Overview
Under a restructuring plan, the Air Force announced earlier this year the unit's C-130 transport planes would be replaced with MQ-9 Remote Piloted Aircraft, also known as the Reaper drone. The plan also calls for the 118th Wing to get a cyber-security unit and expand their intelligence squadron.
Details are still being finalized for the 118th Wing's new mission. While the unit is not using their C-130s any longer, they will still have a role in assisting in response to state and federal emergencies, such as hurricanes, tornados or flooding. The new technology and skills the Guardsmen learn will aid in assessing damage, analyzing risks and gathering real-time information during natural disasters.
The unit employs about 1,200 personnel. About a third are full-time National Guard members and the remainder are traditional, part-time Guard positions.
Read more about this topic: 118th Airlift Wing