(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that the Connecticut National Guard’s 103rd Airlift Wing has been named the best airlift unit in the Air National Guard by the Airlift/Tanker Association, a group of aviation professionals dedicated to the support of military airlift.
The organization is set to honor the unit with its Major General Stanley F.H. Newman Award during its upcoming annual convention in Grapevine, Texas, which is being held from October 31 to November 3, 2024. The award is a prestigious, national accolade that is presented annually to recognize the most outstanding Air National Guard wing contributing to the overall success of the Mobility Air Forces mission.
The 103rd Airlift Wing was selected for the award for its exceptional service during the period from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024.
“Over the years, I have seen the Connecticut National Guard doing amazing things on behalf of the people of Connecticut and the United States, and their professionalism, dependability, and leadership is second to none,” Governor Lamont said. “The 103rd Airlift Wing has provided exceptional support to our military forces in support of operations all over the world, and their bravery, teamwork, and exemplary skills make Connecticut proud. I congratulate the unit on receiving this national award in recognition of their accomplishments. The 103rd Airlift Wing is a model of patriotism.”
“On behalf of the entire Connecticut National Guard, I want to extend my congratulations to the men and women of the 103rd Airlift Wing for earning the prestigious Major General Stanley F.H. Newman Award,” Major General Francis Evon, commander of the Connecticut National Guard, said. “This remarkable achievement is a testament to your unwavering dedication, professionalism, and excellence in service. You continue to exemplify what it means to be part of Connecticut’s Home Team, and I couldn’t be prouder of the way you represent our state and nation. Your commitment to excellence and mission readiness sets the standard, and I look forward to witnessing your continued success.”
The 103rd Airlift Wing is among the most operationally engaged tactical airlift units in the Total Air Force.
During the period covered by this award, the unit was chosen to lead a four-ship C-130 Hercules force element while in the Indo-Pacific Command area of responsibility during Exercise Mobility Guardian. The unit also provided expert tactical airlift capability for the European Command area of responsibility during exercise Air Defender.
Additionally, the 103rd Airlift Wing brought a C-130 Hercules aircraft to Uruguay in support of the Connecticut National Guard’s State Partnership Program and United States Southern Command’s campaigning objectives. In May 2024, the unit completed its Air Mobility Command, Inspector General-observed, Readiness Exercise Validation, where the 103rd Air Wing Inspector General was lauded as the “gold standard” in their ability to plan, execute and report on a largescale combat readiness exercise.
The Airlift/Tanker Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing a forum for ensuring American military forces continue to have the air mobility capability required to implement U.S. national security strategy. Members include active duty, guard, reserve, and retired military personnel, both officers and enlisted, as well as civilian and industry supporters of the air mobility mission.
The Major General Stanley F.H. Newman Award is named in honor of a U.S. Army Air Corps pilot who was credited with shooting down the last German airplane of World War II. He died on April 22, 2023, at the age of 99.