About this Unit
The 121st Air Refueling Wing (121 ARW) is a unit of the Ohio Air National Guard, based at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Columbus, Ohio. Originally established in 1942 as the 357th Fighter Group, the unit saw combat in Europe during World War II, achieving distinction in aerial combat. After several redesignations, the wing transitioned to air refueling missions in the 1960s, flying the KC-135 Stratotanker. Today, the 121st ARW provides vital aerial refueling support for U.S. and allied aircraft worldwide, playing a key role in both peacetime and contingency operations.
Historical Facts
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Origins in World War II: The 121st Air Refueling Wing traces its lineage back to the 357th Fighter Group, which was activated in 1942 and played a key role in the European Theater during World War II.
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"Yoxford Boys": The 357th Fighter Group, from which the 121st descends, earned the nickname "Yoxford Boys" after the village of Yoxford, England, where they were stationed.
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Ohio Air National Guard: The 121st Air Refueling Wing is a unit of the Ohio Air National Guard, based at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Columbus, Ohio.
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Transition to Air Refueling Mission: In 1961, the unit transitioned from a fighter mission to an air refueling mission, operating the KC-97 Stratofreighter and later the KC-135 Stratotanker.
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Vietnam War Support: The 121st provided critical air refueling support to U.S. operations during the Vietnam War, extending the range of combat and transport aircraft.
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Operation Desert Storm: Members of the 121st Air Refueling Wing deployed in support of Operation Desert Storm in 1990–1991, providing vital aerial refueling for coalition air forces.
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Humanitarian Missions: The unit has participated in humanitarian missions, including disaster relief efforts both domestically and internationally, such as hurricane responses.
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Rickenbacker Namesake: The base and the wing are named after Captain Eddie Rickenbacker, America's top-scoring World War I ace and Columbus native.
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Distinguished Unit Awards: The 121st and its predecessors have earned numerous awards, including the Presidential Unit Citation for heroism in World War II.
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Modern Deployments: The 121st Air Refueling Wing continues to support global U.S. military operations, including Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, by providing aerial refueling across the world.
