The September 11th attack
172 Hawai'i Air Guard personnel called up
By William Cole
Advertiser Military Writer
A group of 172 Hawai'i Air National Guardsmen who are part of the 169th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron at Wheeler Army Airfield were called to active duty on Oct. 1, the Defense Department said yesterday.
The call-up prior to the start of the attacks in Afghanistan was the largest single-unit activation for Hawai'i National Guard troops and reservists.
Hawai'i National Guard spokesman Maj. Chuck Anthony said the squadron, part of the Air Guard's 154th Wing, monitors Hawai'i's air space using radar sites around the Islands.
The unit, which has been performing the duty since 1956, works out of the Hawai'i Region Air Operations Center at Wheeler.
"Basically, they are the NORAD of Hawai'i," Anthony said. "NORAD takes care of the U.S. Mainland. The 169th serves that function in Hawai'i."
The activated unit falls under the command of the Pacific Air Force. Anthony said he could not discuss the additional mission requirements that necessitated activation of the 169th Squadron.
Many who belong to the unit were performing one weekend of service a month and 15 days of training annually. But as of Oct. 1 civilian careers were temporarily relinquished to fulfill active-duty requirements. The Defense Department only yesterday revealed the call-up.
Anthony said the activation is in support of "Noble Eagle" homeland defense. The unit serves as air control for the Air Guard's F-15 fighters based at Hickam Air Force Base.
More than 70 of Hawai'i's Army National Guard soldiers and Army reservists were called to active duty Friday to assist U.S. Army Pacific and the 25th Infantry Division (Light).
The Defense Department yesterday announced call-ups from Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard units across the country, including airlift, refueling and fighter wings.
A total of 32,686 reservists and National Guard troops have been called to active duty from 336 units in 49 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
Reach William Cole at wcole@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-5459.
