William C. Williamson

The Alabama Air National Guard was established in January 1947 as the 106th Observation Squadron, one of the original units of the post-World War II Air National Guard. Over the decades, it has evolved to include several wings and squadrons, notably the 117th Air Refueling Wing based in Birmingham, providing aerial refueling and support missions. The Alabama Air National Guard has participated in major conflicts and operations, including the Korean War, Operation Desert Storm, and the Global War on Terror. Its airmen regularly support both federal missions abroad and state missions, such as disaster response and homeland defense within Alabama.