NEBRASKA AIR NATIONAL GUARD

On September 1, 1939, Hitlers German Army invaded Poland and within ten months
conquered most of Europe and although the United States had not entered the
Second World War, President Roosevelt proclaimed a "limited national emergency"
for defense expansion and building new air fields. In December 1941, the United
States entered the war and the following year, eleven army air fields were
constructed in Nebraska. Construction of the air field five miles northwest of Lincoln
was started on March 22nd,1942.

On each airfield was constructed barracks,warehouses, mess halls, infirmaries,
theatres, recreational halls, and with Eleanor Roosevelts insistance, chapels using
buildings of rapid construction designs. On Lincoln's 3000 acre air field, 1016
mobilization buildings were erected and the field was operational in 150 days at a
cost of $15,000,000 dollars.

One of the few remaining buildings that date back to this time that have not been
razed or altered and have been kept in outstanding condition is the Lincoln Army
Air Field Regimental Chapel. It not only retains its structural and historical integrity
on its original site but the fabric of the building, and the original furnishings such as
its pews, chancel rail, lecturn, sanctuary chairs, and hanging light fixtures remains
intact. It has gained prominence as the best example of military mobilization
construction used in World War II, and has been listed in the National Register of
Historic Places in Lincoln, Nebraska. The other Regimental Chapels on the other
Nebraska Army Air Fields have either been razed or removed and altered to other
sites.

The Lincoln Army Air Field Regimental Chapel was constructed in May
1942. The building is significant for its association with the World War
II Lincoln Army Air Field. It is also significant as a good representation
of building technology used in World War II.

In the next three years, 25,000 military aircraft mechanics were trained at the field
and 40,000 aviators were processed there for overseas duty. The airfield closed on
December 15th, 1945, three months after the end of World War II, but was
reactivated in 1952 as Lincoln Air Force Base.

This from the National Register of Historic Places by Robert Hurst and edited for this
website by Roger Miner

The History of Nebraska Air National Guard begins at Westover Field
in Massachusetts in 1943. The 401st Fighter Squadron was organized &
equipped with P-47's. In January 1944, they flew many missions from
England and France over Germany, Belgium, and Central Europe
campaigns and received Distinguished Unit Citation. After the war the
401st was returned to Camp Miles Standish in Mass. and deactivated in
November 1945. The 401st was allotted to the National Guard on 24
May, 1946 and was assigned to the State of Nebraska and redesignated
as the 173rd Fighter Squadron. The Adjutant General, B Gen. Guy
Henninger, a WWI pilot, asked Lt. Col. John M. Campbell to organize
the Nebraska Air National Guard. Space for the Air Guard was
obtained in the old Lincoln Aviation Institute at 24th & O Street of
Lindberg Fame.To gain federal recognition, 25% of 350 men had to be
inlisted. By late June this was accomplished, and a federal inspection
was conducted by the Second Air Force, Offutt AFB, from Omaha.
We were the second unit federally recognized after WWII.

In September, 1946, the 173rd received their aircraft and moved to the
now deactivated Lincoln Army Air Field and were assigned 22 - P-51's,
7 - B-26's, 2 - C-47's, 3 - T-6's, 1 - L-19, and 1 - Navion. The personal consisted of 3 officers and 40 inlisted who flew as often
as desired and when they desired. In June, 1947, the United States Air
Force was organized and brought more guidance and directives. In
December, 1947, the 173rd were the third squadron to begin conversion
to the jet aircraft P-80C and pilots were sent to Williams AFB in Arizona
for training. In December 1948, Nebraska had 400 personal which
included 40 pilots, 44 air technicians, and 48 aircraft.

Hi,

I was prowling the net looking for info. on Lincoln AFB. Came across
your ANG site and read through it.

I was very excited to see the pic of the chapel. My wife and I were
married in 1963 in Youngstown, New York.
The small Church had been moved about a mile to a side street in the
town. Its original location was on the Fort Niagara Military base.
A few years ago an expanded front vestibule was added and at the
opposite end about a 20 ft. x 15 ft. wing was added to each side to
allow for additional seating. Even though the exterior has changed
a little there is no mistaking it lineage when you observe the bolted
together trusses on the interior.

While stationed at Lincoln AFB, 57-61, I was a member of the SAC aero
club. We utilized the ANG/Army hanger. I remember seeing a large
rescue copter and a bent banana troop carrier copter. I also
observed ( can't remember exactly) either a couple of Delta 102 or
106 aircraft which I thought belonged to the ANG. Were they just in
the ANG's possession or were they part of their organizational makeup?

Had a lot of fun flying the Piper J-3. Ironic, take off from a
12,500 ft cement runway, fly over to Union airport and practice short
field takeoff and landing on their grass strip rather than their
paved strip. One Sunday I was flying the club's Aronca Champ, as I
approached the AFB, about 13 miles out I radioed for permission to
enter the controlled airspace. What a surprise response I received.
Instead of "enter pattern and notify tower of each turn", the reply
from the tower was " AC Champ 13 miles out, cleared to land straight
in ". God forbid if I had ever screwed up a straight 13 mile approach
to a 2.3 mile long cement runway.

While at Lincoln I managed to accumulate a year of college credit by
going to night school at UN.

Came back to NY state. Worked 38 years for some company I had never
heard of XEROX.

Irony again,one my best friends and godfather of one of my children
has been living in Lincoln a few miles from where Union Airport used
to stand.

Sorry about all the gab. My main concern was the Delta Interceptors
and where they fit in.

Very informative ANG history.
Thank You,
Julius L. Helbling

I joined the Nebraska Air Guard in 1947, I and Fred Geschwender were
the first to attend the Aircraft & Engine Tech. School at Keesler AAFB
in 1948. I have a few pictures of the P51 aircraft and hanger before the
fire. If you wish I can send them to you. Thanks for the great site,

Wayne N. Allen

Thank you for the pictures, Wayne

]

On March 9th, 1949, the Nebraska ANG hanger # 1 was destroyed by
fire. All records and equipment, and 2- B-26's were destroyed by fire.
In April 1949, the ANG was called on to help with Operation
Snowbound to deliver hay and food to farm families. In 1950, all Air
National Guard Groups were reorganized into "wings". The 132nd
Fighter Wing allowed the 132nd Air Base Group be allotted to Nebraska.
Lt. Col. John M. Campbell became Air Base Group Commander and
Major Fred H. Bailey became the 173rd Fighter Squadron Commander.

In late 1950, the NE. ANG was notified they were to be activated into
federal service due to the Korean conflict and reconverted to P-51's.
The 132nd Fighter wing of which Nebraska and Iowa units were a part,
were called to active duty, moved to Bangor, Maine, and asigned to
SAC for bomber escort. On December 1952, the units were deactivated
and returned to National Guard status. Col. Donald E. Coy was
appointed as Commander of the 132nd Air Base Group. The 173rd
received the F-80 Shooting Star jet aircraft during the summer of 1953
and were the "A" models and did not have injection seats. Due to a
defective turbine wheel in the engine which cut control surface cables
causing two fatal crashes, the F-80's were grounded all over the nation
until they were repaired. In, 1954, The 8173rd Replacement Training
Squadron was organized under Captain Lloyd L. Johnson as a training
squadron assigned to 173rd Fighter Interceptor Squadron and given the
primary mission to the Air Defense Command. The 8173 Squadron was
deactivated when the units returned from active duty and returned to
National Guard Status. The 132nd Fighter Wing transitioned into F-84's

The Nebraska National Guard administrative aircraft was a C-47 (DC-3)
Registration Number 43-15555, affectionately known as
"Five-Triple-Five. The interior of the aircraft had been renovated by
Horton and Horton Custom Aircraft Decorators in Fort Worth, Texas,
and was used primarily for the transportation of the Governor and
other dignitaries. It was truly the pride of the Air Guard fleet across
the nation.

In 1953, the United States Air Force reactivated the Municipal Airport
at Lincoln and designated it as the Lincoln Air Force Base. It became a
perminent Strategic Air Command Base and operational base for long
range B-47 Bombers. SAC also requested that the Navel Air Station and
the Air National Guard be relocated to the East side of the field. SAC
provided the funds for both the new Navel Air Station and the new Air
National Guard Base. Construction was completed in late 1956 and the
Air National Guard was moved into building 624, the hanger used by
the Army National Guard. The Navel Air Station was closed 1st Feb.
1958. General Campbell was very instrumental in obtaining these new
facilities.

In January 1957, the F-80's gave way to the F-86 D/L "Sabre"jet
aircraft. This aircrafts radar system would seek out targets 30 miles
ahead and lock on at 15 miles. The aircraft afterburner and electronic
fuel control provided high altitude intercepts above 40,000 ft. and
acceleration through Mach 1. This aircraft had to capability of firing up
to 24 rockets to destroy a target.

The 173rd Fighter Interceptor Squadron and the Nebraska units of the
Des Moines based 132nd Fighter Interceptor Group were reorganized to
form the 155th Fighter Group of Neb. ANG on 1st July, 1960 with 900
officers and men under B Gen John M. Campbell. In 1961, the 155th
Fighter Group performed their annual training at Lincoln. 1963 was
the final year for the F-86's.

On April 30th, 1964, the unit ended its commitment to the Air Defense
Command and accepted a new challenge to gather reconnaissance data
in the Republic RF-84F Thunderflash for the Tactical Reconnaissance
Wing from Detroit headed by a new Air Force advisor, Major John R.
Auer. The aircraft had been seldom flown and were in sad shape. In
the checkouts the nose gear would collapse for various reasons and
wind up with a wrinkled nose but gradually with good maintenance
they were airworthy. In their new role they had to be ready to deploy at
a moments notice anywhere in the world. The first group deployment
was to Elmendorf Field in Alaska in June 1966 and after 6 hrs. and 3
air refuelings arrived at their destination for a 10 day stay. In March
1967, a number of crews and planes were deployed to Nellis AFB,
Nevada for gunnery parctice. This would be the units last gunnery
exercise for upon their return, the 50 cal. guns were removed. The
units then participated in many reconnaissance missions on eastern
bases. In August 1969, a team of our unit pilots flying aircraft 20 years
old, competed against teams of U.S.Air Force pilots flying RF-4's
participated in an "recce shootoff", and our Nebraska crews won big
overall and took top honors in most categories. In December of 1969,
the unit was rewarded with "new" 1953 RF-84F's to replace the 1951
models that were in tiptop shape after seven years of tender loving care
for deployment to Alaska. It was a reward we could have done without.

In June of 1971, Major Ronald D. Snyder and his RF-4C arrived in
Lincoln as our new Air Force Advisor and on the 28th of November
1971, our first RF-4C arrived in Lincoln. The end was near for the
RF-84's. Today, as you drive through small towns in Nebraska, you may
catch a glimpse of Jet Fighter Aircraft that photographed Nebraska
from 1964 - 1972. Early in 1971, Col. Bailey, after being notified of the
change to RF-4C Phantom's, set to finding navigators as weapon system
officers, J-79 Engine Mechanics, and crew chiefs as the unit was
converting from RF-84F's to the most modern reconnaissiance aircraft
available. Crew training was accomplished at Shaw AFB, South
Carolina. Maintenance crews were trained in Lincoln and a new engine
overhaul shop was built in Lincoln to accomodate the new J-79 Engines
Facilities were adequate until we converted to the RF-4C's. From 1971
to 1976, approximately four million dollars in construction took place
including a fire station, fuel cell repair station, fuels operation, AGE
facilities, BAK-12 aircraft arresting barrier, engine test stand/noise
suppressor, rifle range, dormitory, and the main hanger was
remodeled.

In February, 1972, RF-4C's began to arrive from the U.S. and England
along with twelve photo processing and interpretation vans. In April
1973, with four Phantoms operating out of Bergstrom AFB, Texas,
Nebraska was chosen to represent the National Guard in a fly-by at
Fort Hood, Texas for the newly appointed Sec. of Defense, Elliott
Richardson. In the same month, the unit was asked to supply
reconnaissiance support for a joint Army/Air Force exercise. One
Hundred thirty five personal were transported to Dyas AFB in Texas
in 6- C-141's, the C-54, truck convoy of 8 vehicles and 9 new Photo
Vans (PPIF). In the summer of 1973, many low level visual and optical
reconnaissiance missions were flown over Kansas. On September 7th,
1974, the unit was again deployed to Elmendorf AFB Anchorage, Alaska.
They were refueled in flight three times by SAC's KC-135 Tankers. From
November 1974 to January 1976, the NEANG participated in exercises
in Denver out of Buckley. On May 1975, at graduation exercises at
Colorado Springs. and annual training at Alpina, Michigan. In January
1976, back to Alaska. This time at Eielson AFB near Fairbanks for cold
weather exercises. In February 1976, Col. Fred Bailey retired from his
technical duties. He led the unit through many aircraft conversions,
mobilization, and command affiliation changes. He wached technicians
grow from 44 to 250, and personal strength from 400 to 1,000. From
Group Commander to assistant Adjutant General for Air, he was
instrumental in the unit receiving many awards and citations. He led
the unit from 1948 until 1980 when he fully retired.

Replacing Col. Bailey as group commander was Lt. Col. Richard E.
Bertrand. from New Mexico ANG. Under his command he led the
155th through many deployments from 1976 through 1980 which
included exercises at Fairchild AFB in Washington, Homestead AFB
in Florida, Davis - Monthan AFB in Arizona, Bagotville Canadian
Forces Base in Quebec, Alexandra AFB in Louisiana, Hurlbert Field,
Florida, and Niagara Falls, N.Y. In late 1977, Lt. Col. Bertrand contacted
the Ninth Air Force and voluntered the unit to participate in and
operational readiness inspection (ORI). The deployment encompassed
500 personal, 170 tons of equipment, 17 - RF-4C's requiring several
trips by the C-131, two C-141's, and eight C-130's. The weather turned
bitterly cold but despite this the overall rating was satisfactory. On
Sunday, 23rd of September, 1979, the NEANG held an open house and
on exhibit were 17 aircraft from the Air Force Reserve and Royal
Canadian Air Force.

On 1st May, 1980, the 155th participated in an overseas NATO
deployment to Eskisehir, Turkey. The logistics were mind boggling as
249 Personel, and 122,000 lbs of cargo needed to be transported by
3 - C130's, 2 - C141's, and a chartered stretch DC-8. At 0200, 8 primary
and 2 spare RF-4C's departed Lincoln for their non-stop flight to
Torrejon Air Base in Madrid, Spain. It required nearly 9 hrs. and six
inflight refuelings for the flight to Torrejon. After a short rest,
6 - Phantoms departed for Eskisehir, Turkey and 2 came later because
of mechaincal problems. On the 18th of May, they returned to Lincoln,
everyone being very exhausted. During July and August, the unit
participated in an operational readiness exercise (ORE) with the help
of Col. Douglas Yates, wing Air force advisor from Louisville, Ky.
The long weekends were well worth the effort and after the 2nd ORE
Col. Yates dubbed the NEANG as "THE HUSTLIN HUSKERS". The ORI
went extremely well with an overall excellent rating thus showing the
result of professionalism and hard work of the NEANG. In Dec, 1980,
Major James McMurry, combat support squadron commander, and
42 Air Guardsman were deployed to Gulfport, Missippi, the permanent
training site, to help provide support for the Tactical Air Command
Inspector General Team that was conducting a no-notice ORI for an
Active Air Force Wing from Shaw AFB and Pope AFB from North
Carolina. TAC advised that this could not have been acomplished
without the support of the ANG as over 1,000 USAF personal had to be
housed. The Nebraskans returned by C-130.

DEDICATION - With sincere appreciation, this History,
Nebraska Air National Guard, 1946-1981, is dedicated to the
members of the Nebraska Air National Guard, past and present,
by their selfless devotion to duty, pride of their units, and
unstinting endeavors. They have made the Air Guard of
Nebraska amongst the finest in the nation. You are all to be
highly commended and have earned the respect and greatfulness
of your State and Nation.

This from the book Nebraska Air National Guard 1946 - 1981 by BrigGeneral
Lloyd L. Johnson, Chief of Staff, Col. Fred H. Bailey, Jr., Lt. Col. Robert J. Lamb,
Lt. Col. Richard D. Daniell, Lt. Col. C. Howard Vest, and Captain Joseph W.
Johnson, Jr. Associate Editors.

In the 1980's and the 1990's the mission of the 155th Tactical
Reconnaissance Group changed completely from a Fighter
Reconnaissance Group to the 155th Air Refueling Wing. In this era,
four wing commanders served after Lt. Col. Bertrand two of which
were Col. Bruce Schantz and Col. Mark Musick. In the 1990's the
RF-4C's were deactivated and 9 rebuilt KC-135 Tankers replaced them.
New pilots, flight crews, technical crews and training were needed,
under the direction of Col. Carl Lorenzen. The present Wing
Commander, Col.Robert Bailey is the son of Col. Fred Bailey who was
group commander from 1948 to 1980. Some new facilities were needed
to undertake this new mission. A new Squadron Operations Facility,
Renovation of Bldg 651, a new Firestation, a new Dining Hall, a new
fuel cell maintenance building, and a new fuel storage & delivery
system was built. Also during this base renovation the Main Hanger
was refurbished, a new Composite Facility for base security was added,
new civil engineering offices were built, and a joint Medical Clinic was
added to provide support for the 155th in the 90's and beyond.

Special thanks to Lt. Col. George Scuttis for his assistance. Researched and edited by
Roger W. Miner

The following represents the notice and press
releases for the "Airfest 2001" , 'Feel the Thunder'
held at the Lincoln Air Base hosted by the Nebraska
Army and Air National Guard on 28th and 29th
April, 2001

Aerial demonstrations spotlighting the United States Air Force (USAF)
Thunderbirds will be the highlight of the "Airfest 2001, Feel the Thunder,"
air show scheduled to take place in Lincoln April 28-29. According to the Lincoln
Journal-Star, The "Thunderbirds" have not performed here in Lincoln for 15 years.
The Air Force Pilots of the Thunderbirds fly the Lockheed Martin F-16C/D Fighting
Falcons. Each Jet can attain a maxium speed of 1,319 mph and climb to an altitude
of 50,000 ft. A lone Thunderbird is scheduled to arrive in Lincoln on Wednesday
April 25th, buzzing "O" Street before landing at the Lincoln Air Field. The rest of the
team should arrive Thursday to begin practice. A pair of B-2 Bombers may also
overfly the City.

Presented by the Nebraska National Guard in concert with the Lincoln/Lancaster
County Convention and Visitors Bureau, the air show features military and civilian
aerobatics flight demonstrations and ground displays. The show will be held on
Saturday and Sunday between 9 am and 5 pm on the west ramp of the Lincoln
Municipal Airport. Both days offer free admission and parking.

Demonstrations on the agenda include the popular World War II aerial
reenactment of the bombing of Pearl Harbor -- Tora! Tora! Tora! This reenactment
features eight replica Japanese aircraft and the same performers and aircraft
featured in the movie, "Pearl Harbor" that is opening Memorial Day in local
theatres. The performance will be by the Houston Based "Confederate Air Force".

Other flying entertainment includes Lincoln pilot Harry Barr who will perform a
variety of aerial stunts which includes landing and taking off in his J-3 Piper Cub
on the "world's shortest runway" -- a moving vehicle. Retired brigadier general
"Reg" Urschler, from Omaha, will perform with his P-51 nicknamed" Gunfighter"
which will be pitted against a replica Japanese "Zero" in a simulated aerial "dog
fight."

Urschler is one of 12 civilian pilots authorized by the USAF to fly either their
vintage P-51 Mustang or F-86 Saber Jet side by side with modern day aircraft such
as the F-15 Eagle, A-10 Warhog or F-16 Viper.

The air show will also feature aerobatic maneuvers by an USAF F-15 Eagle, B-52
Stratofortress, B-1 Lancer and the B-2 Spirit Bombers. The U. S. Navy's F/A-18
demonstration team will also be present. Approximately 30 additional aircraft are
scheduled for ground display. During the air show, souvenirs, food and beverages
will be available for purchase. A Lincoln native, Christopher "Jimmer" Noel will be
coming home from his home in Beaufort, South Carolina at the controls of an F/A-
18D Hornet where the fighter will be on static display at the "Feel the Thunder"
Air Show. The Marine Corps Captain is a graduate of Pius X High School and he
says he's glad to return to "Gods Country". he also says it is sense of
accomplishment and pride to come back and fly in front of your parents, brothers,
and sisters. Captain Noel has been stationed in S. C. for three years, and been in the
Marine Corps for 10 years and flying for 6 years. He has flown combat missions in
Kosovo and several tours of duty in the Far East. He is also looking forward to a
reunion with the family.

Admission and parking are free and located on the West side of the Airport.
Sponsorship inquiries should be directed to Mark Essman at the CVB, 434-5335.
All other inquiries to 471-7351.

On behalf of the more than 4,300 men and women of the Nebraska Air
and Army National Guard, I would like to welcome you to "Airfest
2001 - Feel The Thunder"

We are honored to host this years demonstration of Americas air and
ground power as we salLIte our state’s and our nation’s proud
aviation history We are particularly proud to welcome the U.S. Air
Force "Thunderbirds" back to Lincoln for the first time since 1986 as
well as all of the outstanding aerial acts that you wiN see today. We
are confident that today’s show will live up to its billing as "The
Greatest Air Show in the Midwest in 2001".

Among the many demonstrations today, you’ll see the world-famous
"Tora, Tora, Tora" World War II reenactment team that will be
featured during the upcoming film, "Pearl Harbor" You will also see a
number of other acts including retired Brig. Gen. ~Reg Urschler
performing acrobatic maneuvers in his P-51 Mustang nicknamed
"Gunfighter" and Lincoln pilot Harry Barr demonstrating the
abilities of his P-51 Mustang. The show will also give you the
opportunity to view and tour a number of military aircraft and
ground vehicles that help make America’s military the best in the
world.

I invite you to shake hands with the pilots who are here today as well
as the other members of the Nebraska National Guard. As
citizen-soldiers who train one weekend a month and two weeks a
year, these soldiers and airmen are truly Nebraska’s finest. When
disaster strikes Nebraska, they are available at a moments call to
serve their neighbors in need. They are also ready to serve America
during national emergencies. For example, right now members of the
Nebraska Army National Guard are serving abroad in Macedonia in
support of a peacekeeping mission in Kosovo. Additionally, members
of the Nebraska Army National Guard are preparing for a
deployment to Kuwait this summer while other members of the
Nebraska Air National Guard are serving in aerial refueling support
around the globe and are also preparing for an upcoming major
deployment to Denmark.

As I said, our Nebraska Air and Army National Guard airmen and
soldiers are simply Nebraska’s finest. On behalf of Nebraska’s Citizen
Soldiers, thanks to our enthusiastic and generous supporters.
Welcome to AirFest 2001. Get ready to "Feel The Thunder."

The Lincoln Airport Authority -Larry Strain, Air Boss for Airfest 2001-The Lincoln
Convention and Visitors Bureau-The Lincoln Chamber of Commerce-The City of Lincoln
Police Department-The City of Lincoln Fire Department-‘The American Red Cross-The
hundreds of volunteers-TSgt Vern Moore, 155th Air Refueling Wing-Federal Avtation
Authority-Boomers Printing Co-Alphagraphics- Holiday Inn-KOLN - TV-Settle Inn-
taybridge Suites-The people of Nebraska for supporting our citizen-soldiers of the Nebraska
National Guard-Air Force Association-Civil Air Patrol- Air National Guard Civic Association-
Screenco-Nebraska Emergency Management Agency-Silverhawk Aviation- Lamar Outdoor
Advertising-Three Eagles Communication-Emergency Management Association-Valley Ice-
Broadcast House-Comfort Inn-D&D Distributing-Fairfield Inn.