Kentucky Air National Guard

The Kentucky Air National Guard is a U.S. state military organization established in 1947 as part of the Kentucky National Guard. Founded on February 16, 1947, with federal recognition, it traces its roots to the 123rd Fighter Group and 165th Fighter Squadron, created May 24, 1946, from redesignated World War II Army Air Corps units. Based in Louisville, Kentucky, it operates as the air component of the Kentucky National Guard under U.S. Air Force oversight. The organization has flown various aircraft including P-51 Mustangs, F-84 and F-86 fighters, reconnaissance planes, and C-130 Hercules transports. Primary missions evolved from fighter operations to airlift operations beginning in 1989. The unit has deployed extensively in support of homeland defense, counterterrorism, and combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan since 2001. No documented connection to UAP/UFO research programs exists in available sources.