Location
The Utah Air National Guard is located on over 82 acres in the Northeast corner of the Salt Lake International Airport. The Utah Air National Guard Base is an Air Mobility Command gained installation and is home to the Utah Air National Guard. The host organization, the 151st Air Refueling Wing, aggressively extends global reach, power and humanitarian support for the state of Utah and the nation. The installation is also home to several associate units that also provide capabilities and support to the state and nation.
History
The Utah Air National Guard was founded on November 18, 1946. The base is located on over 82 acres in the northeast corner of the Salt Lake International Airport. Nearly 1500 trained men and women serve in the Utah ANG to guard the state of Utah and defend the United States of America.
Commanded by Brigadier General David R. Fountain, the Assistant Adjutant General for Air, the Utah ANG assignments include real-world military operations as well as daily activities that support state and federal missions and fulfill training requirements.
Utah ANG’s largest component, the 151st Air Refueling Wing, is commanded by Col. Samuel H. Ramsay. The 151st ARW includes 17 squadrons and 6 commanders who are committed to building excellent organizations within the wing. Four additional tenant units and commanders are also located at the Utah ANG base.
The Utah ANG began as a fighter-bomber unit, but now serves an air refueling mission. Its assigned mission has changed three times over the past 60 years. The type of aircraft flown by the wing has changed a total of eight times. The current primary aircraft assigned to the wing are the KC-135R Stratotankers. The 151st ARW has been operating the KC-135 since it was originally assigned to Utah in 1978, when the unit became part of the Strategic Air Command. The Strategic Air Command became the Air Mobility Command in June 1992.
Mission
The Utah Air National Guard has both a federal and state mission. The dual mission, a provision of the U. S. Constitution, results in each guardsman holding membership in the National Guard of his or her state and in the National Guard of the United States.
Federal Mission
The Utah Air National Guard’s federal mission is to maintain well-trained, well-equipped units available for prompt mobilization during war and provide assistance during national emergencies (such as natural disasters or civil disturbances). During peacetime, the combat-ready units and support units are assigned to most Air Force major commands to carry out missions compatible with training, mobilization readiness, humanitarian and contingency operations such as Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. Air National Guard units may be activated in a number of ways as prescribed by public law. Most of the laws may be found in Title 10 of the U.S. Code.
The Air National Guard provides almost half of the Air Force’s tactical airlift support, combat communications functions, aero medical evacuations and aerial refueling. In addition, the Air National Guard has total responsibility for air defense of the entire United States.
State Mission
When the Utah Air National Guard units are not mobilized or under federal control, they report to the Governor of the State of Utah, the honorable Gary R. Herbert. The Adjutant General of the Utah National Guard is Maj. Gen. Jefferson Burton. Under state law, the Air National Guard provides protection of life, property and preserves peace, order and public safety. These missions are accomplished through emergency relief support during natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes and forest fires; search and rescue operations; support to civil defense authorities; maintenance of vital public services and counter drug operations.
Population
The authorized strength for the Air National Guard for the current fiscal year is approximately 1,540 members. There are 255 full-time personnel and 1,285 personnel during the once a month unit training assemblies.
Point of Contact
151st ARW, Public Affairs, 765 No. 2200 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, DSN 245-2258 or (801) 245-2258.