, Operation Deep Freeze. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Shane A. Cuomo (RELEASED)
Feb 23, 2010
HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE, Hawaii--New York Air National Guard Tech. Sgt. David Aymat refuels a LC-130 Hercules belonging to New York's 109th Airlift Wing at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, on Oct. 28 in preparation for a flight to Antarctica. Sergeant Aymat and the rest of his LC-130 aircrew stopped at Hickam while en route to Antarctica to support Operation Deep Freeze, the Department of Defense's logistical support to U.S. research activities at the southernmost continent. Sergeant Aymat is an LC-130 crew chief assigned to the New York Air National Guard?s 109th Airlift Wing at Stratton Air National Guard Base, N.Y.
Oct 30, 2009
STRATTON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Scotia--An LC-130 belonging to the New York Air National Guard's 109th Airlift Wing roars down the runway here as it takes to the air en route to the South Pole on Wednesday Oct. 21 as the wing kicked off its 21st year of providing support to science research in the Antarctic. The 109th Airlift Wing is the only unit in the United States military flying aircraft equipped with skis that can land on ice and snow. About 300 members of the wing will spend 16 weeks resupplying Antarctic bases operated by the National Science Foundation and Australia.
Oct 21, 2009
STRATTON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Scotia-- New York Air National Guiard Airmen assigned to the state CERFP check their medical equipment on Friday, June 5, as they prepare for a major exercise at the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control training site in Albany. The CERFP, which stands for CBRNE (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and enhanced-yield Explosive) Enhanced Response Force Pacakge, is a team of Army and Air National Guardsmen trained to extract victims from destroyed buildings, decontaminate them and provide emergency medical care. New York fields one of 17 such teams in the United States.
Jun 06, 2009
LATHAM-- Col. Theodore Limpert and other members of Joint Forces headquarters-New York Air National Guard practice chest compressions as part of the American Heart Association's newest Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)training program. Thirty New York Air National Guardsmen participated in the March training session and committed to the training of an additional 90 family members and friends. "This was a great opportunity for our headquarters staff to gain life saving training," stated State Air Surgeon Dr. (Col) Reid Muller, who himself has saved two lives through use of CPR training. "Based upon our success with the headquarters staff, it is our hope that we might encourage similar training sessions in Air National Guard units statewide," he said.
Apr 06, 2009
LATHAM, NY- New York Air National Guard Master Sgt. Willie Gizara, pretends to be a penguin as he presents his program, "A Visit to Antarctica" to the children of military parents attending the New York National Guard Family Symposium Nov. 8-9. Gizara, the multi-media manager for the 109th Airlift Wing, which flies ski-equipped C-130s to the South Pole, also mugs it up with a penguin on screen. Gizara's presentation was one of a number of events the 85 children who attended the weekend participated in while their parents--volunteers who make the National Guard's Family Readiness Group's work--were discussing better ways to take care of military families.
Nov 10, 2008
COLONIE, NY -- Donald Bowman, Niverville, NY completes the Family Readiness Council 5K "Hometown Heroes Run" on Saturday, June 14, 2008. Bowman is the spouse of Master Sgt. Kimberly Bowman, a recruiting supervisor with the 109th Airlift Wing, Scotia, NY. The couple participated in the run to help raise money to support families of deployed troops.
Jun 16, 2008
Master Sgt. David Morrison, a member of the Stratton Air National Guard Base Medical Clinic staff, gives a hepatitis A vaccination to an Albanian Child during a medical assistance visit to that country, Feb. 10-16. Morrison and four other medical technicians from the New York Air National Guard?s 109th Airlift Wing spent three days in Albania instructing Albanian Army medics on vaccination procedures, while giving shots to 1,000 Albanian children as part of the National Guard?s State Partnership Program. That program partners state National Guard's with other nation's militaries.
Feb 19, 2008
A young boy runs to greet his father as members of the New York Air National Guard's 109th Airlift Wing return from Afghanistan on Sept. 6, 2007. About 30 members of the wing, based at Stratton Air National Guard Base in Scotia, N.Y. returned from a month-long combat mission in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. While members of the wing, which specializes in Artic and Antarctic operations, have served in the Global War on Terror since 9/11, this mission as the first time the unit's C-130 aircraft were deployed.
Sep 06, 2007