NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – Balloons and signs were in full force at Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport Dec. 20, 2019, as family members, wingmen and leaders welcomed home Airmen assigned to the Virginia Air National Guard’s 192nd Wing. Just in time to spend the holidays with their families, approximately 20 Airmen returned home after they spent the last six months deployed overseas.
“Our Airmen in the 192nd Wing have a vital role in our nation’s warfighting capabilities, and it is remarkable how quickly and effectively they are able to deploy and integrate into the overseas mission when they mobilize on federal active duty,” said Maj. Gen. Timothy P. Williams, the Adjutant General of Virginia. “Our continued partnership with the 1st Fighter Wing and the 633rd Air Base Wing at Langley Air Force Base ensures we can provide ready forces when and where they are needed. I am incredibly proud of their service, as well as the tremendous support from their families that is so critical to their success.”
VNG Airmen train and fight side-by-side with active duty Air Force as part of the total force integration between the 1st Fighter Wing and the 192nd Wing resulting in efficiencies at Langley and the Virginia Air National Guard contributing to the Combat Air Forces’ warfighting capabilities. They have been in the fight since 2014 when the F-22s were first flown in combat operations, and they have continued a busy operational tempo ever since. F-22 Raptors continued to deliver air superiority during combat operations, supporting Operation Inherent Resolve and the fight against enemy forces, and VNG Airmen have taken part in every subsequent deployment.
“On behalf of the citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia, I want to thank both of you for your leadership and would ask that you give my thanks to your units for the efforts all of you expended to ensure aircraft and the Virginia Air National Guard personnel were able to deploy on short notice and support Combatant Commander requirements for emergent operations,” wrote Virginia Governor Ralph Northam in a letter to the commanders of the 192nd Operations Group and 192nd Maintenance Group in July 2019. “As the Commander in Chief of the Virginia National Guard, I couldn’t be more proud of what you are doing and how well you represent us.”