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Gen. Mike Minihan, Commander of Air Mobility Command, visits the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station June 8, 2024.

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107 AW fini flight

  • Published
  • By Public Affairs
  • 914th Airlift Wing
NIAGARA FALLS AIR RESERVE STATION, N.Y. --  Airmen of the 107th Airlift Wing flew their final C-130 flight here, September 25, 2014.

As the Guardsmen stepped off the C-130 aircraft into spraying water and applause, they closed a seven-year era of being a part of the first ever Air Reserve Component combat delivery Association between the U.S. Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard.

As a result of the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Commission, the 107th Air Refueling Wing of the Air National Guard relinquished their KC-135 aircraft and became the 107th Airlift Wing.

It was decided by the Department of Defense and the Air Force that the 107th would associate with the Air Force Reserve's 914th Airlift Wing and their 12 C-130 aircraft. This meant both wings would fly and maintain the same C-130 airframes in their unique situation.

The 107th and 914th Airlift Wings as an association here had a great several years together as partners in the mission, said 107th Airlift Wing Commander Col. John Higgins. 

328th Airlift Squadron Chief of Standards and Evaluation Lt. Col. Buff Hoffman said that the association was a success between the wings due to the hard work of the Guard and Reserve Airmen at all levels.

Despite the achievement of this partnership, change is a constant within the military environment.

As a consequence of a more recent force structure announcement, it was decided the 107th would cease flying C-130s, no longer be associated with the Reserve and will transition to their new mission flying Remotely Piloted Aircraft.

Both Higgins and Hoffman, who were on the final flight said, many of the Airmen flying were sad about ending the Association and flying the C-130 however, they are happy to move forward and take on another mission.