Utah National Guard

Utah National Guard

2 weeks ago

#ThrowbackThursday

As athletes compete in the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, it is fitting to reflect on the last time the Winter Games were held in the United States. In 2002, Salt Lake City welcomed the world under dramatically different circumstances. Just five months after the 9/11 attacks, the Games required unprecedented security. While athletes pursued gold, thousands of citizen-soldiers stood watch during “Operation Inner Flame,” a historic mission led by the UTNG that became the largest U.S. military operation at the time.

The federal government designated the Olympics a National Security Special Event, dramatically expanding security requirements. What began as a plan for roughly 1,500 personnel quickly grew. By October 2001, the UTNG was tasked with providing an additional 3,300 trained soldiers to reinforce operations.

The response was swift and coordinated. The UTNG led a coalition involving units from 24 states, forming a combined force of more than 4,400 soldiers and airmen, including over 2,400 from Utah. These citizen-soldiers managed venue access, conducted screenings, operated magnetometers, and secured perimeters across multiple Olympic sites.

The UTANG also supported protocol and security for high-profile dignitaries. The Salt Lake Air National Guard Base served as a secure arrival and departure hub for President George W. Bush, Vice President Dick Cheney, and visiting world leaders.

Despite being formed into “rainbow” units from across the nation, the force operated with professionalism & cohesion. Operation Inner Flame ensured a safe environment where the Olympic spirit could thrive, marking a defining moment in UTNG history and demonstrating readiness, partnership & commitment to both state and nation.

Captions:
Utah National Guard members operate magnetometers and conduct screenings at an Olympic venue entrance.

Citizen-soldiers march past the Salt Lake 2002 stadium in a post-9/11 security environment.

Soldiers conduct vehicle screenings as part of the multi-layered Olympic security plan.

Maj. Gen. Brian Tarbet receives the Olympic Flame.

A UH-60 Black Hawk crew places a heavy generator to support Olympic infrastructure. ... See MoreSee Less

Utah National Guard

2 weeks ago

The Utah National Guard State Best Warrior Competition kicks off March 9th. This annual competition combines our Soldiers and Airmen together in the spirit of competition to test the capability and readiness of our joint force in various military skillsets.

The Utah National Guard has a legacy of winning the BWC on the National Level. Will you be next? 💪 🥇 🪖

#BWC2026 #alwaysready #AlwaysThere ... See MoreSee Less

Utah National Guard

3 weeks ago

#ThrowbackThursday
The KC-97L was a modified version of the earlier KC-97 Stratofreighter, a strategic air refueling tanker derived from the C-97 Stratofreighter cargo aircraft, which were originally modified from World War II era B-29 Superfortress bombers. What made the "L" model distinct was the addition of two General Electric J47 turbojet engines mounted under the wings, supplementing the aircraft's four massive Pratt & Whitney R-4360 radial piston engines.

This enhancement provided a crucial boost in speed, making the KC-97L more compatible with the jet fighters and bombers it was tasked with refueling.

The KC-97L's service with the Utah Air National Guard occurred as the Air Force transitioned to an all-jet tanker fleet. Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve units continued to operate the KC-97s after the active-duty force had begun phasing them out in favor of the newer KC-135 Stratotanker.

In early 1978, the KC-97L era came to a close for the Utah Air National Guard, as the 191st Air Refueling Squadron began receiving its first KC-135A Stratotanker. This transition to an all-jet tanker marked a significant modernization for the unit, aligning it with the active-duty force's capabilities.

The legacy of the KC-97L, however, remains a point of pride for the Utah Air National Guard, representing a unique period in its operational history.

Captions:
1. A Utah Air National Guard KC-97L conducts a training flight over northern Utah in late 1977.
2. A Utah Air National Guard KC-97L being refueled at the Salt Lake City Air Base prior to its final flight to Davis-Monthan AFB, AZ, before retirement in December 1977.
3. A Utah Air National Guard KC-97L, tail number 0-30869 arrives at Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona, for its retirement to the “Boneyard” in early 1978.
4. A Utah Air National Guard KC-97L sits on the flightline at the Salt Lake City Air Base in early 1978. In the background, a parked KC-135 Stratotanker is being received as one of the 191st Air Refueling Squadron’s newest aircraft.
5/6. Members of the media, public, and the 191st Air Refueling Squadron welcome their new aircraft, the KC-135 Stratotanker, to Salt Lake City Air Base in Jan 1978. ... See MoreSee Less