182nd Airlift Wing

The 182nd Airlift Wing's C-130H3 Hercules mission is to perform the tactical portion of the airlift mission. The aircraft is capable of operating from rough, dirt strips and is the prime transport for air dropping troops and equipment into hostile areas. The 182nd Airlift Wing's mission is to provide the president of the United States, the governor of the state of Illinois and the adjutant general of Illinois Airmen capable of providing C-130 airland and airdrop; joint terminal attack control and support; command, control and communications; logistics; civil engineering; security; and support services for the nation, state of Illinois, and domestic community. ==Units==

The 182d Airlift Wing consists of the following units: • 182d Operations Group : 169th Airlift Squadron • 182d Maintenance Group • 182d Mission Support Group • 182d Medical Group • 182d Air Support Operations Group • 264th Combat Communications Squadron ==History==

What is now the 169th Airlift Squadron originated during World War II as the 304th Fighter Squadron, which was activated on 23 July 1942. The 304th was assigned to the 337th Fighter Group at the Pinellas County Airport, Florida, and served as an operational training unit equipped with the P-39 Airacobra and the P-40 Warhawk. The 304th was disbanded 1 May 1944, and reconstituted 24 May 1946, re-designated the 169th Fighter Squadron and allocated to the Illinois National Guard. July 2019 saw 182d participate in the annual Exercise Northern Strike 19 in Northern Michigan. Crew undertook missions included simulated attacks from surface to air missiles and cargo air drops coordinated with ground JTACs. The wing's aircraft were operating from the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center in Alpena, Michigan. Lineage • Designated 169th Fighter Squadron and allotted to Illinois ANG, 24 May 1946 -Extended federal recognition, 21 June 1947 • Re-designated: 169th Fighter Interceptor Squadron, 1952 • Re-designated: 169th Fighter Bomber Squadron, 1952 • Re-designated: 182d Tactical Fighter Group, 1962 • Re-designated: 182d Tactical Air Support Group, 16 May 1969 • Re-designated: 182d Fighter Group, July 1992 • Re-designated: 182d Airlift Wing, 1 October 1995 ==References==