177th Airlift Squadron

The 177th Airlift Squadron (177 AS) is a unit of the North Dakota Air National Guard 119th Wing located at Fargo Air National Guard Base, North Dakota. The 177th is equipped with the C-21A Learjet.

Overview
The 177th Airlift Squadron accomplishes several missions including Operational Support Airlift (OSA), transportation of distinguished visitors, and a responsive aeromedical airlift system to move eligible patients.

History
The squadron was authorized by the North Dakota Military Department in 2008 and activated at Fargo AFB when the 119th Airlift Wing was equipped with the MQ-1 Predator UAV. The 178th Airlift Squadron was re-designated as the 178th Reconnaissance Squadron, with the C-21A Learjet being assigned to the new 177th AS. Support equipment and personnel from the 178th AS were re-assigned to the 177th AS.

In 2009, the 177th AS deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. It was the first deployment into a combat zone for the North Dakota Air National Guard. The squadron transported more than 400 service members during their two-month-long rotation in theater. They accomplished this by flying more than 200 sorties during 90 missions, as part of the 379th Expeditionary Operations Group.

In 2013, the squadron is programmed to receive the twin-turboprop C-27J Spartan medium transport aircraft.

Lineage

 * Designated 177th Airlift Squadron, and allotted to North Dakota ANG, 2008
 * Extended federal recognition and activated, 1 March 2008

Assignments

 * 119th Operations Group, 1 March 2008-Present

Stations

 * Fargo Air National Guard Base, North Dakota, 1 March 2008-Present

Aircraft

 * C-21A Learjet, 2008-Present
 * C-27J Spartan, 2013 (Planned)