"Hollywood Guard" celebrates its centennial anniversary Published Sept. 20, 2024 By Master Sgt. Nieko Carzis 146th Airlift Wing CHANNEL ISLANDS AIR NATIONAL GUARD STATION, CA -- The 146th Airlift Wing better known as the “Hollywood Guard” amid an increasingly active wildfire season where they hosted all MAFFS (Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System) Air National Guard and Reserve units supporting wildland firefighting efforts, also hosted its centennial anniversary at the Channel Islands Air National Guard Station, Aug. 4, 2024. This centennial event was a combined celebration hosted in tandem with the wing's scheduled family day during a regularly scheduled drill, garnering a variety of attendees to include locally elected officials from across Ventura County, alumni members, as well as Airmen and their families. Commander for the 146th Airlift Wing, U.S. Air National Guard Col. Christopher F. Dougherty, welcomed everyone in attendance during his introductory speech, where he thanked everyone in attendance and stressed the importance of embracing the cultural heritage of the unit. “Not many units in the Air National Guard today can say they have achieved a 100-year anniversary, let this day be one of pride, reflection and celebration. A celebration of one hundred years of excellence, dedication, and brave service,” said Dougherty. Giving a chronological timeline that included detailed missions, deployments and wars that shaped the legacy of the 146th Airlift Wing during the hour-long ceremony, Dougherty highlighted the 100-year history of the 115th Airlift Squadron, which currently serves the California National Guard as a C-130J squadron co-located at the Channel Islands Air National Guard Station. The 146th Airlift Wing is a parent unit of the 115th Airlift Squadron, a descendant of the 115th Observation Squadron – which is one of the 29 original Air National Guard Squadrons in the country, and the oldest in the California Air National Guard. The 115th Observation Squadron’s rich aviation history dates to back to an early military aviation unit of the California National Guard's 40th Infantry Division, which was founded in the summer of 1924 at the wing’s first location at Clover Field in Santa Monica at the site of today's Santa Monica Airport. Dougherty says It was shortly after the formation of the squadron that they unit would receive its “Hollywood Guard” moniker, primarily due to its past members involvement and proximity to the movie industries’ in California, and that the wing came by it honestly over its 100-year legacy which included a place in cinema hall of fame. “Our unit would leave Clover Field and soon move to Griffith Park in 1925. Commanded by Maj. Corliss C. Mosely, who would later go on to form Western Airlines, recruited many of his aviators from ex-barnstormers who were then working in the new Hollywood movie industry. These military pilots continued to moonlight in the movie industry and participated in many of the aviation movies of the 1920’s and 1930’s including participating in the first movie ever to win an academy award,” said Dougherty. That movie would be known as “Wings” a 1927 American silent and synchronized sound film known for winning the first Academy Award for Best Picture. From the 1950’s all the way through the 1970’s the inadvertent acquaintanceship with the film making industry continued to grow with many of Hollywood’s rising stars continuing to enlist into military service with the unit. During this time in the wing’s history, the base had re-located to the site of today’s Van Nuys Airport until the 1990’s before finally relocating to its current day location in Port Hueneme, California. Dougherty continues his speech naming an extensive list of the wing’s famous alumni, movies and shows the wing had supported, major box office hits and Hollywood A-List celebrities from the music and entertainment industry. Making a pointed delineation regarding the wing’s legacy and the unit’s moniker, Dougherty elaborates that it’s inconsequential that it’s not a well-known fact that some of Hollywood’s greatest stars served within the 146th Airlift Wing at one time or another, because history would remember the significant and positive impacts made from all the Airmen who served within the wing’s history, moreover not just the “famous ones”. “Some of you may not know that our current and past locations, our aircraft, and many of our previous members have been involved in countless film and television productions over the years. Our wing’s alumni include actors like Kurt Russell, Sam Elliot, Jerry Mathers and Jack Nicholson are all alumni of the Hollywood Guard. But today, as we look back on our history, we honor the service and sacrifices of countless men and women, not just the famous ones, who have worn the uniform of the 115th and ultimately the 146th,” said Dougherty. “From its inception in 1924, the 146th Airlift Wing has stood as a beacon of resilience and commitment. From humble beginnings to becoming a key part of our defense, the Wing's journey is a testament to the power of unity and perseverance. Their critical roles in rapid response, air defense, logistical support, and humanitarian missions have saved countless lives and shaped the course of history multiple times,” said Dougherty. For over a century, the 146th Airlift Wing has evolved from its early days of operating aircraft like the Curtiss JN-4D Jenny and Douglas C-47 to becoming a critical component in modern military and firefighting operations. The wing transitioned through numerous aircraft types, including the North American F-86 Sabre and C-130 Hercules, reflecting its adaptability to meet the changing needs of the Department of Defense and the state of California. The 146th was federally activated during the Korean War and later re-designated as the 146th Fighter-Bomber Wing to support war fighting efforts, later becoming the 146th Air Transport Wing in the 1960s as their mission shifted to support global airlift operations. The Hollywood Guard’s versatility was showcased multiple times during significant events such as the Berlin Crisis and during the Persian Gulf conflicts, where it played key roles in airlifting troops and supplies. The unit’s contributions also extended to major humanitarian missions supporting domestic operations for those displaced during hurricane Katrina, and supporting operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria. Notably, during Operation Just Cause, the wing conducted over 100 combat sorties, demonstrating its operational effectiveness and resilience. In recent years, the 146th has maintained a high operational tempo, especially in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and civil unrest in 2020. The wing’s mobilization for medical supply transport and civil support marked the largest troop movement in California Air National Guard history. Additionally, the unit has been pivotal in aerial firefighting efforts, deploying the Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System to combat some of California’s most severe wildfires in the state’s history. Presently, the 146th Airlift Wing continues to innovate and adapt to support the state and nation with recent upgrades to its firefighting capabilities with the installations tanker pits upgrades, making it a strategic base for aerial firefighting. The unit also hosts a premiere group of medical technicians within their Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, which provides time-sensitive movement of casualties to and between medical treatment facilities. The ever-growing Contingency Response Team, a specialized unit within the Air Force designed to rapidly deploy to any airfield worldwide with limited notice to support mobile command and control for contingency or humanitarian missions. As the ceremony comes to an end, Dougherty begins his closing remarks, stopping briefly to look across the large crowd in attendance, delivering a final message of acknowledgement and praise to all members of the Hollywood Guard, from the past to the present. “The courage and unwavering commitment from all our members have paved the way for the success and recognition we celebrate today. As we celebrate this centennial, let us commit to holding our values dear and ensuring that this wing’s legacy endures for another hundred years. Let us take this moment to recognize all members of the 146th Airlift Wing, past and present, as well of those who help support us as we continue this proud tradition today,” said Dougherty. The crowd stands with applause as alumni, Airmen, families, and local elected officials whistle and cheer with excitement. Dougherty takes his final moment on stage to personally thank the families of the wing’s members in attendance one last time. “Thank you all for your outstanding support, without your sacrifices, the mission of the Hollywood Guard would not happen. Your dedication ensures that this legacy of excellence will continue for generations to come,” said Dougherty.