109th AW

• Antarctic Operations: The 109th Airlift Wing (AW) is renowned for its critical support of scientific missions in Antarctica, providing the world's only ski-equipped LC-130 Hercules aircraft capable of landing on snow and ice. • Polar Expertise: The unit is the only military organization worldwide with the primary mission of supporting both Arctic and Antarctic operations, supplying remote research stations under extreme weather conditions. • Origins: The 109th AW was first established as the 109th Fighter Group in 1956 and has undergone several transformations, including roles in air defense before focusing on airlift missions. • Operation Deep Freeze: The 109th AW has played a pivotal role in Operation Deep Freeze since the late 1980s, a mission supporting the U.S. Antarctic Program and the National Science Foundation. • Greenland Missions: Besides Antarctica, the unit regularly flies missions to Greenland, supplying remote scientific camps and aiding in climate research projects in the Arctic Circle. • Transition to Ski-equipped Aircraft: The 109th AW transitioned from standard C-130s to the unique ski-equipped LC-130s in the 1980s, allowing them to land on unprepared snow and ice runways. • First All-Female Flight Crew: In 2009, the 109th AW made history by flying the first all-female LC-130 crew to the South Pole, highlighting the growing role of women in military aviation. • Humanitarian Relief: The unit has supported numerous humanitarian missions, including relief efforts after natural disasters such as Hurricane Katrina, deploying aircraft and personnel for emergency aid. • Home Base: The 109th AW is based at Stratton Air National Guard Base in Scotia, New York, and is part of the New York Air National Guard. • Unique Insignia: The unit's emblem features a polar bear, symbolizing its unique mission in the polar regions and its reputation for operating in some of the harshest environments on Earth.