Welcome

Welcome to the official Air Force Public Web Site of the 166th Airlift Wing, Delaware Air National Guard. We are comprised of the Headquarters, Delaware ANG and the 166th Airlift Wing, and its associated squadrons and flights. 

The 166th AW is located on New Castle Airport, near New Castle and Wilmington, Delaware. 

More than 1,000 men and women of the 166th AW support, maintain, and fly the C-130H2 model Hercules transport. This venerable aircraft is used in a variety of roles including airlift and airdrop of people, equipment and supplies, and aeromedical evacuation of people. Our particular aircraft have seen duty in Saudi Arabia during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm inside Iraq and in nearby nations in Southwest Asia, in Operation Just Cause in Panama, in Operation Joint Endeavor in Bosnia, in Operations Iraqi Freedom and New Dawn inside Iraq and in nearby nations in Southwest Asia, in Operation Enduring Freedom inside Afghanistan and in nearby nations in Southwest Asia, in a host of other countries around the world, as well as in several U.S. states performing humanitarian relief and natural disaster response missions. It is a great aircraft with a great mission. 

The Delaware ANG is much more than just its aircraft. It is people performing every vital role that the Air Force, the nation, and our state may need during a time of crisis. We invite you to learn more about the Delaware ANG, its history, its people, and its opportunities.

ang Federal Mission

The Air National Guard's federal mission is to maintain well-trained, well-equipped units available for prompt mobilization during war and provide assistance during national emergencies (such as natural disasters or civil disturbances). During peacetime, the combat-ready units and support units are assigned to most Air Force major commands to carry out missions compatible with training, mobilization readiness, humanitarian and contingency operations such as Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

ang State Mission

When Air National Guard units are not mobilized or under federal control, they report to the governor of their respective state, territory (Puerto Rico, Guam, Virgin Islands) or the commanding general of the District of Columbia National Guard. Each of the 54 National Guard organizations is supervised by the adjutant general of the state or territory. Under state law, the Air National Guard provides protection of life, property and preserves peace, order and public safety. These missions are accomplished through emergency relief support during natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes and forest fires; search and rescue operations; support to civil defense authorities; maintenance of vital public services and counterdrug operations.