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Check Six

Palace Alert: The Guardians of the Skies

March 28, 2025

A Tribute to Hawaii National Guard Vietnam Veterans PALACE ALERT VETERANS. Majs Ritchie K. Kunichika, Edward V. Richardson, Gerald K. Sada, Capts Rexford H. Hitchcock and Marlin L. Little. (Picture from the HANG 25 History of Hawaii Air National Guard) Fifty-seven...

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Check Six: 1995 Civilian Aircraft Rescue

March 18, 2025

EAGLES TO THE RESCUE–Lt. Col Kimo Kelly and Maj. Wayne Wakeman, F-15 pilots stand at the Hawaii Air National Guard alert pad. Photo by Tech. Sgt. Wayne Pontes (Picture from the 1995 December Pūpūkahi) 30 years ago in March 1995, pilots...

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Check Six: 1975 Hawaii State Prison Support 

February 26, 2025

(Picture from the HANG Twenty Five Plus Five- History of the Hawaii Air National Guard 4 November 1971 to 3 November 1976) In February and March of 1975, the Hawaii National Guard was called to assist at the Hawaii State Prison...

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Check Six – 1968: Operation Palace Alert

June 30, 2022

In January 1968, the capture of the U.S.S. Pueblo and the Tet Offensive caused President Lyndon Johnson to reverse his policy on using the reserve components in the Vietnam War.  The Air National Guard mobilized eight tactical fighter groups that were a part of...

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Check Six – 2008: Old Friends Retiring

June 29, 2022

Retiree News photograph The Hawai‘i State Department of Defense once held their Awards and Retirement luncheons twice a year. These luncheons recognized retiring Federal and state employees. Current employees who achieved 10, 20, 30 or more years of longevity received...

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Check Six – 2010: Friends at a Retirement Ceremony

June 28, 2022

Retiree News Photo Retirement ceremonies are an important part of a person's military career. Many times retirees join currently serving members to honor the newest retiree. William Petti's ceremony was June 25, 2010 at the 154th Wing's dining facility. Among...

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Check Six – 2007: Christmas Tree Trimming

June 27, 2022

Retiree News photograph - click to enlarge One of the traditions at the Department of Defense headquarters is the annual Christmas tree trimming. Everyone brings an ornament to trim the Christmas tree in the second floor hallway. Some make their...

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Check Six – 1961: Transitioning to the Deuce

June 27, 2022

On July 19, 1960, the National Guard Bureau officially announced the 154th Fighter Interceptor Group (154 FIG) was converting to Convair F-102A Delta Daggers. The first Deuces arrived in Hawaii by ship on December 5, 1960.  A contractor, Land Air...

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Check Six – 1958: Alert Facility Dedication

June 26, 2022

Hawaii Air National Guard photograph Nine pilots were put through a concentrated training program and became qualified as Alert Ready. The 199th Fighter Squadron went on 24 hour active air defense alert at 0001 October 23, 1958. The dedication of...

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