Utah National Guard

Utah National Guard

6 days ago

On September 18, 1947, the Air National Guard was officially established as a reserve component of the newly created United States Air Force. Utah’s Air Guard story, however, had already begun. On November 18, 1946, the 191st Fighter Squadron received federal recognition in Salt Lake City, establishing the Utah Air National Guard nearly a year before the Air National Guard itself was formally created.

That new organization quickly demonstrated its value. During the Korean War, the Utah Air National Guard was mobilized for federal service, with Utah Airmen serving at home and overseas. One of them, Capt. Clifford Jolley, became the first Air National Guard ace of the war after scoring his fifth aerial victory in August 1952. He finished his combat with seven MiG-15 victories.

As the nation’s needs changed, so did Utah’s mission. Beginning as a fighter unit, the Utah Air National Guard transitioned to the C-97 Stratofreighter in 1961 and later the C-124 Globemaster in 1968, moving people and cargo worldwide, including support of the Vietnam War. In 1972, Utah entered the aerial refueling mission with the KC-97L, followed by the KC-135 Stratotanker in 1978.

Today, the 151st Wing continues that global mission while Utah Airmen serve in intelligence, cyber, communications, medical, and other specialties. On the Air National Guard’s 79th birthday, Utah Airmen carry on a long tradition of adapting to the mission and answering the call.

1. Utah Air National Guard maintainers from the 191st Fighter Squadron perform maintenance on F-51 Mustangs in Salt Lake City, circa 1947.

2. F-86 Sabres from the Utah Air National Guard’s 191st Fighter Squadron line the flight line at Salt Lake City Municipal Airport, circa 1957.

3. A Utah Air National Guard C-97 Stratofreighter flies over Salt Lake City, circa 1965.

4. A Utah Air Guard C-124 Globemaster parked on the flight line with personnel and ground equipment nearby, circa 1970.

5. A Utah Air National Guard KC-97L Stratotanker refuels two F-100 Super Sabres during a training mission in the 1970s.

6. A Utah Air National Guard KC-135 Stratotanker refuels F-4 Phantom IIs over the Utah Test and Training Range, circa 1979. ... See MoreSee Less

Utah National Guard and 151st Wing

6 days ago

On September 18, 1947, the Air National Guard was officially established as a reserve component of the newly created United States Air Force. Utah’s Air Guard story, however, had already begun. On November 18, 1946, the 191st Fighter Squadron received federal recognition in Salt Lake City, establishing the Utah Air National Guard nearly a year before the Air National Guard itself was formally created.

That new organization quickly demonstrated its value. During the Korean War, the Utah Air National Guard was mobilized for federal service, with Utah Airmen serving at home and overseas. One of them, Capt. Clifford Jolley, became the first Air National Guard ace of the war after scoring his fifth aerial victory in August 1952. He finished his combat with seven MiG-15 victories.

As the nation’s needs changed, so did Utah’s mission. After beginning as a fighter unit, the Utah Air National Guard transitioned to the C-97 Stratofreighter in 1961 and later the C-124 Globemaster in 1968, moving people and cargo worldwide, including support of the Vietnam War. In 1972, Utah entered the aerial refueling mission with the KC-97L, followed by the KC-135 Stratotanker in 1978.

Today, the 151st Wing continues that global mission while Utah Airmen serve in intelligence, cyber, communications, medical, and other specialties. On the Air National Guard’s 79th birthday, Utah Airmen carry on a long tradition of adapting to the mission and answering the call. ... See MoreSee Less

Utah National Guard

7 days ago

Four pages that changed history 📜

Today is Constitution Day! In 1787, thirty-nine leaders signed the document that guarantees our fundamental rights and built our nation’s system of government.

Composed of the Preamble, seven original Articles, and twenty-seven Amendments, the Constitution set a precedent by placing power directly in the hands of the citizens. Providing the framework to build a more perfect union.

Every Soldier and Airman takes a solemn oath when they put on the uniform. Unlike other militaries throughout history, our oath is not sworn to a king, a political party, or an individual—it is made to the Constitution of the United States.

For the Utah National Guard, every mission is driven by our constitutional commitment to defend the rights and freedoms of the American people.

#UTNG #utahnationalguard #ConstitutionDay ... See MoreSee Less

Utah National Guard

1 week ago

When Brig. Gen. Shawn M. Fuellenbach enlisted in the Utah Army National Guard as a 17-year-old high school senior, he could not have known that the organization he joined would shape the next 36 years of his life, or that he would one day help lead it.

On Sept. 11, 2026, family, friends, Soldiers and fellow leaders gathered at the Utah National Guard Joint Force Headquarters auditorium in Draper to honor Fuellenbach as he closed more than three decades of military service. The ceremony included recognition of his family, award and retirement order presentations, the casing of his general officer flag, and remarks from those who served alongside him.

The date carried special meaning for Fuellenbach, who reflected on the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks and the lasting impact they had on his generation of service members.

“Like so many Americans, and so many Soldiers in this room, that day changed the course of my life and my military career,” Fuellenbach said.

A native of Richfield, Utah, Fuellenbach enlisted in 1989 as a field artillery cannon crew member. He rose to the rank of sergeant first class before commissioning as a field artillery second lieutenant in 2001. His career would eventually take him from an artillery battery in Utah to combat deployments, brigade command, and senior leadership positions within the Utah Army National Guard.

Read the full story here -> dvidshub.net/r/g7i3qa

#UTNG #AAG #Retirement #Army #armystrong ... See MoreSee Less