An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

News from the Oklahoma National Guard

NEWS | Aug. 2, 2024

Will Roger Air National Guard Base receives first AT-802U trainer aircraft

By Senior Airman Erika Chapa

OKLAHOMA CITY -  Will Rogers Air National Guard Base, Oklahoma, welcomed its first AT-802U trainer aircraft on July 29 following test pilot training at Hurlburt Field, Florida. The AT-802U trainer aircraft will be used to train initial cadre in a representative tail wheel aircraft in preparation for the missionized Armed Overwatch (OA-1K) variant.

Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall selected Will Rogers ANGB for the Total Force Integration OA-1K Formal Training Unit.

The OA-1K is a low-cost, multirole, rapidly-deployable, small-to-medium size aircraft system to support geographically isolated special operations personnel. The aircraft will perform close air support, precision strike, armed intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance in austere and permissive environments.

The 137th Special Operations Wing welcomes its first AT-802U trainer aircraft at Will Rogers Air National Guard Base, Oklahoma City, July 29, 2024, following test pilot training at Hurlburt Field, Florida. The AT-802U trainer aircraft will be used to train initial cadre in a representative tail wheel aircraft in preparation for the missionized Armed Overwatch (OA-1K) variant. Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall selected WRANGB for the Total Force Integration OA-1K Formal Training Unit. The OA-1K is a low-cost, multirole, rapidly-deployable, small-to-medium size aircraft system to support geographically isolated special operations personnel. The aircraft will perform close air support, precision strike, armed intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance in austere and permissive environments. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Erika Chapa)
SLIDESHOW | 3 images | 240729-Z-NA392-1003 The 137th Special Operations Wing welcomes its first AT-802U trainer aircraft at Will Rogers Air National Guard Base, Oklahoma City, July 29, 2024, following test pilot training at Hurlburt Field, Florida. The AT-802U trainer aircraft will be used to train initial cadre in a representative tail wheel aircraft in preparation for the missionized Armed Overwatch (OA-1K) variant. Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall selected WRANGB for the Total Force Integration OA-1K Formal Training Unit. The OA-1K is a low-cost, multirole, rapidly-deployable, small-to-medium size aircraft system to support geographically isolated special operations personnel. The aircraft will perform close air support, precision strike, armed intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance in austere and permissive environments. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Erika Chapa)
Video by Spc. Anthony Ackah-Mensah
SWOSU GOLD Soldiers and student honored for saving fellow student’s life
Oklahoma National Guard
March 13, 2025 | 1:22
Four Southwestern Oklahoma State University Guard Officer Leadership Development (GOLD) program officer candidates and one student lifeguard were honored on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, for their heroic actions in saving a fellow GOLD candidate during a training exercise on Jan. 28, 2025, in Weatherford, Oklahoma.

Spc. Avrie Nowakowski, Spc. Diego Ortiz, Pfc. Rhyson Golightly, and Spc. Austin May were among the officer candidates who received the Army Achievement Medal for their actions.

Statton Mantz, the student lifeguard involved, received the Thunderbird Medal, the Oklahoma National Guard’s highest award presented to a civilian
More