History

The Minnesota Air National Guard takes great pride in being a vibrant participant in shaping Minnesota's history. Since the days before statehood, the Air National Guard has embraced whatever role history would unveil: protector of settlers; guardian of freedom; provider of relief; peacekeeper to nations; or homeland defender.

 

 

133rd Airlift Wing - Lineage

First federally recognized flying unit in the National Guard, 17 January 1921.

  • Aerial Observation Mission 1923 - 1943
  • Reconnaissance 1943 - 1946
  • Fighters 1943 - 1951
  • Interceptors 1951 - 1960
  • Strategic Airlift 1960 - 1966
  • Tactical Airlift 1966 - 1971
  • Airlift Wing 1992 - Present

The Minnesota Air National Guard Museum

The Minnesota Air National Guard Historical Foundation, Inc. (MNANG) is a private, philanthropic organization chartered as a nonprofit corporation under the statutes of the State of Minnesota on May 14, 1980. The mission of the Foundation is to:

- Preserve the heritage and traditions of the Minnesota's Air National Guard
- Establish, maintain and operate a museum and library
- Promote and encourage research into the history, traditions and benefits of a strong militia program to Minnesota and the Nation
- Take custody, restore, catalogue, and validate historic objects and artifacts whether acquired by gift; purchase, demise' or otherwise from individuals, the Minnesota National Guard and the Air National Guard or the United States Air Force
- Foster and promote public knowledge and interest in local military history, as part of the continuing militia history

The Foundation Team consists of:
- Its members
- Its volunteers
- Its sponsors
- Its Board of Directors

Link to Museum.

Air National Guard

The Air National Guard as we know it today -- a separate reserve component of the United States Air Force -- was a product of the politics of postwar planning and interservice rivalry during World War II. The men who planned and maneuvered for an independent postwar Air Force during World War II didn't place much faith in the reserves, especially the state-dominated National Guard.

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