133rd Airlift Wing to Welcome Home more than 100 deployed Airmen this week
March 3, 2020 (ST. PAUL, Minnesota) — More than 100 U.S. Air Force Airmen and four C-130 Hercules aircraft from the Minnesota Air National Guard’s 133rd Airlift Wing will be returning home Wednesday and Friday from a six month deployment to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.
During the course of their time overseas, the Airmen were responsible for the maintenance of the C-130 Hercules aircraft, along with the transportation of cargo and passengers. The C-130 Hercules, H3 model has been with the 133rd Airlift Wing since 1996. It has the capable of operating from rough, dirt strips and is the prime transport for airdropping troops and equipment into hostile areas. Two of the four deployed aircraft recently achieved a milestone of passing 10,000 flying hours.
Media is invited to cover the return on March 4th and/or March 6th, at the 133rd Airlift Wing, 631 Minuteman Drive, St. Paul, MN. To ensure base access RSVP no later than 12:00 p.m. March 3rd. To RSVP email usaf.mn.133-aw.mbx.pa-mailbox@mail.mil with the following information: first and last name, date of birth, state and number of the driver’s license, and which date you are requesting.
Media should arrive at the 133rd Airlift Wing no later than 1:30 p.m. on the day of each return. The deployed Airmen are expect to at the base within an hour of your arrival however, it can be later due to weather conditions. For questions or more information, call the 133rd Airlift Wing’s Public Affairs office at 612-713-2410 or email usaf.mn.133-aw.mbx.pa-mailbox@mail.mil.
The 133rd Airlift Wing has a proud heritage as part of the Minnesota Air National Guard. It was the first federally-recognized aviation squadron in the United States. It will be celebrating 100 years of history in July 2021.
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– About the Minnesota National Guard –
Established in 1856 and headquartered in St. Paul, the Minnesota National Guard has more than 13,000 soldiers and airmen who serve at 61 facilities in 58 communities across the state. The citizen-soldiers and airmen of the Minnesota National Guard are ‘Always Ready’ to fight the nation’s wars, protect the country, respond to state emergencies and contribute to local communities. For more information about the Minnesota National Guard, visit
