Although active hostilities ceased in February 1991 after a lightening campaign, the continuing presence of Saddam Hussein required continued military presence in the Persian Gulf region. The Ohio Guard continued in its role as key player as its Air National Guard units were routinely deployed to enforce the no-fly zones over Iraq as part of Operation Northern Watch. Other Ohio Guard units were periodically deployed to the Persian Gulf and Kuwait to engage in joint desert warfare training and to send a clear message to Hussein of our nation’s resolve. Ohio Guardsmen also saw overseas service in a demanding environment when deployed to the Balkans to provide peacekeeping support in war–torn Bosnia and Kosovo. Units of the Ohio Guard continued to take a leading role in providing humanitarian assistance in impoverished areas of Central America. Engineering, transportation and medical detachments all acquired valuable experience by providing critical medical care as well as building roads, wells, bridges, schools and other needed infrastructure.
On the domestic front the Ohio Guard fulfilled its role in assisting civilian authorities in maintaining order in extraordinary circumstances. A significant number of Ohio Guardsmen were activated in 1993 to help quell the deadly prison riots at the Lucasville Correctional Facility. Personnel from the Ohio Guard also provided crucial advice and stood by to provide law enforcement support during rioting in Cincinnati and civic unrest surrounding the operation of a waste incinerator plant near East Liverpool. Disaster relief also continued to be a priority mission with stellar service during the Shadyside floods, tornadoes, snow emergencies and Ohio River flooding.
The Ohio Guard again met the call to duty in response to the attack upon the United States by fanatic Islamic terrorists on September 11, 2001. Aircraft from both the 178th and the 180th Fighter Wings were immediately scrambled to provide air cover and homeland security within minutes of being alerted on that black day. Numerous units from the Army Guard supplemented by security police units of the Air Guard were mobilized on short notice in the following days and executed critical security missions at various locations for extended periods of time. Other communications and engineering units deployed to the Persian Gulf area and Afghanistan in support of the war on terrorism.
In keeping with its proud tradition, the Ohio National Guard today stands ready to perform its various state and national defense missions. While the missions, challenges and technology are ever changing, the men and women of the Ohio National Guard continue to demonstrate the flexibility and willingness to meet these tests. As the 21st century brings new uncertainties and threats to domestic and national security, the Ohio National Guard stands ready to take its place in the front ranks as it has in the past.