South Carolina ANG units are trained and equipped by the Air Force and are operationally gained by a Major Command of the USAF if federalized.

State missions include disaster relief in times of earthquakes, hurricanes, floods and forest fires, search and rescue, protection of vital public services, and support to civil defense.

It was federally recognized and activated at Congaree Air Base, the present day McEntire JNGB, near Eastover and was equipped with P-51D Mustangs excess to ISAAF needs.

In late 1961, the SCANG was again called to active duty during the Berlin Crisis, and the 169th Tactical Fighter Group was stationed at Moron Air Base, Spain.

In late February 2002, the 240th Combat Communications Squadron deployed a 50-member team to Central Asia in support of War on Terrorism.

In September 2002, the 245 ATCS deployed to Afghanistan Asia in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, returning in January 2003.

In February 2003, nearly 400 members of the 169 FW and all of its F-16s were mobilized and deployed to Southwest Asia as part of what became Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Prior to 11 Sep 2001, the 169 FW was also a regular participant in the rotational Air Expeditionary Forces (AEFs) which patrolled the Iraqi no-fly zones.