Retiree News

Following the 1991 Gulf War, coalition forces established no-fly zones over Iraq to limit Saddam Hussein’s ability to threaten regional stability. The Hawaiʻi Air National Guard (HIANG) played a key role in enforcing these mandates through multiple deployments to the Persian Gulf as part of Operation Southern Watch.

In Nov. 2000, nearly 250 airmen from the 199th Fighter Squadron, 154th Maintenance Squadron, and the 154th Aircraft Generation Squadron deployed. Flying as the 199th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron under the 363rd Air Expeditionary Wing, HIANG pilots launched daily F-15 Eagle combat patrols over southern Iraq. Armed with live missiles and 20mm cannon rounds, they protected coalition aircraft — including reconnaissance planes, and strike fighters from Iraqi threats. Despite anti-aircraft fire and the constant risk of missile engagement, Hawaiʻi’s F-15 pilots sustained operations without interruption.

Supporting them were HIANG maintainers, life support specialists, and weapons crews, who worked long shifts to keep aircraft mission-ready. Their efforts ensured that all taskings were met, with additional opportunities for training sorties when possible.

In early 2001, the mission expanded with deployments from the 201st Combat Communications Group and its subordinate units, including the 291st Combat Communications Squadron. These airmen provided critical satellite, microwave, and computer communications to keep coalition air operations secure and coordinated.

The 154th Security Forces Squadron contributed significantly, rotating into the Persian Gulf to provide base defense and force protection. From 2001 through 2003, HIANG security forces airmen manned checkpoints, conducted vehicle searches, and safeguarded coalition aircraft and personnel at sprawling desert air bases. Many were mobilized immediately after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks and served extended tours, balancing long duty hours and difficult conditions with professionalism and resilience.

By the conclusion of Operation Southern Watch in 2003, Hawaiʻi Air National Guard personnel had distinguished themselves across multiple mission areas — combat air patrol, communications, security, and maintenance. Their contributions underscored the Guard’s ability to seamlessly integrate with active-duty and allied forces in sustained overseas operations, reinforcing both coalition air superiority and regional security in the decade between Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

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