The Flying Yankees bombing in New York!

In June 2003, the "Flying Yankees" of the 103rd Fighter Wing from the Connecticut Air National Guard deployed aircraft and personnel to Wheeler Sack Army Airfield in Fort Drum, New York for a period of live bombing. Located on the western side of the airfield is the Forward Operating Location (FOL) where units deploy aircraft and personnel for training. The FOL is home for Det.2 of the 174th FW/NY ANG. The Detachment is composed of about ten members of the New York Air National Guard providing support to every unit deploying there for training.

Many Air National Guard units from the Northeastern United States are 'frequent flyers' at the FOL and among them the 103rd Fighter Wing based at Bradley ANGB in East Granby, Connecticut. It was quite interesting to see the 103rd FW's Hogs flying with the AN/AAQ-28 "Litening II" navigation/targeting pod and many aircraft wore mission markings in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, members of the 103rd FW joined with other members of the 104th FW to form the 387th Air Expeditionary Group at an undisclosed location in the Gulf area.

A dozen of members from the 103rd FW deployed for one week to turn and load A-10s using the range. The following selection of photos depicts the aircraft and personnel from the 103rd FW working at the FOL.

Thanks to the folks at the FOL for their support!

(All photos by Philippe Colin)