New Castle Air National Guard Base

New Castle Air National Guard Base is a United States Air Force installation located at Wilmington Airport in New Castle County, Delaware. Established in May 1943 as New Castle Army Air Base, the facility was initially under the control of the United States Army Air Forces. During World War II, the base was assigned to the Air Corps Ferrying Command 2d Ferrying Group to facilitate the delivery of aircraft to Allied forces. Members of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) served at the installation as test and ferry pilots.

In 1950, the facility was renamed New Castle Air Force Base and jurisdiction was assumed by the Air Defense Command. During this period, the base hosted the 4th Fighter-Interceptor Wing, equipped with F-86A Sabres, and the 113th Fighter-Interceptor Wing. Units at the base operated various interceptor aircraft, including the F-84C Thunderjet and F-94 Starfire. In 1957, the air defense mission was transferred to the Delaware Air National Guard, and the facility was redesignated as an Air National Guard base under state control.

The base is currently controlled by the Delaware Air National Guard and hosts the 166th Airlift Wing. The wing is operationally gained by the Air Mobility Command. Stationed units include the 142nd Airlift Squadron, the 166th Civil Engineer Squadron, and the 166th Network Warfare Squadron. The wing operates a fleet of Lockheed C-130H2 Hercules transport aircraft to provide tactical airlift, aeromedical evacuation, and the drop of troops and cargo.

The installation occupies 79.6 acres and includes 44 buildings. It shares its airfield with Wilmington Airport. The base is staffed by 294 full-time Active Guard Reserve and Air Reserve Technician personnel, with the population increasing to 1,150 during monthly reserve training periods. Personnel and aircraft from the base have supported operations including Desert Storm, Just Cause, and Joint Endeavor.