Kentucky Guard

Air Defender 23 provides joint training for 123rd Contingency Response, German Luftwaffe
July 6, 2023 — A 123rd Contingency Response Element from the Kentucky Air National Guard deployed to Wunstorf Air Base, Germany, in June to provide base operations support and cargo distribution for exercise Air Defender 2023... MORE

U.S. Airmen assigned to the 123rd Airlift Wing, Kentucky National Guard practice refueling operations in an austere environment, transferring fuel directly from one aircraft to another at Lechfeld Air Base, Germany, during exercise Air Defender (AD23), June 19, 2023. Exercise AD23 integrates both U.S. and allied air-power to defend shared values, while leveraging and strengthening vital partnerships to deter aggression around the world. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Joseph R. Morgan)

Kentucky Air Guard strengthens ties with NATO allies in Air Defender
June 24, 2023 — More than 130 Airmen from the Kentucky Air National Guard arrived in Germany in early June to participate in NATO’s largest-ever multinational air force redeployment exercise, Air Defender 23, joining with more than 10,000 personnel and hundreds of aircraft from 25 partner countries... MORE

Airmen from the 123rd Airlift Wing, Kentucky National Guard, marshal a German aircraft tug towing a C-130J Super Hercules at Wunstorf Air Base, Wunstorf, Germany, June 12, 2023. Exercise Air Defender integrates both U.S. and allied air-power to defend shared values, while leveraging and strengthening vital partnerships to deter aggression around the world. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Phil Speck)

Hartman retires after 23 years of service
June 23, 2023 — Chief Master Sgt. Donald J. Hartman, chief enlisted manager for the 123d Force Support Squadron, retired from military service during a ceremony at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base May 21, 2023, ending a career spanning more than 23 years... MORE

Chief Master Sgt. Donald Hartman, right, outgoing senior enlisted leader for the 123rd Force Support Squadron, receives a certificate of retirement from Lt. Col. Kevin Krauss, 123rd Contingency Response Support Squadron commander, during Hartman’s retirement ceremony at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., May 21, 2023. Hartman is retiring after 23 years of military service. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Joshua Horton)

Kentucky Air Guardsman continues grandfather's WWII legacy
June 14, 2023 — Kentucky Air Guardsman honors grandfather's service legacy in Germany during Air Defender 23... MORE

Maj. Matthew Skeens, a logistics readiness officer with the 123rd Contingency Response Element from Louisville, Kentucky, stands by a memorial on Wunstorf Air Base, Germany, June 7, 2023. The stone commemorates those who served in the famous Berlin Airlift. Skeens, who is deployed here in support of Exercise Air Defender 23, holds a picture of his grandfather, U.S. Air Force pilot Kenneth Skeens, who flew in that mission 75 years ago from this base. Exercise Air Defender integrates both U.S. and Allied air power to defend shared values, while leveraging and strengthening vital partnerships to deter aggression around the world. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Vicky Spesard)

Richards retires, concluding 30 years of service
June 7, 2023 — Chief Master Sgt. Kenneth Richards, senior enlisted leader of the 123rd Medical Group, retired from military service during a ceremony at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base May 20, 2023, concluding a career spanning more than 30 years... MORE

Chief Master Sgt. Kenneth Richards, senior enlisted leader of the 123rd Medical Group, addresses an audience of friends, family and fellow Airmen during his retirement ceremony at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., May 20, 2023. Richards is retiring after 30 years of service. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Chloe Ochs)

Kentucky Air Guard recognizes 2022 retirees
May 19, 2023 — Fifty-one retirees of the Kentucky Air National Guard were honored April 22 when a plaque bearing their names was unveiled during a ceremony at the 123rd Airlift Wing... MORE

The names of 51 Airmen have been added to a monument at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., recognizing service members who retired from the organization in 2022. The names, inscribed on a black granite plaque in front of the 123rd Airlift Wing’s Lt. Gen. John B. Conaway Headquarters Building, were announced during a ceremony at the base April 22, 2023. (U.S. Air National Guard photo illustration by Dale Greer)

123rd Contingency Response Group trains on sling loads with 63rd Theater Aviation Brigade
May 16, 2023 — Airmen assigned to the Kentucky Air National Guard's 123rd Contingency Response Group trained on hot-refueling techniques and prepared cargo for a helicopter-borne sling load carry at Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, Ky., March 23, 2023. The training, conducted jointly with the Kentucky Army National Guard’s 63rd Theater Aviation Brigade, enhances the Air Guard unit’s ability to employ UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters in domestic and wartime environments... MORE

Airmen assigned to the Kentucky Air National Guard's 123rd Contingency Response Group train on hot-refueling techniques and prepare cargo for a helicopter-borne sling load carry at Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, Ky., March 23, 2023. The training, conducted jointly with the Kentucky Army National Guard’s 63rd Theater Aviation Brigade, enhances the Air Guard unit’s ability to employ UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters in domestic and wartime environments. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Clayton Wear)

Andrews concludes 35 years of service to Guard, Reserves
May 16, 2023 — Chief Master Sgt. Scott Andrews retired from military service during a ceremony at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base April 29, 2023, concluding a career that spanned 35 years of service in the Air National Guard and the Air Force Reserves... MORE

Chief Master Sgt. Scott Andrews, right, material management chief enlisted manager for the 123rd Logistics Readiness Squadron, receives the Kentucky Distinguished Service Medal from Lt. Col. Leslie Brooks, 123rd LRS commander, during Andrews’ retirement ceremony at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., April 29, 2023. Andrews is retiring after 35 years of military service. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Joshua Horton)

123rd Special Tactics facilitates aircraft operations on Wyoming highways
May 9, 2023 — Nineteen Airmen from the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Special Tactics Squadron made history near Riverton, Wyoming, April 30 and May 2, 2023, when they facilitated the landing of aircraft on two Wyoming highways for the first time as part of Exercise Agile Chariot... MORE

An MC-130J Commando II from the 1st Special Operations Wing takes off from Highway 287 in Wyoming during Exercise Agile Chariot on April 30, 2023, honing capabilities linked to Agile Combat Employment. Instead of relying on large, fixed bases and infrastructure, ACE employs smaller, more dispersed locations and teams to rapidly move aircraft, pilots and other personnel as needed. Under ACE, millions of miles of public roads can serve as functional runways with Forward Arming and Refueling Points when necessary. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Phil Speck)

Chief Malone retires after 35 years of service
April 30, 2023 — Chief Master Sgt. David E. Malone, senior enlisted leader of the 123rd Maintenance Group, retired from military service during a ceremony at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Kentucky, Feb. 4, 2023, ending a career spanning 35 years... MORE

Chief Master Sgt. David Malone, left, 123rd Maintenance Group senior enlisted advisor, receives the Meritorious Service Medal from Lt. Col. Jerry Zollman, 123rd Maintenance Group commander, during Malone’s retirement ceremony at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., Feb. 5, 2023. Malone is retiring after more than 35 years of service to the Kentucky Air National Guard and United States Air Force. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Joshua Horton)

Keller takes command of support group; Imorde named wing vice commander
April 30, 2023 — Col. Shawn Keller assumed command of the 123rd Mission Support Group during a ceremony at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Kentucky, Jan. 21, 2023, replacing Col. George Imorde, who has been named vice commander of the 123rd Airlift Wing... MORE

Col. Shawn Keller, center, incoming commander of the 123rd Mission Support Group, stands at attention after accepting the group's guidon during a change-of-command ceremony at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., Jan. 21, 2023. Keller is replacing Col. George Imorde, who is taking on the role of vice commander for the 123rd Airlift Wing. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Joshua Horton)

Kentucky Air Guard flies in Thunder air show
April 24, 2023 — This year’s Thunder Over Louisville air show, held April 22 along the banks of the Ohio River, featured more than 20 military and civilian aircraft, including a C-130J Super Hercules from the Kentucky Air National Guard, which served as the base of operations for military planes flying in the show. Other highlights included the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy's F-35 Lightning II Demonstration Teams, historic warbirds, and parachute demonstrations by the U.S. Army Golden Knights and the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Special Tactics Squadron... MORE

A C-130J Super Hercules from the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Airlift Wing performs an aerial demonstration along the banks of the Ohio River in downtown Louisville, Ky., April 22, 2023, as part of the annual Thunder Over Louisville air show. This year’s event featured more than 20 military and civilian planes, from the latest-generation fighter jets to historic warbirds. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Dale Greer)

Aircraft arrive at Kentucky Air Guard Base for Thunder air show
April 20, 2023 — Military aircraft began arriving at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base April 19 in advance of the 2023 Thunder Over Louisville air show... MORE

An aircraft from the U.S. Air Force F-35 Lightning II Demonstration Team arrives at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., April 19, 2023, in advance of the Thunder Over Louisville air show. The annual event, to be held along the banks of the Ohio River on April 22, will feature more than 20 military and civilian aircraft. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Dale Greer)

LaMastus, Penne, Newby selected as top Airmen for 2022
March 25, 2023 — Senior Airman Elijah LaMastus, Master Sgt. Ryan Penne and Master Sgt. Jason Newby have been selected as the Kentucky Air National Guard’s Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2022... MORE

Senior Airman Elijah LaMastus has been selected as the Kentucky Air National Guard’s Outstanding Airman of the Year for 2022. He will be honored during a banquet to be held at the Kentucky Exposition Center on March 25, 2023. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Phil Speck)

Thompson named KYANG First Sergeant of the Year
March 25, 2023 — Master Sgt. Joshua Thompson of the 123rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron has been selected as the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 2022 First Sergeant of the Year... MORE

Master Sgt. Joshua Thompson of the 123rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron has been selected as the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 2022 First Sergeant of the Year. Thompson amassed more than 500 hours as an instructor at Maintenance University, leading 325 service members through 12 days of training events and increasing the squadron’s overall aircraft proficiency. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Phil Speck)

Grugel oversaw STS growth, retires after 31 years
March 24, 2023 — Chief Master Sgt. Karl Grugel, senior enlisted leader of the 123rd Special Tactics Squadron, concluded 31 years of distinguished military service during a retirement ceremony at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base here Dec. 10, 2022... MORE

Retired Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Wilkinson, left, former assistant adjutant general for Air in the Kentucky National Guard, presents a Kentucky Distinguished Service Medal to Chief Master Sgt. Karl Grugel, senior enlisted leader for the 123rd Special Tactics Squadron, during Grugel’s retirement ceremony at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., Dec. 10, 2022. Grugel served the Air Force and Air National Guard for 31 years. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Clayton Wear)

Contingency Response Group renames squadrons
March 23, 2023 — The two squadrons which comprise the 123rd Contingency Response Group were redesignated during a ceremony at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base here Oct. 15, 2022... MORE

Brig. Gen. David J. Mounkes, right, assistant adjutant general for Air, sheathes a retired contingency response squadron guidon with the help of Maj. Andrew Kochman during a redesignation ceremony Oct. 16, 2022, at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky. During the event, the 123rd Global Mobility Readiness Squadron was renamed the 123rd Contingency Response Support Squadron, and the 123rd Global Mobility Squadron was renamed the 123rd Contingency Response Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Clayton Wear)

Kentucky hosts Leadership Development Day
February 27, 2023 — More than 900 Soldiers and Airmen from the Kentucky National Guard attended Leadership Development Day at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Ky. Feb. 5, 2023. Governor Andy Beshear started the event off with an address to the officers and senior enlisted personnel in the audience followed by a presentation of awards to Airmen and Soldiers for their exceptional service. ... MORE

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Haldane Lamberton, adjutant general of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, addresses more than 900 Soldiers and Airmen from the Kentucky National Guard during Leadership Development Day, held at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Ky., Feb. 5, 2023. The event, for officers and senior enlisted troops, also featured presentations by Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear; U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Marc Sasseville, vice chief of the National Guard Bureau; U.S. Army Maj. Gen Troy Galloway, deputy commanding general of the Army National Guard; U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Mark Landes, commander of First Army East; and U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Duke Pirak, deputy director of the Air National Guard. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Dale Greer)

Kentucky Guard Airmen supporting exercise in South Pacific
February 14, 2023 — A team of contingency response Airmen from the Kentucky Air National Guard arrived in the Northern Mariana Islands Feb. 12, 2023, to provide cargo handling and aircraft maintenance services for Cope North, a multinational exercise designed to enhance combat readiness in the South Pacific... MORE

Tech. Sgt. Monica Sealey, a loadmaster with the North Carolina Air National Guard’s 156th Airlift Squadron, directs the loading of a vehicle onto a C-17 Globemaster III at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., Feb. 10, 2023. The vehicle is being transported to the Northern Mariana Islands for Cope North, a multinational exercise designed to enhance combat readiness in the South Pacific. Fourteen Kentucky Air Guardsmen from the 123rd Contingency Response Group are providing air base-opening and cargo-handling capabilities for Cope North. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Phil Speck)

Cooper draws 3-decade career to a close as commander of 123rd Medical Group
November 4, 2022 — Col. Michael A. Cooper concluded his military career with a retirement ceremony in Louisville, Kentucky, Sept. 11, 2022, drawing a close to 30 years of distinguished service... MORE

Col. Michael A. Cooper, commander of the 123rd Medical Group, retires from military service during a ceremony at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., Sept. 11, 2022. Cooper served for 30 years in the Kentucky Army National Guard, Air Force Reserve and Kentucky Air National Guard. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Dale Greer)

News Search

Narrow Search

Expand Articles by Year and Month

Kentucky National Guard Links