117th Air Refueling Wing

The 117th Air Refueling Wing (117 ARW) is a unit of the Alabama Air National Guard, stationed at Sumpter Smith Air National Guard Base in Birmingham, Alabama. Established in 1923 as the 117th Observation Squadron, the unit has served in various roles, including reconnaissance and tactical operations during World War II and the Korean War. In 1994, it was redesignated as the 117th Air Refueling Wing and equipped with KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft, focusing on aerial refueling missions to support U.S. and allied air operations worldwide. The 117 ARW has participated in numerous operations, including Operation Noble Eagle, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom, providing critical air mobility and refueling support to combat and humanitarian missions.