The Air National Guard’s 109th Airlift Wing at Schenectady, N.Y., is headed to Afghanistan, marking the first time the 109th has deployed as a unit since the Vietnam War, reports the Albany Times-Union. Individual members of the C-130 tactical airlift unit have deployed to the war on terror but with other outfits. The 109th is perhaps best known for flying its ski-equipped LC-130s for missions in the Polar Regions.
The Air Force is planning to retain some F-15C/D Eagles, among its oldest fighters, to perform the homeland defense mission at least four more years, the service revealed in a “Long-Term Fighter Force Structure” report submitted to lawmakers earlier this year.
