109th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron

Posted on Dec 17, 2024 in 1950's, 1960's

No. 21/ Nov 1950

109th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron (Type F) organized I November 1950.

No. 3/ Jan 1951

Federal Recognition of 109th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron (Type F) announced, 4 December 1950.

No. 24/ Jul 1951

109th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron redesignated from Type F to Fixed, 16 July 1951.

No. 55/ Oct 1961

109th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadrons (Fixed) were reorganized.

No. l/ Feb 1967

109th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron (Fixed) inactivated 5 March 1967.

UNIT EMBLEMS 109th AIRCRAFT CONTROL & WARNING SQUADRON
UNIT EMBLEMS
109th AIRCRAFT CONTROL & WARNING SQUADRON
(Picture from the HANG 25 History of Hawaii Air National Guard)

Blazon: On a blue disc diagonally divided from upper left to lower right by a yellow cloud formation throughout base, a representation of Menehune (a dwarf-like figure with white hair and beard, clad in a red loin cloth) riding with legs thrust high and forward, coaster fashion, above and gripping by means of two red lightning shaped reins attached to a red lightning flash, with white eye and teeth, descending diagonally downwards and emitting two red sparks off the front part of the lightning which accentuate the general speed.

Significance: Because of their ability to perform important tasks in a single night and complete by dawn the work undertaken, the industrious menehune was chosen as an emblem symbolic of the mission of the 109th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron. Like the menehune who worked while others slept secure, the 109th AC&W Squadron keeps vigil while others are at rest.

The emblem was approved 30 October 1953.

AC&W HEADQUARTERS. Sand Island facility. headquarters of the 109th AC&W Sq.
AC&W HEADQUARTERS. Sand Island facility. headquarters of the 109th AC&W Sq.
IT'S LIKE THIS. Capt Kiyoshi P. Goya explaining the 109th AC&W Sq organizational structure to new recruits.
IT’S LIKE THIS. Capt Kiyoshi P. Goya explaining the 109th AC&W Sq organizational structure to new recruits.
(Pictures from the HANG 25 History of Hawaii Air National Guard)

The 109th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron (Type F) was organized 4 Dec 1950 with an authorization of 17 officers and 194 airmen. Cadre personnel came from the 199th; Maj Valentine A. Siefermann was the Commander at Federal Recognition. Initial training was held in a corner of one of the hangars. There was emphasis on General Military Taining as there was no equipment to train on.

Battery Closson, an old Coast Artillery installation at nearby Fort Kamehameha, had been secured as a training station for the 109th. Drills were soon held there on Monday nights, with emphasis on refurbishing the dimly-lit tunnels. Initial equipment was scanty, and the 109th followed the tradition of “Nolan and his Forty Thieves”. They began to acquire electronic gear from the Army, Navy, Air Force, CAA (now FAA) and any other possible source. The ventilation system in the old gun emplacement left much to be desired, and training was under trying conditions.

Maj Frank R. Harlocker assumed command of the 109th in April 1951; Maj Siefermann went to Fort Ruger and became Air Staff Officer on the Adjutant General’s staff replacing Lt Col John Piper. Maj James R. Ashford became Operations Officer of the 109th and Capt K.iyoshi P. Goya the Radar Station Supervisor.

– HANG 25 History of Hawaii Air National Guard pp. 18-19

Maj James R. Ashford assumed command of the 109th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron 19 Nov 1952 vice Lt Col Frank R. Harlocker, who was reassigned to Hq HANG as A-3. Capt Peter R.M. Fowler became the new Air Operations Officer of the 109th; Capt Kiyoshi P. Goya became the new C.E. Staff Officer

– HANG 25 History of Hawaii Air National Guard pp. 22