News Search

Guard Dedicates New Headquarters Facility in New London

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Steve Wilkins
  • 145th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
New London, NC --  A new $7.7 million-dollar facility dedicated January 9, by civic and military officials in New London, NC will help to expand the capabilities of the North Carolina Air National Guard.

"To achieve victory on the battlefield you must shoot, move and communicate," said Major Gen. William E. Ingram, Jr., North Carolina National Guard's Adjutant General since 2001.

According to Ingram, the new headquarters and training facility designated for the 145th Combat Operations Group (comprised of the 263rd Combat Communications Squadron, 118th Air Support Operations Squadron, and the 235th Air Traffic Control Squadron) will use its new 37,000 square-foot facility to do just that.

In prepared remarks Ingram expressed gratitude for a community effort enabling development of a growing complex in Stanly County since the mid-1980's. The new building is the latest addition to the compound. He and NC Air National Guard Chief of Staff, Brigadier General Robert Stonestreet recalled the visionary leaders preceding them who worked diligently with community leaders to establish and develop a Guard presence there.

Facility space includes office, conference and storage space, maintenance facilities, a 9,000 square-foot warehouse, 1,200 square-foot radar support facility, a tower and radar simulator and a state-of the-art 250-seat auditorium.

The event was attended by community leaders representing the Town of New London, Stanly County, Stanly County Airport, and the State of North Carolina. Many of the individuals attending had a hand assisting in the creation, funding and construction of the facility.

New London Mayor W. Calvin Gaddy said they feel good about having the unit in Stanly County, adding that with the facility "readiness is here, now." He expressed thanks for the technical capabilities the unit is ready to provide immediately whenever called. Ingram reiterated his point, indicating many of the unit's airmen have deployed like many of the other 12,000 NC Guardsmen in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom since Sept. 11, 2001.

U.S. Rep. Larry Kissell thanked the Guardsmen in the 145th COG for their service, saying, "One of the great confidences I have is in the performance of the U.S. military to protect and defend our nation."

The North Carolina Air National Guard serves the community through homeland defense, emergency response, including disaster evacuations, aerial fire-fighting and national defense. The North Carolina National Guard continues to deploy while actively supporting the Global War on Terrorism.