We are a combat ready organization prepared to support the U.S. and allied forces, as well as provide disaster response, humanitarian relief, and large-scale aerial firefighting capabilities to the state of California and the nation.
The wing’s designated wartime mission is to provide general purpose and intra-theater airlift of personnel and materiel, normally into improved airports, with optional delivery by airdrop or airland into short, unimproved airstrips under combat conditions.
The Wing’s aircraft can be configured for combat delivery of paratroops, aero-medical evacuation, photo reconnaissance and large-scale aerial firefighting with the Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System (MAFFS).
The 146 AW is currently the only organization in the world implementing the new MAFFS 2 units on the C-130J platform, making it a highly capable and valuable resource in the firefighting industry.
The 146 AW considers its most precious asset to be the 1,200 Guard men and women who sustain one of the largest and most capable airlift wings in the nation, and who consistently portray the Air Force Core Values of Integrity - Excellence - Service.
“146th Airlift Wing personnel are embedded in communities throughout California. Our citizen-airmen are well-trained and equipped to be ready at a moment’s notice to provide critical airlift, humanitarian assistance, and life-saving domestic operations missions in cooperation with state and federal agencies. We take great pride in our Air National Guard family’s abilities to quickly leverage our unique full-time skill sets with a part-time force.” Col. Christopher Dougherty, Vice Commander, 146th Airlift Wing.