The 179th Cyberspace Wing, located at Mansfield Lahm Air National Guard Base in Mansfield, Ohio, has been selected to be the nation’s first Air National Guard cyberspace wing. The 179th AW’s primary mission for the previous nearly 50 years was military cargo airlift, until the divestiture of its C-130 aircraft in the summer of 2022 in conjunction with its conversion to a cyberspace wing. The unit transformation will challenge and shape its capabilities and Airmen as it evolves to meet its new tasking. The organizational focus will be to take care of Airmen — through training, equipping, and leading — to meet the unit’s Initial Operating Capability requirement in 2025 and Full Operational Capability in 2027. The 179th CW’s infrastructure will be transformed to support secure communications facilities, additional power needs, and other requirements. The new mission will provide cyber-enabled capabilities supporting tactical needs in air superiority and information warfare, which will provide a competitive advantage in combat performance and survivability in joint force operations. The unit provides administrative and other support to the 200th RED HORSE (Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair Squadron Engineers) in Port Clinton, Ohio.
History
Units
- 164th Airlift Squadron
- 179th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron
- 179th Civil Engineer Squadron
- 179th Communications Flight
- 179th Comptroller Flight
- 179th Force Support Squadron
- 179th Logistics Readiness Squadron
- 179th Maintenance Group
- 179th Maintenance Operations Flight
- 179th Maintenance Squadron
- 179th Medical Group
- 179th Mission Support Group
- 179th Operations Group
- 179th Operations Support Squadron
- 179th Security Forces Squadron
Geographically Separated Units
- 200th RED HORSE Squadron
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200th RED HORSE
Squadron Det 1
Airman Kylie Davidson / 179th Cyberspace Wing Public Affairs
Airman competes in Miss Ohio Scholarship Program
Staff Sgt. Grace Riegel, a public affairs specialist at the 179th Cyberspace Wing, competed for Miss Ohio in Mansfield, Ohio, June 8-15, 2024. The Miss Ohio Scholarship Program consists of five phases of competition: private interview, onstage question, health and fitness, talent and evening gown.
Tech. Sgt. Alexis Wade / 179th Cyberspace Wing Public Affairs
Side by Side: Father and son share a journey in military service
Senior Master Sgt. Steve Dotson, a bioenvironmental engineering specialist, and his son Staff Sgt. Braydon Dotson, a cyber defense operations specialist, both assigned to the 179th Cyberspace Wing, participate in the Blackfeet Tribal Health - Operation Walking Shield Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) medical mission together at Browning High School in Browning, Mont., July 24, 2024. While they each had different roles at the IRT, both men were extremely grateful to have this opportunity to serve together.
PHOTOS: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 | STORIES: 1, 2, 3 | VIDEOS: VIDEO VIDEO
07.07.22
Photo by Airman 1st Class Grace Riegel, 179th Airlift Wing
179th Airlift Wing Final Flight of the C-130H Hercules
Pilots from the 164th Airlift Squadron at the 179th Airlift Wing at Mansfield Lahm Air National Guard Base in Mansfield, Ohio, stand outside their aircraft after their final flight on July 7, 2022. This aircraft, tail 88-4401, will retire and become a static display at the MAPS Air Museum (Military Aviation Preservation Society), an internationally known aviation museum in North Canton, Ohio. After being selected to become the nation’s first Air National Guard cyberspace wing, the unit is transitioning from flying the C-130H Hercules to a new mission.
11.06.22
Photo by Senior Airman Alexis Wade, 179th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
179th Airlift Wing maintains readiness during CBRNE training
Airmen from the 179th Airlift Wing Civil Engineering Squadron take part in a chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and high-yield explosives (CBRNE) exercise Nov. 6, 2022, in Mansfield, Ohio. Throughout the exercise, participants were faced with real-world scenarios to evaluate their readiness to operate in a CBRNE environment following an incident or attack.
08.12.22
Photo by Airman 1st Class Grace Riegel, 179th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Air Force names Ohio ANG member one of 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year
Profile of Senior Airman Kristina Schneider, a fire protection journeyman at the 179th Airlift Wing in Mansfield, Ohio, who was been named one of the Air Force’s 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2022.
04.23.22
Photo by Master Sgt. Joe Harwood, 179th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
179th AW’s “Flying Legacy” tribute ceremony celebrates more than 70 years in Mansfield
A C-130H Hercules is sprayed with an arc of water after 164th Airlift Squadron members finish the ceremonial final formation flight of two C-130Hs during the 179th Airlift Wing’s “Flying Legacy” tribute ceremony April 23, 2022, in Mansfield, Ohio. After being selected to become the nation’s first Air National Guard cyber wing, the unit marked its upcoming transition by honoring its heritage as a flying unit, dating back more than 70 years.
04.10.22
Photo by Staff Sgt. Alexis Wade, 179th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
179th AW holds tug-of-war event during Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month
The 179th Airlift Wing Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office conducts a tug-of-war competition to highlight Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month April 10, 2022, in Mansfield, Ohio. This year’s Department of Defense theme is “STEP FORWARD. Prevent. Report. Advocate.” It calls on all members of the DoD community to use their personal strength to advance positive change in preventing and reporting sexual violence.
02.05.22
Photo by Master Sgt. Joe Harwood, 179th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Airman tops in her class at basic training, DOD Fire Academy
For Airman First Class Sophie Tridico, a member of the Fire Protection Unit at the 179th Airlift Wing, her military career has gotten off to a big start, as she graduated Basic Military Training with the distinguished “First Airman” award and the Louis F. Garland Department of Defense Fire Academy as the top student in her technical school.
02.05.22
Photo by 2nd Lt. Kevin Knallay, 179th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
C-130H de-icing keeps mission flying in Mansfield
Master Sgt. Jordan Brown (in bucket) de-ices a C-130H Hercules prior to its departure Feb. 5, 2022, at the 179th Airlift Wing in Mansfield, Ohio. Regardless of the elements, the wing must maintain its cargo and personnel airlift capabilities in support of Department of Defense missions around the globe as well as for domestic operations in the U.S.
12.03.21
Photo by Master Sgt. Joe Harwood, 179th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
179th Airlift Wing conducts change of command
Brig. Gen. Gary McCue (left), director of the joint staff for the Ohio National Guard, presents Col. Darren E. Hamilton (third from left), as the 17th commander of the 179th Airlift Wing, as Chief Master Sgt. Todd A. Hunt (second from left), 179th AW command chief, and Col. Todd K. Thomas, outgoing 179th Airlift Wing commander, stand at attention during a change of command ceremony Dec. 3, 2021, at Mansfield-Lahm Air National Guard Base in Mansfield, Ohio. Hamilton takes over for Thomas, who joined the unit in 1991 as a C-130 pilot and retires as the wing commander after more than 33 years of military service.
08.25.21
Ohio National Guard graphic
179th AW selected as preferred location for Air National Guard’s first cyber warfare wing
The Department of the Air Force announced Aug. 25 that it has identified Ohio’s Mansfield-Lahm Air National Guard Base as the preferred location for the first ANG cyber warfare wing in the country. The transformation will support Air Combat Command’s future requirements and result in operational mission changes, including an increase of about 175 Airmen and associated infrastructure support at the base.
07.09.21
Photo by Master Sgt. Joe Harwood, 179th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Last rotations of 179th Airlift Wing return from overseas deployment
The last rotations of Airmen from the 179th Airlift Wing return to their home station July 9, 2021, in Mansfield, Ohio. Airmen with the 164th Airlift Squadron and 179th Maintenance Group have completed their missions flying and maintaining the C-130H Hercules aircraft in support of Operation Spartan Shield.
05.05.21
Photo by Master Sgt. Joe Harwood, 179th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
179th AW Airmen return from Middle East
The first rotation of 179th Airlift Wing Airmen return to their home station following an overseas deployment, May 5, 2021, in Mansfield, Ohio. The 164th Airlift Squadron and 179th Maintenance Group have supported several deployment rotations flying and maintaining the C-130H Hercules aircraft in support of Operation Spartan Shield. The 179th Airlift Wing fulfills airlift missions by transporting personnel and cargo throughout the world and in the U.S., where it also supports disaster relief efforts and other domestic emergencies as required.
10.08.20
Photo by Master Sgt. Joe Harwood, 179th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
ADTS tricks C-130H Hercules into simulated flight, ensuring safe operations
Airmen from the 179th Airlift Wing Maintenance Group run early morning diagnostics on a C-130H Hercules with an Air Data Test Set, or ADTS, Oct. 8, 2020, in Mansfield, Ohio. While the aircraft remains grounded, the ADTS simulates flight, testing calibration and simulation of systems that normally operate in flight, providing critical information to ensure safe operations during actual missions.
09.27.20
Photo by Senior Airman Alexis Wade, 179th Airlift Wing
Ohio Air Guard Members Provide Lifesaving Aid
Staff Sgt. Joshua Prater and Staff Sgt. Michael Mauldin, both Fire Protection with the 179th Airlift Wing are coined by Brigadier General James R. Camp September 27, 2020, at the 179th Airlift Wing, Mansfield, Ohio. Mauldin and Prater were coined after helping save the life of an individual in a motor vehicle accident on their way to work.
08.25.20
Story by Senior Airman Alexis Wade, 179th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Maintaining readiness amid COVID-19: Adaptability key to 179th AW’s continued training
Coverage of how the 179th Airrlift Wing has made maintaining readiness, while abiding by safety precautions and protocols, a priority throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
08.07.20
Photo by Todd Cramer, Ohio National Guard Public Affairs
Stars align for Ohio National Guard’s newest general officer
Maj. Gen. John C. Harris Jr. (left), Ohio adjutant general, administers the oath of office to Brig. Gen. Gary McCue, director of the joint staff for the Ohio National Guard, as part of McCue’s promotion ceremony Aug. 7, 2020, at the Maj. Gen. Robert S. Beightler Armory in Columbus, Ohio. It is a military tradition for officers to recite the oath of office when they are promoted to a new rank.
04.28.20
Photo by Airman 1st Class Alexis Wade, 179th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
National Guard's ‘Military Child of the Year’ comes from 179th Airlift Wing Family
Kristina Lee, daughter of Col. Andrew Lee, commander of the 179th Airlift Wing Medical Group in Mansfield, Ohio, was recently announced as the 2020 Military Child of the Year® Award recipient representing the National Guard. It is the third time in four years that the child of an Ohio National Guard member has won the national honor.
01.30.20
Photo by Tech. Sgt. Joe Harwood, 179th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Members of 179th Security Forces Squadron return from deployment
Airmen with the 179th Airlift Wing Security Forces Squadron are welcomed back Jan. 30, 2020, in Mansfield, Ohio, following a six-month overseas deployment in support of U.S. Central Command. All Air National Guard members mobilized from their home unit are out-processed prior to their departure to serve on active duty and in-processed back into their Guard unit upon their return.
12.16.19
Photo by Airman 1st Class Alexis Wade, 179th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Herc Challenge helps Mansfield Senior High along path to state championship game
Mansfield Senior High School competes for the Ohio High School Athletic Association Football Division III State Championship this Friday, Dec. 6. The path to a championship began this summer during conditioning, when the Tygers were one of the teams to take on the 179th Airlift Wing’s “Herc Challenge,” which brought in a group of Airmen to teach the student-athletes about the Air Force core values through a physically and mentally demanding workout.
05.19.19
Photo by Senior Airman Christi A. Richter, 179th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
179AW Members Run SAPR 5K
Members of the 179th Airlift Wing run a 5k for Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness on May 19, 2019, in Mansfield, Ohio. The SAPR initiatives are to raise awareness and hopefully to prevent sexual assault, as well as to provide support for victims.
09.15.18
Photo by Capt. Paul Stennett, 179th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Strike Out Sexual Assault
Members of the 179th Airlift Wing, Mansfield, Ohio, participate in Strike Out Sexual Assault, Sept. 15, 2018, at Lahm Airport, Mansfield, Ohio. This event consisted of a wiffle ball tournament utilized to build awareness of the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program.
STORY ARCHIVE
10.08.2014: 179th receives final two C-130H Hercules, completes fleet of eight
06.30.2015: Disaster Food Truck (video)
09.27.2016: 179th Airlift Wing hosts ‘Pilot for a Day’: Agustin “AGU” Cal
12.22.2016: 179th AW’s Jones takes reins as Ohio Air National Guard state command chief
02.19.2017: 179th Airlift Wing goes to Africa to participate in Exercise Flintlock
03.17.2017: Meet the 179th Airlift Wing's first all-female loadmaster crew
08.05.2017: Ohio National Guard gives back to residents in two Central Ohio counties
01.26.2018: 179th Airlift Wing Communications Flight tabbed as best in Air National Guard
02.03.2018: 179th Airlift Wing makes history with first female wing commander in Ohio Air Guard
04.11.2018: Air National Guard director visits two OHANG wings
08.02.2018: Always together: Identical twins serve in same Air National Guard wing
08.19.2018: 179th Airlift Wing member provides medical assistance at Cleveland Indians game
10.09.2018: Responding when the community calls: Ohio Air National Guard firefighters provide emergency aid
10.12.2018: New Ohio Air National Guard recruit follows her father’s path
10.15.2018: From Mexico to Mansfield: An Ohio Air National Guard member’s story
11.21.2018: 179th Airlift Wing recruiter finds success through innovation
12.06.2018: Airman travels to southern tip of globe to support Operation Deep Freeze
12.15.2018: Holiday Messages from Soldiers & Airmen
12.30.2018 Lt. Col. (Dr.) Peter Lee: Airman Balances Many Roles
01.13.2019 Sgt. Joseph Langston: Airman Uses The Air Force to Better Himself Both in and out of Uniform
01.13.2019 Senior Airman Tyrell Shaw: Airman uses positive attitude to help overcome adversity
01.19.2019 Senior Airman Dionna Sims: AA/BHM reminder of past, present, future for 179th AW Airman
02.09.2019 Maj. Devin Conway: Airman, Mother, Nurse
02.18.2019 Chandlers: Her first, his last: father and daughter deploy together
02.10.2019 Tech. Sgt. Sarah Lewis: 179th Airlift Wing Member Provides Care Near and Far
02.10.2019 Capt. Rachael Wheeler: Medical caregivers support troop readiness
03.07.2019 179th Airlift Wing members return from deployment
03.10.2019 Staff Sgt. Jan Almasy: Airman Serves His Wingmen Through Victim Advocacy
03.10.2019 Master Sergeant Lyndsy Bringman: Airman Supports Wingmen Through Victim Advocacy
03.10.2019 Staff Sgt. Heather Stoffer: Airman Serves as Victim Advocate
06.20.2019 Cleveland Drug Enforcement Administration: Air National Guard Highlight (video)
08.20.2019 Airman helps combat opioid epidemic (story)
08.28.2019 Airman Helps Fight War on Drugs
09.15.2019 Silver Arrow in BiH - a display of partnership, newly acquired capabilities
01.30.2020 Members of 179th Security Forces Squadron return from deployment
04.28.2020 National Guard's ‘Military Child of the Year’ comes from 179th Airlift Wing Family
08.25.2020 Maintaining readiness amid COVID-19: Adaptability key to 179th AW’s continued training
08.25.2021 179th AW selected as preferred location for Air National Guard’s first cyber warfare wing