History of the COANG

1923 – Formation of the 120th Aero Observation Squadron

• The COANG was established as the first unit in the Air National Guard, initially serving as the 120th Aero Observation Squadron.

1940 – Redesignated as the 120th Fighter Squadron

• The squadron transitioned from observation to fighter aircraft, setting the stage for its combat role in future conflicts.

1941 – World War II Mobilization

• Activated during World War II, the 120th FS served in the Pacific Theater, engaging in air combat and defending U.S. interests overseas.

1947 – COANG Flying Demonstration Team

• In the early years, the COANG had a flying demonstration team, showcasing aerial maneuvers and capabilities, increasing public awareness of the Air National Guard's role and mission.

1950s – Korean War & Cold War Service

• The 120th FS was mobilized during the Korean War, supporting air defense and combat readiness. It also played a role in Cold War air defense operations.

1960 – Jet Aircraft & Air Defense Role

• The 120th FS became one of the first Air National Guard units to fly jet aircraft (F-84 Thunderjet), followed by the F-100 Super Sabre, significantly enhancing its air defense capabilities.

1960s – Vietnam War Era

• Though not deployed to Vietnam, the COANG provided air defense support and training during the conflict.

1980s – F-16 Transition

• The 120th FS transitioned to the F-16 Fighting Falcon, becoming one of the first Air National Guard units to operate the aircraft, enhancing its capabilities for air defense and combat missions.

1991 – Operation Desert Storm

• The 120th FS was activated for Operation Desert Storm, becoming one of the first Air National Guard units to conduct combat operations in the Gulf War. The squadron conducted air-to-air combat, air superiority, and precision strikes as part of the coalition forces.

1993 – State Partnership Program with Czech Republic

• The COANG was one of the first Air National Guard units to establish a State Partnership Program (SPP) with a foreign nation, in this case, the Czech Republic, leading to a long-lasting relationship involving joint training and humanitarian efforts.

1996 – Domestic Operations & Humanitarian Support

• The COANG was among the first Air National Guard units to be activated for wide-ranging humanitarian operations, providing airlift and logistical support during natural disasters like floods and wildfires.

2001 – Operation Noble Eagle & Operation Enduring Freedom

• The COANG was one of the first Air National Guard units to be directly involved in air defense operations post-9/11, providing critical air patrols for Operation Noble Eagle and participating in combat missions in Afghanistan (Operation Enduring Freedom).

2002 – Colorado Wildfires

• The COANG was activated to assist with the devastating wildfires that ravaged Colorado in 2002. The 140th Wing provided aerial reconnaissance and supported fire-fighting efforts, helping to manage the large-scale emergency.

2003-2011 – Iraq War

• The 120th FS supported U.S. forces in Iraq, providing air support, combat air patrols, and ISR missions to ensure air superiority, becoming one of the first Air National Guard units to be engaged extensively in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

2006 – Winter Storm Response

• The COANG was activated in response to a severe winter storm that impacted Colorado in 2006. The 140th Wing provided airlift for emergency supplies, personnel transport, and search-and-rescue missions.

2010s – Continued Global Engagement & Humanitarian Missions

• The COANG continued to deploy worldwide, providing critical airlift, logistics, and disaster response, including multiple firsts in humanitarian and combat operations involving partner nations.

2013 – Colorado Floods

• In response to massive flooding in Colorado, the COANG was activated to support state and federal efforts. The 140th Wing provided search-and-rescue, transport of supplies, and critical airlift for first responders.

2017 – Northern Colorado Wildfires

• The COANG was activated to assist with firefighting operations during wildfires in northern Colorado. The 140th Wing provided airlift for firefighting crews and emergency supplies to areas cut off by the fires.

2018 – F-35 Lightning II Transition

• The 140th Wing became the first Air National Guard unit to transition to the F-35 Lightning II, ensuring its future readiness with one of the most advanced fighter jets in the world.

2020 – COVID-19 Pandemic Response

• The COANG played a key role in the first large-scale deployment of Air National Guard units for pandemic-related missions, providing airlift for medical supplies, PPE, and vaccines during the COVID-19 crisis.

2020 – COVID-19 Pandemic Response (State Activation)

• In addition to national deployment, the COANG was activated at the state level to support Colorado’s pandemic response efforts. This included providing logistics for PPE and medical supplies, assisting in the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, and supporting state-run testing and medical facilities.

2021 – Continued Global Security Operations

• The COANG continued to participate in global security operations, further solidifying its role in providing air superiority and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities across critical operational theaters.

2022 – Transition to Next-Generation Air Defense Systems

• The COANG became one of the first Air National Guard units to integrate next-generation air defense systems, ensuring it remains at the forefront of modern-day threats, including cyber warfare and advanced aerial combat.

Future Plans – Maintaining Readiness and Modernization

• The COANG is committed to remaining a leader in the Air National Guard, with a focus on maintaining readiness and continuing modernization through new technologies, advanced fighter jets, and strengthened international partnerships.

Sources:

1. Colorado Air National Guard Official Website (https://www.140wg.ang.af.mil/)

2. Colorado Air National Guard History & Heritage (various internal documents)

3. National Guard Bureau History (https://www.nationalguard.com)

4. Colorado Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (https://dmva.colorado.gov)

5. "Guarding the Home Front" – U.S. Air National Guard Historical Records

6. Air Force Historical Research Agency (https://www.afhra.af.mil)

7. Various local news reports and Colorado state emergency response documents