171st Air Refueling Wing

• Origins: The 171st Air Refueling Wing (ARW) traces its roots to the 146th Fighter Squadron, which was federally recognized in 1947 as part of the Pennsylvania Air National Guard. • Location: The 171st ARW is based at Pittsburgh International Airport Air Reserve Station, Pennsylvania, playing a critical role in the region's defense infrastructure. • Transition to Refueling: The unit transitioned from fighter aircraft to air refueling in 1961, becoming one of the first Air National Guard units equipped with the KC-97 Stratofreighter. • KC-135 Era: In 1977, the 171st upgraded to the jet-powered KC-135 Stratotanker, significantly improving its refueling capabilities and global reach. • Operation Desert Storm: The wing played a vital role in Operation Desert Storm (1990-1991), flying over 1,000 sorties and delivering millions of pounds of fuel to coalition aircraft. • 9/11 Response: On September 11, 2001, the 171st ARW rapidly launched KC-135s to support combat air patrols over major U.S. cities, providing vital aerial refueling for homeland defense. • Global Deployments: The 171st ARW has deployed personnel and aircraft in support of Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, and other missions across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. • Continuous Operations: The wing has maintained a 24/7 alert posture for decades, supporting NORAD and U.S. Strategic Command missions with continuous readiness. • Recognition: The 171st ARW has received multiple Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards, reflecting its excellence in mission accomplishment and service. • Community Involvement: Beyond its military mission, the unit is deeply involved in local communities, supporting education, veterans’ events, and disaster response efforts in Pennsylvania.