OUR AIRCRAFT
The Stratton Air National Guard Base in Scotia N.Y. is home to the 109th Airlift Wing, part of the New York Air National Guard. Our unit flies the world's only ski-equipped LC-130's, called Skibirds, as well as traditional C-130 "wheelbirds". Click the links to see more information about these aircraft.
OUR MISSION
Becoming a member of the unit means supporting one of the most unique missions in the world and being part of the world's best Air Force. Because our planes can land on snow, we fly to unique areas of the world.
FEDERAL MISSION
Here at Stratton we support several Federal missions: Polar Airlift, Aeromedical Evacuation, Aerial Port, and Field Hospital contingencies. These missions encompass the involvement of many career fields such as Security Forces, Services, Personnel, Communications, Supply and many others.
We have the responsibility of flying missions for the National Science Foundation-led United States Antarctic Program. As a result we maintain a higher operational tempo than most Air National Guard units and have many people who work full-time at the wing.
During the spring and summer, we fly training missions out of Kangerlussuaq airport in Greenland. From there we fly onto the Arctic Ice Cap, transporting materials and scientific researchers to remote locations where they conduct research.
During the fall and winter, we fly similar missions out of McMurdo Station, Antarctica.
We also fly traditional airlift and airdrop missions.
STATE MISSION
Like other National Guard units, Stratton ANGB provides assistance to civil authorities during emergencies, natural or man-made disasters. We have provided valuable personnel and resources in response to the 1998 Ice Storm, to the extensive tornado damage in Rensselaer County in 1998 and to the World Trade Center following 9/11. In recent years, we have responded to the Schoharie County area after Hurricane Irene, and also to The New York City area after Hurricane Sandy.
Ongoing support is provided to the National Counter Drug Program, the Civil Air Patrol, and the Weapons of Mass Destruction -2nd Civil Support Team. We also have an active community relations program and work very hard to be a good neighbor and contributing employer to our community.
OUR PEOPLE
Members of the 109th are typically from the local area, as is the case with most Air National Guard units. We have people from many backgrounds and expertise both in their military and civilian capacity. Also, many members of the Air National Guard stay with the military much longer than active-duty members. The years of experience create some of the most knowledgeable and professional members in the services.