The Plattsburgh Air Force Base, located in upstate New York, has a rich history dating back to the early 1950s. Originally designed as a Strategic Air Command (SAC) base, it played a crucial role in the Cold War era, serving as a key location for bomber and tanker aircraft. Over the years, the base has undergone significant transformations, adapting to changing military strategies and technological advancements. Today, Plattsburgh AFB is a thriving hub of military activity, with a diverse range of missions and operations that contribute to national defense and global security.
One of the primary missions of Plattsburgh AFB is to support the Air National Guard's (ANG) 107th Attack Wing. The 107th AW is equipped with the MQ-9 Reaper, a remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) that provides real-time intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. The wing's airmen conduct training and operational missions, utilizing the MQ-9 to gather critical information and support combat operations worldwide. With its advanced sensor systems and precision strike capabilities, the MQ-9 has become an indispensable asset in modern warfare, and the 107th AW plays a vital role in its deployment and operation.
Key Points
- The Plattsburgh Air Force Base is a former Strategic Air Command (SAC) base that now supports the Air National Guard's 107th Attack Wing.
- The 107th AW operates the MQ-9 Reaper, a remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) that provides real-time intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.
- The base is also home to the 224th Air Defense Group, which conducts air defense operations and provides command and control for air defense units.
- Plattsburgh AFB has a diverse range of missions and operations, including training, logistics, and maintenance support.
- The base is a significant economic driver for the local community, with a annual economic impact of over $100 million.
Missions and Operations
In addition to its support for the 107th AW, Plattsburgh AFB is also home to the 224th Air Defense Group (ADG). The 224th ADG is a New York Air National Guard unit that conducts air defense operations, providing command and control for air defense units and supporting the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) mission. The group’s airmen work closely with other military units and civilian agencies to detect, track, and respond to airborne threats, ensuring the safety and security of the northeastern United States.
Plattsburgh AFB is also a key location for training and logistics operations. The base is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including a flight simulator, a maintenance hangar, and a logistics warehouse. These facilities enable the base to provide comprehensive support for its assigned units, including the 107th AW and the 224th ADG. The base's logistics operations are critical to the success of its missions, providing essential supplies, equipment, and maintenance services to ensure that aircraft and personnel are ready to deploy at a moment's notice.
Operations in Action
One example of Plattsburgh AFB’s operations in action is its support for the annual “Guardian Challenge” exercise. This exercise brings together Air National Guard units from across the country to test their skills and readiness in a simulated combat environment. The 107th AW and the 224th ADG participate in the exercise, which includes scenarios such as air-to-air combat, air-to-ground strikes, and search and rescue operations. The exercise provides valuable training and evaluation opportunities for the base’s airmen, helping to ensure that they are prepared to respond to a wide range of operational scenarios.
| Mission | Unit | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) | 107th Attack Wing | Provides real-time ISR capabilities using the MQ-9 Reaper RPA |
| Air Defense | 224th Air Defense Group | Conducts air defense operations and provides command and control for air defense units |
| Training | 107th Attack Wing and 224th Air Defense Group | Provides comprehensive training for airmen, including flight simulation, maintenance, and logistics operations |
| Logistics | Plattsburgh AFB Logistics Squadron | Provides essential supplies, equipment, and maintenance services to support base operations |
History and Evolution
Plattsburgh AFB has a rich and storied history, dating back to the early 1950s. The base was originally designed as a SAC base, with the primary mission of supporting bomber and tanker aircraft. Over the years, the base has undergone significant transformations, adapting to changing military strategies and technological advancements. In the 1960s, the base was home to the 380th Bombardment Wing, which operated the B-47 Stratojet and the B-52 Stratofortress. In the 1980s, the base was converted to a KC-135 Stratotanker base, providing aerial refueling support for SAC operations.
In the 1990s, the base underwent a significant transformation, as the Air National Guard's 107th Attack Wing was established at Plattsburgh AFB. The 107th AW was initially equipped with the F-16 Fighting Falcon, but later transitioned to the MQ-9 Reaper RPA. Today, the base is a thriving hub of military activity, with a diverse range of missions and operations that contribute to national defense and global security.
Community Impact
Plattsburgh AFB has a significant impact on the local community, with an annual economic impact of over $100 million. The base is a major employer in the region, with over 1,000 military and civilian personnel working on the base. The base also supports a range of community programs and initiatives, including the Plattsburgh AFB Community Council, which brings together base leaders and local community leaders to discuss issues of mutual concern.
What is the primary mission of the 107th Attack Wing?
+The primary mission of the 107th Attack Wing is to provide real-time intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities using the MQ-9 Reaper RPA.
What is the role of the 224th Air Defense Group?
+The 224th Air Defense Group conducts air defense operations and provides command and control for air defense units, supporting the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) mission.
What is the economic impact of Plattsburgh AFB on the local community?
+The annual economic impact of Plattsburgh AFB on the local community is over $100 million, with the base supporting a range of community programs and initiatives.
In conclusion, Plattsburgh AFB is a vital component of the US military’s operational capabilities, providing a range of missions and operations that support national defense and global security. The base’s diverse range of activities, from ISR and air defense to training and logistics, make it an essential hub of military activity in the northeastern United States. With its rich history, skilled personnel, and advanced facilities, Plattsburgh AFB is poised to continue playing a critical role in the nation’s defense and security for years to come.