181st Indiana Air National Guard History


The Terre Haute Airport has a unique history that dates back to 1943 when the groundbreaking occurred. The initial airport site was approximately 638 acres, and was donated to the city of Terre Haute by Anton Hulman, Jr. The late Mr. Hulman, a successful local businessman, was more nationally recognized as the owner of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The Wing's moniker, the 'Racers,' owes its origin to the long and storied association between the Wing and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The Air National Guard base was established in 1954 when the city of Terre Haute welcomed the 113th Tactical Fighter Squadron. Now the 181st Intelligence Wing, Racers are proud to still call Hulman Field home.

History of the 181IW

The legacy and future of the 181st Intelligence Wing (IW) is carried on the shoulders of even the youngest Airmen, and that future begins with the past. Continuing the traditions of citizen Airmen into the 21st century, the 181st IW has etched itself into national and global history since its very beginning.

The 181st Intelligence Wing, Indiana Air National Guard, dates back to 1921, after Wilbert F. Fagley was given authority to organize Headquarters Battery, 81st Field Artillery in Kokomo, Indiana. Fagley's vision and persistent efforts produced this early air squadron in the National Guard.

The Unit was redesignated the 137th Observation Squadron before being changed to the 113th Observation Squadron. It later became the 113th Tactical Fighter Squadron, and the 113th is still part of the 181st Intelligence Wing. During 1926, the Unit moved to Schoen Field and later to Stout Field, both in Indianapolis. Finally, in 1954 the Wing moved to its present location at Terre Haute's Hulman Airport.


Click here for more on the history of the 181st Intelligence Wing.

ANG: A Short Story

The Air National Guard as we know it today -- a separate reserve component of the United States Air Force -- was a product of the politics of postwar planning and interservice rivalry during World War II. The men who planned and maneuvered for an independent postwar Air Force during World War II didn't place much faith in the reserves, especially the state-dominated National Guard.