ELLINGTON FIELD JOINT RESERVE BASE, Texas -- The Texas Air National Guard 111th Attack Squadron at Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base, Texas, celebrated its 100th anniversary in the 147th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron’s hangar, August 12, 2017.
The 111th Attack squadron, known as the Ace-in-the-Hole Squadron, is the flying unit assigned to the 147th Attack Wing.
The ceremony included guest speaker Maj. General John F. Nichols, Adjutant General of the TXANG and a flag furling and unfurling ceremony.
“This was a great occasion to be a part of. It marks a powerful milestone for the fine men and women of the 147th Attack Wing.” said Maj. General David McMinn, commander of the Texas Air National Guard. “I am proud of the great Airmen here for their dedication to the mission and their great work.”
The flag furling and unfurling ceremony revealed the redesignation of the 147th Reconnaissance Wing to the 147th ATKW and was performed by Col. Gary D. Jones, commander of the 147th ATKW.
“For a century the men and women of the 111th have proudly answered the call to arms for our nation in times of war, and rendered aid to our fellow Texans in times of crisis. These are duties that the Aces hold sacred and when called upon we will continue to perform them with pride. As our MQ-1 mission comes to a close and we begin a new century of Texas airpower, we are preparing for our conversion to the MQ-9 Reaper,” said Lt. Col. David Peck, commander of the 111th Attack Squadron. “We are grateful to the Aces that have come before us and paved the way, and we are committed to serving our nation and the great state of Texas with distinction.”
The redesignation comes after the wing received a new aircraft, the MQ-9 Reaper in place of their previous MQ-1 Predator.
The ceremony was concluded with a C-130 jump exercise from members of the 147th Air Support Operations Squadron.