190th Air Refueling Wing, Kansas Air National Guard

History

The History of Forbes Field

Forbes Field is an active municipal airport operated by the Topeka Airport Authority. The former administrative area is now used for commercial offices, state offices, and an industrial park. The Kansas Air National Guard also uses a portion of the site. Most of the site is developed, but there are portions of the site that are heavily wooded and undeveloped. Read full history.

Maj Forbes and the YB-49 Crew

Maj Forbes and the YB-49 Crew

These five crew members perished in the crash of the YB-49 "Flying Wing" on 05 June, 1948.

- Maj. Daniel H Forbes, Jr. Pilot / Test Pilot
- Capt. Glen W Edwards Co-pilot / Test Pilot & Aeronautical Engineer
- 1Lt. Edward L Swindell Flight Engineer
- Mr. Charles H LaFountain Civilian Aeronautical Engineer
- Mr. Clare C Leser Civilian Aeronautical Engineer

- View the video tribute
- For information on the YB-49 contact: SMSgt Keith Fulton
- Returning the Stone story

117th...The Early Years

Once it had been decided to open a new Air Guard unit in Kansas, aircraft had to be decided upon. The 117th, having descended from a fighter interceptor squadron based in Pennsylvania, would remain a fighter squadron. Read more.

117th...1st Unit Patch

In Apr 1958, the first of the new aircraft arrived. It was a B model, released by the Air Force's 38th Bomb Squadron in Lyon , France . Ultimately, the 117th was scheduled to receive 12 B Models and 1 C Model. The B's were designed for one pilot and a navigator, and the C was a dual-control pilot training mode. Read more.

History of the 190th

The 440th Bombardment Squadron (Light), a Harrisburg, Pennsylvania unit, flew the B-26 aircraft in Africa, Sicily, Italy, and France during World War II. Based in Okinawa at the end of the war, it was reorganized as the 117th Bombardment Squadron (Light) and stationed at the Philadelphia Municipal Airport. The unit was ordered to active federal service at Langley AFB during the Korean Conflict, returning to Pennsylvania afterward. Read more.

190th...The 1st 25 years

Basic Facts About the National Guard

The National Guard originated on 7 October 1636 with the formation of the Old North and East Regiments of the Massachusetts Colonial Militia. The 1st Regiment of Middlesex is now the 1st Battalion, 182nd Infantry and the Militia Regiment of Essex County is now the 101st Engineer Battalion, Massachusetts Army National Guard. It is the oldest military force in the nation and has participated in all major U.S. conflicts from the Revolutionary War to Vietnam. Read more.

Inside 190ARW