Hawaii Air National Guard activates Air Operations Group

  • Published
  • By MSgt Kristen Stanley
  • HQ 154 WG/PA
HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE, Hawaii --  For the first time, the Hawaii Air National Guard moves into an operational war fighting mission with the activation of the 109th Air Operation Group on Nov. 2. This mission will put the HIANG into a tactical position as part of a much bigger strategic picture.

The Hawaii Air National Guard AOG unit, composed of Detachment 2, the 109 AOG; Detachment 3, the 150th Air Operations Squadron; and Detachment 4 the 202nd Air Mobility Operation Squadron, is a "classic associate" unit augmenting the 13th Air Force, 613th Air and Space Operations Center, and the Air Mobility Division through the full range of combat operations.

The 109 AOG was activated during a ceremony held at the PACAF "Courtyard of Heroes," on Hickam Air Force Base. "This is truly a momentous occasion," said Maj. Gen. Darryll D.M. Wong, commander of the Hawaii Air National Guard. "To see this start on paper, and now come to fruition is amazing."

The HIANG AOG is the only Air National Guard augmentation unit that is co-located with their active duty unit, the 613th AOC. Personnel from the HIANG AOG will train on an "on-line" Falconer and will plan and control real-world missions.

"In addition to our federal mission, we look forward to providing a standing, systematic, command and control organization to provide reconnaissance, airspace organization and relief air mobility operations during any state contingencies," said Colonel Mike Compton, the newly assigned Commander of the 109th AOG.

The 613th AOC's mission is to provide command and control of real-world air and space operation in the Pacific Theater and to serve as Joint Force Air Component Commander to the U.S. Pacific Command during Joint Operations. With a broad range of specialties, and an experienced force the 109 AOG will be immediately available to augment the 613 AOC when operations exceed their capabilities.

"The original 109th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron guarded the skies of Hawaii back when the Territory of Hawaii was transitioning to statehood," said Maj. Gen. Wong, "It is significant that we are using the 109 number to stand up the HIANG AOG as part of PACAF and the 613 AOC, to once again defend the skies in the Pacific."