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178th Fighter Wing becomes 178th Wing

The 178th Honor Guard furls the 178th Fighter Wing Flag and unfurls the 178th Wing flag symbolizing the wings mission transition during a redesignation ceremony at the Springfield Air National Guard Base, Aug 3. While the name change was official July 1, the ceremony reflected a four-year conversion from the 178th FW that supported a flying mission to the 178th Wing, which now has intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and support missions. (Ohio Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Seth Skidmore/Released)

178th Fighter Wing becomes 178th Wing

Chief of Staff of the Ohio Air National Guard, Brig. Gen. Stephen Markovich, hands the 178th Wing guidon to Col. Gregory Schnulo, commander 178th Wing, at Springfield Air National Guard Base, August 3, 2014. This symbolized the transition of the 178th Fighter Wing becoming the 178th Wing. (Ohio Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Seth Skidmore/Released)

178th Wing celebrates new name, missions

Published Aug. 3, 2014
By Tech. Sgt. Lou Burton
178th Public Affairs

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio -- The Ohio Air National Guard's 178th Fighter Wing was redesignated the 178th Wing during an official ceremony at the base, August 3.

While the name change was official July 1, the ceremony reflected a four-year conversion from the 178th FW that supported a flying mission to the 178th Wing, which now has intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and support missions.

"This ceremony is deeply rooted in military history and dates back to the 18th century in Prussia," explained Capt. Joyella Bourassa, master of ceremonies. "During this time, organizational flags were developed with color arrangements and symbols unique to each particular unit. The soldiers of the unit would dedicate their loyalty and trust to the flag and their commander. When a change of command was to take place, the outgoing commander would pass the unit flag to the individual assuming command. This ceremony was accomplished as a public display in front of the members of the unit."

Following in this tradition, the ceremony showcased the 178th Fighter Wing flag being furled and the 178th Wing flag unfurled.

"We are now the 178th Wing and we will continue to do everything asked of us and more," said Col. Gregory Schnulo, commander.

The ceremony also recognized the activation of the 178th Intelligence Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Group.

The 178th ISRG consists of four squadrons that support state, national, and combatant command customers, through computer network exploitation, geospatial intelligence, forensic all source analysis, space ground infrastructure and order of battle, as well as, technical exploitation of electronic intelligence, and foreign material exploitation.

Additionally, the 178th Maintenance Group was officially inactivated, and the Air Combat Command gained the remaining 178th units from Air Education and Training Command.

"Where we go from here matters," said Command Chief Master Sgt. Ottis LeMaster. "We will continue to be guardians of justice and freedom."