The present day Louisiana Air National Guard was originally formed in December 1940 as the 122nd Observation Squadron, a National Guard unit of the then "US Army Air Corps.” Since its inception, the LA ANG has participated in World War II, the Korean Conflict, the Cold War, Operations Enduring Freedom, Northern Watch and Southern Watch, Kosovo War, Operation Noble Eagle, Air Expeditionary Force Deployments, Operation Iraqi Freedom, the Global War on Terrorism, Task Force New Horizon and Operation New Dawn.

The United States Air Force's 159th Fighter Wing is an Air National Guard airlift unit operationally-gained by the Air Combat Command and located at Naval Air Station, Joint Reserve Base, New Orleans. The Louisiana Air National Guard’s flying unit, the 159th Fighter Wing, is nicknamed the "Bayou Militia” and flies F-15C and F-15D Golden Eagle aircraft.

The159th Fighter Wing is comprised of an Operations Group, Maintenance Group, Medical Group and Mission Support Group. Four geographically separated units are also attached to the 159th Fighter Wing: the 122nd Air Support Operations Squadron located in Pineville, the 259th Air Traffic Control Squadron located in Alexandria, the 236th Combat Communications Squadron located in Hammond and the 214th Engineering Installation Squadron located in Belle Chasse. Each of these geographically separated units has its own distinct mission.

The Louisiana Air Guard is unique compared to other reserve force components in that it is tasked with dual missions. The wing provides worldwide deployable aircraft and combat resources; operated, maintained and supported by professional Louisiana Airmen dedicated to supporting both Federal and State missions.

The LA ANG provides its Airmen the opportunity to enjoy civilian life while contributing to the welfare of their country, state and community.

A trained force of more than 1,400 men and women, the 159th Fighter Wing is home to one of the Air National Guard's premier F-15 fighter wings.

The Louisiana Air National Guard/159th Fighter Wing was awarded the coveted "Outstanding Air National Guard Unit" in 2010. This prestigious award is given annually to the Air National Guard unit which meets or exceeds the criteria from the National Guard Bureau. In addition, the wing received a “EXCELLENT” rating during their Operational Readiness Inspection in both 2009 and 2010. These Airmen have shown extreme professionalism and dedication to their mission of protecting the United States and its allies.
 

159th Fighter Wing

The 159th Fighter Wing’s Mission Statement is as follows:

• Provide fully manned units prepared to accomplish all Federal, State and local missions
• Provide high quality support to Airmen and their families
• Add value to our communities by involvement in State and local programs

The wing is comprised of four main functional groups: operations, maintenance, mission support and medical; each with its own host of squadrons and four geographically separated as mentioned above.

The Operations Group
The Operations Group has two subordinate units, the 122d Fighter Squadron and 159th Operations Support Flight. The group trains and supports aviators to maintain regular flying schedules, to support the alert mission, for immediate worldwide deployments and employment in accordance with war plans.

122nd Fighter Squadron
The 122nd Fighter Squadron is a diverse and dynamic squadron that is combat ready to deploy anywhere, anytime employing the venerable air superiority F-15C/D Eagle Fighter. This worldwide commitment is the driving force behind a sharply honed team of professionals and has resulted in deployments around the world. Together with the 159th Fighter Wing, the 122nd Fighter Squadron is tasked to provide air superiority over Louisiana and the Gulf Coast while supporting North American Aerospace Defense Command. To perform this vital role requires active air defense alert 24-hours a day, 365 days a year at NAS JRB New Orleans.

Maintenance Group
To sustain this fast-paced tempo, the wing has a highly dedicated and well-trained cadre of maintenance and support personnel. The maintainers are tasked with on- and off-equipment maintenance of the Eagles, including aircraft servicing, unscheduled maintenance, pre-flight, through flights, basic post flights and combat turns with live or training ammunition. In addition, support personnel perform everything from operations life support and mobility to personnel and administrative functions.

Mission Support Group
With more than 500 military and civilian personnel, the 159th Mission Support Group is responsible for all base support and customer service for the wing and the geographically separated units at their sites throughout the state. The group also maintains combat and contingency readiness forces that deploy worldwide. This group encompasses the communications flight, civil engineering squadron, logistics readiness squadron, contracting, security forces squadron and the force support squadron.

Medical Group
The 159th Medical Group provides the following medical services: flight medicine, physical examinations, ophthalmology and optometry, public health, and bioenvironmental engineering. This includes providing medical support services to the geographically separated units at their sites throughout the state.

159th Fighter Wing Staff
The wing staff consists of several offices that fall directly under the commander: command post, chaplain, equal opportunity, judge advocate general, safety, financial management, visual information, and public affairs. The director of the Air National Guard Psychological Health Program is also part of the wing staff.

Federal Mission
The 159th Fighter Wing supports national security objectives by being a part of the Air Expeditionary Force participating in real world missions, supporting active duty forces, honing combat skills and specified training to meet assigned tasks.

State Mission
The National Guard’s purpose is to protect life and property, and to preserve peace, order and public safety for their state. The mission also includes information sharing with emerging countries on the importance of homeland defense.

Community Role
The 159th FW participates year round in local, state and national programs that add value to local towns, the state and nation.

The men and women who make up the 159th Fighter Wing will continue to defend the nation while transforming into the necessary force for the future. The wing will do this in both the expeditionary and homeland defense missions while continuing to uphold our military culture and connection to the community. The men and women of the 159th Fighter Wing serve proudly in the far reaches of the globe – and here at home – and will do so with distinction.