History

History "More than 70 years flying over South Dakota skies"
The South Dakota Air National Guard was founded by Medal of Honor recipient and former Governor Joe Foss on 20 September 1946 at Sioux Falls, South Dakota with federal recognition of the 175th Fighter Squadron. The 175th Fighter Squadron was assigned to the 132nd Fighter Group, Des Moines, Iowa. The unit was equipped with the P-51 Mustang, plus several types of support aircraft. Read full history.

Heraldic Design

Heraldic DesignThe thirteen stars represent the thirteen Charter Officers of the South Dakota Air National Guard. The circle flame signifies jet afterburner, missile and rocket potential, thrust and power for interception. The lightening in the gunsight denotes air-to-air and air-to-ground capabilities. The ultramarine blue represents night with golden yellow signifying day. The white aircraft symbolizes peace and the diving falcon signifies the capabilities of retaliation and swiftness of action.

ANG: A Short Story

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.

Read More....

ANG Heritage

Aircraft Past and Present

The South Dakota Air National Guard has a long history of flying the most advanced aircraft in the Air Force fleet.  To see examples of the aircraft flown by the unit, select the aircraft below to see a photo of each.

F-51      1946-1954
F-94      1954-1958
F-89      1958-1961
F-102    1960-1970
F-100    1970-1977
A-7        1977-1991
F-16       1991-Present

Along with the fighter aircraft listed above, the unit also flew many different support aircraft through the years.

C-47      1946-1967
AT-6       1946-1955
L-5         1947-1948
C-45      1946-1967
B-26      1947-1967
T-33       1952-1972
B-25       1954-1960
C-54       1967-1974
T-29       1973-1975
C-131    1975-1985
C-12       1985-1995
C-26       1995-1997

History of the ANG

Air National Guard at 60: A HISTORY

Other History Sites