History New Hampshire Air National Guard

133d fighter squadron - republic f-47d thunderbolt 44-89766, first aircraft assigned new hampshire air national guard

the new hampshire air national guard origins date formation of 133d fighter squadron @ grenier field, manchester, receiving federal recognition on 4 april 1947. equipped f-47d thunderbolts , mission air defense of state. 18 september 1947, however, considered new hampshire air national guard s official birth, concurrent establishment of united states air force separate branch of united states military under national security act.

on 25 june 1950, new hampshire air national guard federalized , placed on active duty. 133d federalized on 10 february 1951 , assigned federalized maine ang 101st fighter-interceptor wing, although remained stationed @ grenier afb, flying gunnery practice missions. mission expanded include air defense of new england, although majority of officers , substantial number of airmen saw duty overseas in different theaters of operations including korean combat missions. squadron attached air defense command 23d fighter-interceptor wing @ presque isle afb, maine, on 1 april 1951 no change of mission. reassigned 4711th defense wing on 6 february 1952 @ presque isle afb. released active duty , returned control of state of new hampshire on 1 november 1952.

in 1960, mission of nh air national guard changed air transport in time participation in berlin crisis of 1961. when received present 157th designation. in mid-1960s, 157th moved pease air force base, began flying logistical support u.s. troops in vietnam. in 1974, nh air national guard received current mission in-flight refuelers.

within hours of september 11 attacks in 2001, nh air guard began refueling fighter jets patrolled airspace on major u.s. cities. 157th later deployed overseas in support of war on terror.

the nh national guard responded operation iraqi freedom in largest call of new hampshire troops since world war ii. on half of new hampshire s soldiers , airmen served overseas, conducting various security , infantry missions, providing medical care, building schools, , fostering international relations. 157th refueled planes further forward in conflict @ other time in history.

after september 11th, 2001 terrorist attacks on united states, elements of every air national guard unit in new hampshire activated in support of global war on terrorism. flight crews, aircraft maintenance personnel, communications technicians, air controllers , air security personnel engaged in operation noble eagle air defense overflights of major united states cities. also, new hampshire ang units have been deployed overseas part of operation enduring freedom in afghanistan , operation iraqi freedom in iraq, other locations directed.