Stratton Air National Guard Base
Summary
| Operating Country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Location | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Status | ◉ Active |
| Usage | Dual |
| Year built | 1927 |
| Operating Organization | US Air National Guard |
| Units |
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Location & Details
| Coordinates | 42.8525°N, -73.9289°E |
| Elevation | 115 m (377 ft) |
| IATA code | SCH |
| ICAO code | KSCH |
| Runways |
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| Website | www.schenectadycountyny.gov/airport |
Description
Stratton Air National Guard Base is located three nautical miles north of Schenectady, New York, situated within the Schenectady County Airport. The airport was established in 1927, and the military enclave has hosted the New York Air National Guard 109th Airlift Wing since 1949. The installation is named for United States Representative Sam Stratton.
The 109th Airlift Wing operates the base and provides air cargo lift capability to polar destinations. The unit supports National Science Foundation research expeditions at the North and South Poles, a mission it has performed since 1971.
The base occupies a portion of the 680-acre airport site and hosts a fleet of ski-equipped LC-130 Hercules aircraft. The 109th Airlift Wing is the only United States Air Force unit equipped with this aircraft variant, which enables technical operations on snow and ice in polar regions.