New York Air National Guard Unit exercises at Stewart

Newburgh — A deployment exercise at Stewart Air National Guard Base took place on Thursday, Oct. 18. The exercise was conducted by the 105th Airlift Wing of the New York Air National Guard in conjunction with the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Administration. The Federal Emergency Management Administration Region II plans on using the giant C-5A aircraft of the 105th Airlift Wing, to deploy the equipment it would need in the event of a terrorist attack or a natural disaster. The cargo aircraft would be used to transport equipment that is stored in multiple locations around that country, as part of agency’s Pre-positioned Equipment Program. The equipment packages are used for protection, detection, decontamination, communications, and explosive ordinance disposal. The packages are tailored to sustain and reconstitute equipment for local and state first-responders for 72 hours of response and recovery. “The 105th Airlift Wing as a component of the National Guard takes its responsibilities to the people of New York very seriously.” Working along-side agencies like FEMA demonstrates our commitment to our state mission. We believe today’s exercise and training strengthens the ability of the federal government to respond to emergencies here in New York and across the nation,” said Brigadier General Verle L. Johnston, Jr. of the 105th Airlift Wing Commander. The Wing is one of two Air National Guard units in the country with an operational C-5 mission. The unit’s 13 aircraft regularly fly missions around the world in support of America’s armed forces. The Stewart Air National Guard Base has a 20 year proven track record for answering the call to duty both in New York State and around the globe.