![]() In 1983, the 169 th Fighter Wing transitioned to the airframe it still flies today. But two “firsts” in particular stand out for impacting the SCANG’s mission today. The history of the SCANG is replete with firsts. First ANG unit to get F-16s and First unit to get Block 52s The SCANG simultaneously deployed Airmen to support Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.ħ. This was proven in 2010 when the 169 th Fighter Wing became the first Air National Guard unit to support an AEF mission for a full 120 day rotation without “rainbowing” with other units. The combination of additional aircraft and manpower enabled the SCANG to conduct 120-day deployments every 20-month Air Expeditionary Force cycle. The additional manpower also enables the SCANG to generate the increased sorties required to train those pilots at home and increases McEntire JNGB's contributions to Combatant Commanders in the form of longer deployment tours while in theater. ![]() The active association provides additional cockpits for active-duty F-16 pilots and fast-tracks pilot and maintenance experience levels by partnering them with highly-experienced Air Guard members. This key component of Total Force Integration addresses some critical challenges faced by the Air Force’s fighter force, including a shortage of experienced pilots and available cockpits. The active association concept leverages the deep experience levels and proficiency of Air Guard units to help regular Air Force personnel learn their jobs at a quickened pace. All-in-all, 150 active duty personnel would be assigned to McEntire JNGB at any one time to work and train and this innovative and groundbreaking program continues to this day. In 2007, regular Air Force active duty Airmen started arriving at Shaw AFB to work at McEntire JNGB as part of the largest active associate program in the Air Force. Active Associate program starts at McEntire JNGB Since becoming the Republic of Colombia’s state partner, South Carolina has worked closely with the Colombian Air Force by sending F-16s to conduct bilateral training as well as participating in key leader engagements with the Colombian military and the biennial Colombian F-AIR air show.Ĩ. The bilateral relationship between South Carolina and Colombia was the 64th state partnership in the program’s history. The SPP promotes national security objectives, country and regional stability, partner nation capacity and improved understanding and trust throughout the world. states with partner countries for the purposes of supporting the objectives and goals of the geographic combatant commander and the U.S. In 2012, South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley and Colombian Vice Minister of Defense Jorge Enrique Bedoya signed a partnership proclamation formally establishing a bilateral relationship between South Carolina and the Republic of Colombia in the National Guard’s State Partnership Program (SPP). State Partnership with the Republic of Colombia “We took the oldest aircraft and beat the best in the world,” he said.ĩ. Jernigan attributed the victory to three sources: faith of God, family support and unwavering teamwork and dedication of members of the SCANG, to their country, to their state, and to each other. When it was all said and done, the SCANG emerged as the overall winner of Gunsmoke ’89. John “Bullet” Bellinger and Tim “Demo” Rush. It included 43 Swamp Foxes like SCANG fellow legends Majs. The SCANG spent two weeks in September 1989 at Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona in order to prepare. The overall unit winner was determined by the most points scored in all three areas. Maintenance crews were graded on their overall effectiveness throughout the competition and munitions crews were judged on precision, technical expertise and safety. 16 teams from around the Air Force (active, Guard and Reserve) participated in the event for ten days in October 1989.Īircrews were graded on three events: basic bomb delivery, tactical bomb delivery, and navigation attack. The biennial competition was held at Nellis AFB, Nev. When the dust settled, the SCANG was crowned “World Champions.” Air Force’s best in the worldwide gunnery competition known as Gunsmoke. In 1989, the South Carolina Air National Guard went head-to-head against the U.S. SCANG crowned Gunsmoke ‘89 World Champions However, here is a subjective list of what are the most notable achievements and events that have happened so far.ġ0. So many people did so many great things, if we tried to list all of them it might take years to do it. With the SCANG’s Diamond Anniversary on Dec. 9, 2021, it would seem an impossible task to select only 10 highlights from the last 75 years. The Swamp Fox emblem is recognized worldwide as the symbol of excellence in combat capability. The motto of the South Carolina Air National Guard exemplifies what the men and women of the SCANG have aimed for and achieved over the last 75 years.
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