After the September 11 attacks 2001 , the RI ANG responded to the call again , deploying unit members to Ground Zero , to US bases for homeland security and implemented 24-hour operations at Quonset State Airport . Since September 11 the 143rd AW has supported the War on Terror by not only becoming a bridge to and from the theater but by also providing airlift in support of the war effort . The RI ANG provided the 1st ever C-130J aircraft in a combat role by the USAF in December 2004 and continued to support the war effort with both the C-130E and C-130J until retiring the C-130E in 2005 . The RI ANG also provided troop support within Southwest Asia and many other areas of the world . The location of Quonset being the eastern most C-130 base has provided the 143rd AW with a unique opportunity to become a " bridge " between Europe and the Continental United States in support of Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom . Quonset State Airport is ideally located to fully support all C-130s , both departing for and returning from their overseas missions
September 11 attacks
September 11 attacks
Rhode Island Air National Guard