The present day Louisiana Air National Guard was originally formed in December 1940 as the 122nd Observation Squadron, a National Guard unit of the then "US Army Air Corps.” Since its inception, the LA ANG has participated in World War II, the Korean Conflict, the Cold War, Operations Enduring Freedom, Northern Watch and Southern Watch, Kosovo War, Operation Noble Eagle, Air Expeditionary Force Deployments, Operation Iraqi Freedom, the Global War on Terrorism, Task Force New Horizon and Operation New Dawn.

The United States Air Force's 159th Fighter Wing is an Air National Guard airlift unit operationally-gained by the Air Combat Command and located at Naval Air Station, Joint Reserve Base, New Orleans. The Louisiana Air National Guard’s flying unit, the 159th Fighter Wing, is nicknamed the "Bayou Militia” and flies F-15C and F-15D Golden Eagle aircraft.

The159th Fighter Wing is comprised of an Operations Group, Maintenance Group, Medical Group and Mission Support Group. Four geographically separated units are also attached to the 159th Fighter Wing: the 122nd Air Support Operations Squadron located in Pineville, the 259th Air Traffic Control Squadron located in Alexandria, the 236th Combat Communications Squadron located in Hammond and the 214th Engineering Installation Squadron located in Belle Chasse. Each of these geographically separated units has its own distinct mission.

The Louisiana Air Guard is unique compared to other reserve force components in that it is tasked with dual missions. The wing provides worldwide deployable aircraft and combat resources; operated, maintained and supported by professional Louisiana Airmen dedicated to supporting both Federal and State missions.

The LA ANG provides its Airmen the opportunity to enjoy civilian life while contributing to the welfare of their country, state and community.

A trained force of more than 1,400 men and women, the 159th Fighter Wing is home to one of the Air National Guard's premier F-15 fighter wings.

The Louisiana Air National Guard/159th Fighter Wing was awarded the coveted "Outstanding Air National Guard Unit" in 2010. This prestigious award is given annually to the Air National Guard unit which meets or exceeds the criteria from the National Guard Bureau. In addition, the wing received a “EXCELLENT” rating during their Operational Readiness Inspection in both 2009 and 2010. These Airmen have shown extreme professionalism and dedication to their mission of protecting the United States and its allies.
 

159th Fighter Wing

The 159th Fighter Wing’s Mission Statement is as follows:

• Provide fully manned units prepared to accomplish all Federal, State and local missions
• Provide high quality support to Airmen and their families
• Add value to our communities by involvement in State and local programs

The wing is comprised of four main functional groups: operations, maintenance, mission support and medical; each with its own host of squadrons and four geographically separated as mentioned above.

The Operations Group
The Operations Group has two subordinate units, the 122d Fighter Squadron and 159th Operations Support Flight. The group trains and supports aviators to maintain regular flying schedules, to support the alert mission, for immediate worldwide deployments and employment in accordance with war plans.

122nd Fighter Squadron
The 122nd Fighter Squadron is a diverse and dynamic squadron that is combat ready to deploy anywhere, anytime employing the venerable air superiority F-15C/D Eagle Fighter. This worldwide commitment is the driving force behind a sharply honed team of professionals and has resulted in deployments around the world. Together with the 159th Fighter Wing, the 122nd Fighter Squadron is tasked to provide air superiority over Louisiana and the Gulf Coast while supporting North American Aerospace Defense Command. To perform this vital role requires active air defense alert 24-hours a day, 365 days a year at NAS JRB New Orleans.

Maintenance Group
To sustain this fast-paced tempo, the wing has a highly dedicated and well-trained cadre of maintenance and support personnel. The maintainers are tasked with on- and off-equipment maintenance of the Eagles, including aircraft servicing, unscheduled maintenance, pre-flight, through flights, basic post flights and combat turns with live or training ammunition. In addition, support personnel perform everything from operations life support and mobility to personnel and administrative functions.

Mission Support Group
With more than 500 military and civilian personnel, the 159th Mission Support Group is responsible for all base support and customer service for the wing and the geographically separated units at their sites throughout the state. The group also maintains combat and contingency readiness forces that deploy worldwide. This group encompasses the communications flight, civil engineering squadron, logistics readiness squadron, contracting, security forces squadron and the force support squadron.

Medical Group
The 159th Medical Group provides the following medical services: flight medicine, physical examinations, ophthalmology and optometry, public health, and bioenvironmental engineering. This includes providing medical support services to the geographically separated units at their sites throughout the state.

159th Fighter Wing Staff
The wing staff consists of several offices that fall directly under the commander: command post, chaplain, equal opportunity, judge advocate general, safety, financial management, visual information, and public affairs. The director of the Air National Guard Psychological Health Program is also part of the wing staff.

Federal Mission
The 159th Fighter Wing supports national security objectives by being a part of the Air Expeditionary Force participating in real world missions, supporting active duty forces, honing combat skills and specified training to meet assigned tasks.

State Mission
The National Guard’s purpose is to protect life and property, and to preserve peace, order and public safety for their state. The mission also includes information sharing with emerging countries on the importance of homeland defense.

Community Role
The 159th FW participates year round in local, state and national programs that add value to local towns, the state and nation.

The men and women who make up the 159th Fighter Wing will continue to defend the nation while transforming into the necessary force for the future. The wing will do this in both the expeditionary and homeland defense missions while continuing to uphold our military culture and connection to the community. The men and women of the 159th Fighter Wing serve proudly in the far reaches of the globe – and here at home – and will do so with distinction.
 

Originally commissioned in July 1955 and located on Lake Pontchartrain, the Coast Guard Air Station came to its present home in December 1957 at Alvin Callendar Field, Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans. Rededicated in September 1996, following extensive renovations, the Air Stations facilities provide maintenance for five HH-65C helicopters; supply and support spaces for 28 officers, 86 enlisted and 2 civilians; and quarters for 2 ready flight crews 24 hours a day. Airframes flown by the Coast Guard in New Orleans have included the HO-3S, HO-4S, HUS-1G, HH52A and the HH-3F “Pelican” helicopter.

In September 1985, Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans became the first unit in the Coast Guard to fly the HH-65A “Dolphin” in operational missions, and again led the fleet being the first among Coast Guard Air Stations to upgrade to the HH-65B. In 2006, the Coast Guard Air Station again upgraded to the more powerful HH-65C. In 2013, the Air Station New Orleans helicopters were upgraded to the MH-65D. Having a top speed of 175 knots, the HH-65D incorporates an upgraded avionics package and replacment of obsolete components.  The twin turbine helicopter has an operational radius of 150 nautical miles with 30 minutes on-scene time. Flown by a crew of four including two pilots, one flight mechanic, and a rescue swimmer/EMT the HH-65D has a total gross weight limitation of 9,480 pounds.

Today Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans’ responsibilities include an area from Apalachicola, Florida north to Memphis, Tennessee, west to the Texas-Louisiana border and thousands of offshore oil platforms in the Gulf of Mexico. Within this area, the station’s missions include homeland security (HLS), search and rescue (SAR), law enforcement (LE), marine environmental protection (EP), and aids to navigation (ATON). To meet these demanding missions, the air station flies over 3,200 hours annually.

Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans was the first air station to integrate into a Coast Guard Sector organization with the inception of Coast Guard Sector New Orleans, led by Marine Safety Office New Orleans and including Group New Orleans. With an emphasis on mission effectiveness, the Sector concept is an integral component of the Coast Guard’s future command and control organization.

Coast Guard air station personnel have developed strong relationships with multiple government agencies including the FBI, Secret Service, and state and local law enforcement. Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans has served as the Coast Guard’s flagship unit, introducing new HLS operational capabilities such as joint USCG/FBI SWAT team interoperability, including the first FBI live-fire sniper training from a USCG HH-65B helicopter.

In addition, Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans has led the USCG in the development and implementation of vertical delivery (hoist delivery) of USCG boarding teams to vessels at sea, a capability now used frequently with other units throughout the Coast Guard.

In 2005 following the passage of Hurricane Katrina, Air Station New Orleans briefly became “Air Group” New Orleans, supporting fleet-wide rotor and fixed wing air operations. Coast Guard helicopters flew more than 500 flight hours and hoisted more than 1,800 people to safety during both Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

In 2009, Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans flew 289 SAR operations, saving 59 people, assisting 46 others and preventing the loss of $40 million in property.

On April 21, 2010, Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans aircrews were the first to respond to the explosion of the oil rig Deepwater Horizon 50 miles south of Venice, La. The massive fire left 126 people in need of rescue. Leading the response, New Orleans aircrews worked throughout the night, and together with Coast Guard teams from Mobile, Ala., and civilian response teams, rescued 115 people, including 17 who were critically injured.

In 2015, Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans flew 271 SAR operations, saving 51 people and assisting 78 others while saving $863,175 in property.

A majority of lives saved or assisted during 2016 were a result of historic flooding in Baton Rouge, in which Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans supported search and rescue for an area covering more than 100 square miles during a seven-day period.

In 2017, the station responded to Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria; in support of Harvey the unit deployed three aircraft and 51 personnel to Houston and orchestrated rescue operations as well as serving as the logistics and maintenance hub for the area. These efforts saved 863 lives and assisted 366 others, contribution to the more and 11,000 lives saved by the Coast Guard in this natural disaster.

Since its establishment in 1955, Air Station New Orleans has saved more than 13,000 lives and is considered to be the busiest all-helicopter SAR unit in the Coast Guard. Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans has been awarded 12 Meritorious Unit Commendations for its superior performance during rescue operations as well as five Coast Guard Unit Commendations for exceptional operational performance.

Marine Air Group 42 Det. C originated in 1946 at the New Orleans Lakefront Airport under the name of Marine Air Detachment (MAD) and supported Marine Fighter Squadron 143.  MAD was redesignated as Marine Air Reserve Training Detachment (MARTD) in September 1953 and in November 1957, MARTD relocated from New Orleans Lakefront Airport to its present location at NAS JRB New Orleans. MARTD was awarded the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing (4th MAW) Commanding General’s Proficiency Award in 1969, 1971, 1974 and was runner up in 1973.

MARTD New Orleans was redesignated as Marine Aircraft Group 46, Det. B in October 1979 and was awarded the 4th MAW, Commanding General’s Proficiency Award in 1989.  MAG-46 Det. B provided detachment support for HML-767 from Jan. 1 to May 14, 1991 while the squadron was deployed in support of Operation Desert Shield/Storm.

MAG-46, Det. B was redesignated as Marine Aircraft Group 42, Det. C in June 1992 and then re-designated to MAG-49 Det. C on June 20, 2008.  MAG-42 in Atlanta, Georgia was officially decommissioned on Sept. 30, 2008 as part of the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing's realignment of its force structure.

MAG-49 Det. C actively supports the Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 773 Det A, Fleet Readiness Center. Mid-Atlantic and Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing, Military Police Det.

Since January 2003 MAG-49 Det. C has been actively involved in the Global War on Terrorism. In January 2003, 4th MAW MP Det. activated, split and deployed to Kuwait for Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and to Djibouti for Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). Additionally, MALS-42 Det. C activated and deployed to Camp Pendleton, Calif., in support of units deployed to OIF. During October 2003, HMLA-773 Det A activated in support of OEF and deployed to Afghanistan on three separate occasions during its two-year activation through October 2005.

In September of 2005, following Hurricane Katrina’s devastation of New Orleans and the Mississippi Gulf Coast, MAG-42 Det. C, with helicopters from HMLA-773 Det A, along with HMLA-773 from Atlanta, comprised part of the Aviation Combat Element for Special MAGTF Katrina as part of the overall Joint Task Force Katrina. During this time, they participated in rescue and relief efforts in New Orleans and the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Throughout 2006 the unit supported multiple training events throughout the region. The Military Police Det conducted its annual training in Pheodosia, Ukraine in support of Operation Sea Breeze. In September of 2007 HMLA 773 Det. A deployed to Al Asad, Iraq, for a seven month deployment in support of OIF.

MAG-49 Det. C and its component detachments continue to train ensure they are ready to meet future commitments in the Global War on Terrorism.

The mission of the Fleet Readiness Center Mid-Atlantic (FRCMA) Det. New Orleans is to produce relevant quality airframes, engines, components and services to meet the Navy's aircraft-ready-for-training entitlements at improved efficiency and reduced costs. Fix it once! Fix it right! Fix it on time!

Formerly known as Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department (AIMD), the Navy transformed Naval aviation maintenance in February 2006 by the formation of Fleet Readiness Centers, which integrated Naval Air Depots (NADEPs) and the Continental United States (CONUS) AIMDs into a consolidated organization for shore-based, off-flight-line maintenance.

On Aug. 1, 2006, the Office of the Secretary of Defense approved the FRC business plan, and AIMD New Orleans became Fleet Readiness Center Mid-Atlantic Site New Orleans. The implementation of FRCs is one of the Navy’s strategies to support the Warfighter and achieve cost-wise readiness in the 21st century.

Navy aircraft are designed to fly hard, fast, and in the worst conditions.  Squadron technicians work hard to ensure that they perform at 100 percent. When the components of those aircraft need repair or maintenance, FRC brings "intermediate" level maintenance expertise to the flight line and directly supports one F/A-18 Hornet squadron, one C-130T Hercules squadron, and two Marine Corps squadrons composed of UH-1Y Hueys and AH-1W Cobras. The now called FRCMA Det. New Orleans is a large maintenance operation with more than 160 Sailors, Marines and civil service employees working to keep the aircraft it supports up and flying.

FRCMA Det. New Orleans has 58 work centers, organized into eight divisions: personnel, supply, avionics, power plants, airframes, life support equipment, armament, and support equipment. On average, more than 876 aircraft parts per month run through FRCMA Det. New Orleans.

Responding to the unique challenges of supporting four different type/model aircraft that routinely operate in support of the Global War on Terrorism, no other ashore FRC Det. this size has responded as effectively to meet or exceed all Navy and Marine Corps mission and fleet support expectations. FRCMA Det. New Orleans met 100 percent of its commitments with unmatched success, leading other FRCs in key metrics of maintenance and logistics support, planeside performance, production, and production resources.

The unit processed 34,779 maintenance actions in fiscal year 2015, maintaining an average ready-for-issue rate of 98.3 percent, an impressive metric for any intermediate repair facility.  Whether it is through outstanding maintenance support, stellar customer service, emergency response or Lean Six Sigma initiatives, FRCMA Det New Orleans sets the standard for others to follow.

Region Legal Service Office Southeast (RLSO SE) supports the operational readiness of Department of the Navy assets in the Southeastern United States by providing responsive, timely and accurate legal guidance, support services and training in the areas of military justice and administrative law.

RLSO SE headquarters is located on board Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida. RLSO SE geographic area of responsibility includes the states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Texas as well as Cuba, Puerto Rico, South America and portions of Mexico. The New Orleans branch office is located on board Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans.

The branch office officer in charge (OIC) serves as command judge advocate for the commanding officer, Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans as well as the commanding officer, Naval Support Activity New Orleans. The OIC and his staff also provide command services and military justice advice to command leadership of tenant commands located on the two installations as well as Navy commands located across the state of Louisiana.

Prosecution of Courts-Martial

RLSO SE provides preliminary processing including drafting of charges, review of preliminary inquiries and advice regarding the preferral and referral of court-martial charges. The staff conducts litigation of courts-martial trials including the preparation and authentication of records of trial, and provides victim and witness assistance as required.

Command Services

RLSO SE post-trial courts-martial assistance including timely review and advice regarding the convening authority’s action, preparation of promulgating orders, and forwarding of records of trial to appellate authority as appropriate.

Additionally, summary courts-martial (SCM) advice and assistance including drafting of charges, review of preliminary inquiries and referral of charges, is available. Along these lines, RLSO SE can provide advice and training to potential SCM Officers or provide an SCM Officer in certain instances.

RLSO SE provides advice and assistance for all aspects of non-judicial punishment including preliminary processing, conducting the NJP hearing, preparing letters of censure, and forwarding appeals.

Moreover, RLSO SE conducts JAG manual investigations training, advice and assistance to investigating officers in preparation of reports and review by the convening authority. It provides administrative separation advice and assistance in all aspect of the administration separation process including providing Recorder in appropriate cases.

Miscellaneous command services (and training) in a myriad of administrative law matters includes, but is not limited, to the following topics: officer/enlisted performance, detachment for cause, government ethics, fraternization, sexual harassment, search and seizure, IG/congressional Inquiries, FOIA/privacy act, freedom of expression, homosexual conduct, mental health evaluations, indebtedness complaints, hate crimes issues, and family advocacy issues including child abuse, paternity, family support and domestic violence.

Commands requiring services which fall within any of these categories should contact the RLSO SE branch office New Orleans at (504) 678-4696.

Relationship with Naval Legal Service Office Central

Naval Legal Service Office (NLSO) Central is a separate and distinct legal command from RLSO SE. The distinction is important. Basically, RLSO SE is the “law firm” which advises and represents the commands and it does not represent individuals, whereas NLSO Central provides personal representation and legal assistance services to eligible individual clients.

NLSO central provides personal representation services in the form of diverse military justice advice to individuals. It provides defense attorneys for service members facing criminal charges at courts-martial. It also details judge advocates as counsel for respondents (service members) in administrative separation hearings.

Commands located in Louisiana that wish to request detailed defense counsel for service members facing courts-martial or detailed counsel for respondents facing administration separation hearings should contact NLSO Central at (228) 871-3511.

NLSO Central also provides legal assistance services to clients eligible to receive services in accordance with federal law, applicable regulations and service policies.

Legal assistance attorneys draft wills, living wills, medical powers of attorney, and other special and general powers of attorney. They also provide basic advice on diverse matters such as divorce and child support, landlord-tenant, consumer protection laws such as the Fair Debt Collection Act, the Unfair Deceptive Acts and Practices Act, and the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, as well as mobilization/active duty recall-related laws including the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-employment Rights Act.

NLSO central branch office New Orleans is located in Building 492. To speak with the legal assistant attorney, visitors must call to set up an appointment. The telephone number for appointments is (504) 678-4692.

Notary services are also available from 7:30 to 11 a.m. and 1-3 p.m. Monday through Friday only. Always call ahead to check for availability.  All times and days are subject to change due to work load. 

The Navy Operational Support Center (NOSC) New Orleans was formed in October 2004 with the merger of Navy Air Reserve New Orleans and Naval Reserve Center New Orleans. Originally located in several buildings around the base, the main elements of the command have resided in the Frank J. Uddo Armed Forces Reserve Center (Building 492) since January 2005.

The command's primary mission is to provide strategic depth and deliver operational capabilities to the Navy and Marine Corps team and Joint forces from peace to war. The NOSC ensures Navy Reservists maintain a high state of mobilization readiness for rapid deployment if called upon while also providing routine support contributions to Fleet missions around the globe. The command staff includes two officers, two chief petty officers, 15 enlisted and four civilians. They support more than 350 selective Reservists in 18 Reserve units.

NOSC New Orleans also hosts the financial comptroller office for local squadrons and FRC Detachment New Orleans. Additionally, NOSC New Orleans serves as a Tier 1 EKMS program manager, generating and distributing electronic key material for COMSEC equipment at area tenant commands.  

The 377th Theater Sustainment Command is a multi-functional unit that performs a dual mission. The first is mission command of assigned forces in order to provide the United States Army Reserve with trained and ready units and individuals that support geographic combatant command requirements. The second mission is to deploy and operate as the senior Army logistics headquarters capable of planning, controlling and synchronizing operational-level Army deployment and sustainment. The 377th TSC has more than 36,000 Soldiers and civilians in 34 states. The workforce is made up of approximately 80 percent Reserve citizen Soldiers, 10 percent represent the active component and about 10 percent are civilians. It is commanded by a major general (two-star) with six brigadier general (one-star) deputy commanders in its command structure.

The unit was activated In July 1942 as Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 12 Port of Embarkation, at Fort Dix, N.J. It was then converted, reorganized and redesignated the 12th Port Headquarters and Headquarters Company, and assigned to the Transportation Corps in November 1942. After an inactivation in 1946, the unit was redesignated Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 377th Transportation Major Port, and assigned to the Organized Reserve Corps in November 1948. Two weeks later, the 377th Transportation Major Port was activated in New Orleans. The unit has been a part of the New Orleans community since that time.

In September 1950 the 377th was called to Fort Eustis, Va., and stayed on active federal service until Oct. 10, 1952. From 1953 until 1963, the 377th remained in a Reserve status and experienced extensive growth and several changes in unit designation.

In December 1965, the unit was redesignated as the 377th Support Brigade under the Army Logistical Concept. On Oct. 16, 1979, it was renamed the 377th Corps Support Command and retained this designation until July 16, 1981, when it was designated as a Theater Army Area Command (TAACOM). On Oct. 1, 1998, the TAACOM wartime mission expanded and the unit designation was changed to the 377th Theater Support Command.

The 377th Theater Support Command was redesignated the 377th Theater Sustainment Command (TSC) and regionally aligned to U.S. Southern Command in September 2007. Since then, the 377th TSC has generated and globally deployed sustainment forces for multiple missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn. Most recently, the 377th TSC provided earthquake relief in Haiti as part of Operation Unified Response in 2010 and provided assistance in the wake of Hurricane Sandy in 2012. As the Army transforms, the 377th TSC will continue to lead the way by integrating emerging technology with the best-trained and ready Soldiers to provide sustainment solutions to support any mission. 

Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 204 was originally commissioned as Attack Squadron (VA) 204 flying A-4C Skyhawks at NAS Memphis, Tennessee, on July 1, 1970. VFA-204 began its long list of tactical accomplishments by winning back to back CVWR-20 Bombing Derbies in 1971 and 1972. VA-204 received the CNO annual Safety Award for 1973. The award represented more than 5,000 hours of accident free flying for the year. In 1975 the River Rattlers won the F. Trubee Davison Award as the "Best Tailhook Squadron in the Naval Reserve."

In March 1978, the squadron moved from NAS Memphis to NAS New Orleans and began transitioning to the A-7B aircraft. With transition and relocation complete, VA-204 began establishing enviable records of operational readiness and safety and in 1980 won the CNO Safety Award.

The squadron earned the CNO Safety Award again in 1982 and 1983, and was nominated for the Noel Davis (Battle "E") in 1983. The tradition of excellence continued in 1984 by winning the CVWR-20 Golden Wrench Award and the Battle "E".

In 1986, VA-204 transitioned to the A-7E Corsair II and in 1990 earned its fifth CNO Safety Award. The next four years saw the River Rattlers establish a high level of tactics and excellence in the Corsair II. During this period, the squadron completed seven weapons detachments, three carrier qualification evolutions, air wing active duty to NAS Fallon and embarkation on USS Forrestal (CV 59) and USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69).

The last year of A-7E operations in CVWR-20, 1990, was one of the squadron's best years ever. Though severely hampered by numerous aircraft transfer and acceptance inspections, VA-204 flew 113% of its original flight hour program and conducted seven deployments away from NAS New Orleans. On Jan. 28, 1991, VA-204 celebrated ten years of FOD free operations. For their operational achievements and safety programs, the River Rattlers earned the CVWR-20 nomination for the Battle "E" and received the CNO Safety Award for 1990.

Attack Squadron 204 was redesignated Strike Fighter Squadron 204 on April 1, 1991 and accepted its first FA-18, thus ending twelve years of flying A-7 Corsair. The squadron officially completed its transition to the F/A-18 Hornet in March 1993, and the next month began initial adversary training at NAS Oceana, VA. In October the squadron became the first Reserve Strike Fighter Squadron to provide adversary support to the active-duty fleet during a one-week detachment to NAS Key West. In 1993, VFA-204 received its sixth CNO Safety Award, completing 13 years and 50,000 Class-A mishap free flight hours.

The squadron received and overall grade of 98.2 on its Conventional Weapons Technical Proficiency Inspection (CWTPI) in 1994, the highest score ever achieved by a Reserve Strike Fighter Squadron, and earned its second Battle "E" as well as the squadron's second F. Trubee Davison Award as 'Best Tailhook Squadron in the Naval Reserve'.

The Meritorious Unit Commendation was awarded to the squadron in 1995 for its extremely successful transition from the A-7E to the FA-18 which the unit still flies today.

The River Rattlers continue to set the bar high, proving that the experience and expertise resident in this naval Reserve squadron rival those of any unit, anwhere, anytime.

Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VR) 54 was commissioned as a Naval Reserve Squadron on June 1, 1991 and was the first Navy Reserve squadron to fly the Lockheed C-130T Hercules. The squadron operates four C-130T aircraft with a normal maximum takeoff weight of 165,500 pounds, able to carry any combination of up to 92 passengers and 40,000 pounds of palletized cargo, heavy trucks or light armored vehicles. Due to the diverse capabilities, VR-54's mission includes everything from transporting a deploying carrier air wing to flying supplies to remove corners of the world. Nicknamed the Revelers, the squadron bears the colors purple, green and gold, symbolic of the official colors of Mardi Gras.

The squadron's mission is to operate Navy Unique Fleet Essential Airlift aircraft and to provide responsible, flexible and rapidly deployable air logistics support required to maintain combat operations at sea and meet combatant commanders' logistical requirements. Also the squadron provides peacetime air logistics support for all Navy commands and quality training for all fleet logistics support squadron personnel.

The squadron is comprised of more than 200 active-duty and reserve personnel working together to meet the squadron's mission. The majority of the skilled professionals are on active duty while approximately 40 percent are drilling reservists.

In any given year, VR-54 provides six to eight months of air logistics detachment support for European, Pacific and Central Commands. In fiscal 16 the squadron supported 2,031,546 pounds of cargo and 1,920 passenters while conducting 171 missions and 248 total lifts worldwide.

The Navy Munitions Command Det. New Orleans provides top notch ordnance support to Navy and joint customers aboard Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans. The Det. is responsible for the safe and secure storage of ordnance in 10 weapons magazines. Their services include ordnance issue, receipt and assembly for all Navy, Marine, Army and Coast Guard commands. The Det. also performs maintenance on and provide commands with needed armament weapons support equipment.

The Navy Reserve Professional Development Center (NRPDC) is the sole training command that impacts the entire Navy Reserve. NRPDC is composed of a staff of 43 instructors, facilitators and support personnel and is committed to developing a smarter, better-educated Reserve force through training available to anyone, anytime, anywhere. There are two civilians assigned to the staff serving as the director of training and learning management and quota control coordinator. The command has nine departments: administrative; personnel; training/operations; supply; automated information systems; quota control; learning standards office; computer-based training and medical.  

The courses offered at the center are designed to provide comprehensive instruction to active-duty, full-time support and Reserve Sailors and civilian personnel in areas critical to Navy Reserve activities whether on-site or as mobile training teams. Some of the courses offered are Reserve Senior Enlisted Management, Reserve Career Information, Reserve Medical Administration, Reserve Supply and Fiscal Support, Reserve Pay and Personnel Management, Navy Reserve Order Writing System/Reserve Defense Travel System and World Class Customer Service. NRPDC also manages a detachment in Little Creek, Virginia, that facilitates Navy Operational Support Center Commanding Officer, Navy Reserve Unit Management and Operational Support Officer courses.  For more information call 504-678-9251 or 877-568-9518.

The mission of Navy Talent Acquisition Group (NTAG) New Orleans (formerly Navy Recruiting District) is to recruit the best-qualified men and women for active-duty and Reserve enlisted and officer service for America’s Navy to accomplish today’s missions and meet tomorrow’s challenges. Affectionately known as “Powerhouse” NRD New Orleans among its assigned Sailors and DOD civilian employees, its scope of responsibility encompasses recruiting efforts throughout Louisiana, Mississippi, southern Alabama and the Florida Panhandle. While recruiting men and women to replenish the fleet is a primary responsibility of NRD New Orleans, its team of professional Sailors is also charged with being ambassadors of good will who shape a positive image of the Navy in their local communities.

To find a recruiter nearest you, visit http://www.navy.com/local or call 800-588-2033.

Marine Transport Squadron Belle Chasse, a Marine Corps reserve squadron, is composed of active-duty, active Reserve and selected Marine Corps Reserve personnel. It was originally established in 1985 aboard NAS New Orleans, La., as Marine Aircraft Support Detachment Belle Chasse, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing. The unit was redesignated as VMR Belle Chasse on Oct. 1, 2004. The mission of VMR Belle Chasse is to transport high-​priority passengers and cargo to, within and between theaters of war.

To accomplish its assigned mission, the unit initially operated the UC-12B Huron light utility transport aircraft. In 1995, the CT-39G Sabreliner was added to the detachment until it was replaced by the UC-35C “Citation Ultra” aircraft in 1999. Most recently, the UC-12B was replaced in 2010 with the UC-12W, which brings enhanced capabilities in terms of range, payload, short field capability and aircraft survivability. VMR Belle Chasse was the first USMC/USN squadron to operate the UC-12W and serves as the NATOPS Model Manager for Fleet Marine Forces.

VMR Belle Chasse has deployed in support of multiple contingency, training exercise and Joint Task Force operations since it began operations in 1985. Additionally, since 2003, it has mobilized and deployed four different UC-35 detachments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), Operation New Dawn and Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa. Since receiving the UC-12W, it has deployed three times in support of OEF to Camp Bastion, Afghanistan.

The squadron currently deploys a UC-12W detachment in support of SPMAGTF-CR-AF every year. When not deployed, VMR Belle Chasse receives operational tasking from the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing as well as the Joint Operational Support Airlift Center, the airlift branch of the U.S. Transportation Command. This ensures the squadron is trained and ready to complete its wartime mission in support of the Marine Air Ground Task Force or Marine Corps Service Component Commander.

The New Orleans Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) is one station in a network of 65 MEPS throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico. The New Orleans MEPS relocated from its previous home of more than 30 years at Naval Support Activity on the Eastbank of the Mississippi River to the NAS JRB in January 2010. The New Orleans MEPS operates in Building 556 on Rinard Road.

The MEPS is assigned military and civilian personnel who process up to 150 applicants each day for the armed forces.

A separate DOD agency, the U.S. MEP Command (MEPCOM) comprises two geographical sectors and is staffed with personnel from all military services.

The mission of the MEPCOM and the New Orleans MEPS is to process individuals for enlistment or induction into the armed services, based on DOD-approved peacetime and mobilization standards. Three primary areas are considered in determining an applicant’s qualifications for enlistment: aptitude for military service, physical qualifications and background evaluation screening.

The Joint Reserve Intelligence Center New Orleans (JRIC NOLA) is an integral part of Commander, Naval Information Forces Reserve Command (CNIFRC) and Naval Information Forces Region Southeast (NIFR REG SE), providing timely and valued Meteorology/ Oceanography, Information Operations, Networks, Cryptology/SIGINT, Intelligence and Space expertise to meet Total Force Information Warfare Community (IWC) requirements. JRIC NOLA provides administrative support to 11 Reserve IWC units and more than 500 IWC personnel across Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina. 

For airlift request go to:  https://www.public.navy.mil/airfor/nalo/Pages/AirliftRequest.aspx

The Navy Air Logistics Office (NALO) was established in 1980, and the chief of Naval Reserve was appointed Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) executive agent for airlift. NALO schedules travel for 14 squadrons and 42 aircraft carrying more than 160,586 passengers and 29 million pounds of cargo each year. NALO validates, prioritizes and schedules worldwide unique Navy fleet-essential airlift missions supporting Combatant Commander, Fleet Response and DOD requirements.

The command formulates worldwide airlift policy change recommendations and operates a data collection and analysis system for airlift asset management and aircraft acquisition justification for the chief of naval operations.