C-21, Conversion

Maj. Jason Newham, and 2nd Lt. Brandon Balkowitsch, both of the 119th Wing, pilot the first of eight C-21 aircraft down the taxiway as they prepare to take off at Hector International Airport Fargo, N.D., May 6, 2013. The aircraft is making its’ final departure from the North Dakota Air National Guard, as the unit begins a mission conversion. The rest of the aircraft will be leaving over the next few months, with the final aircraft scheduled to depart in September, leaving the unit without a manned flying mission for the first time since it began in 1947. It will be the only state in the United States without a manned flying mission. The unit has an outstanding flying record with over 174,000 hours without a class A mishap in manned aircraft. The 119th Wing is one of only two Air National Guard units to be selected for the U.S. Air Force Hughes Trophy, awarded to flying units, and the only Air National Guard unit to win the award twice. The unit also won the William Tell World-Wide fighter competition three times while flying fighters.