161st Air Refueling Wing

The 161st Air Refueling Wing (161 ARW) is a unit of the Arizona Air National Guard, stationed at Goldwater Air National Guard Base in Phoenix, Arizona. Established in 1957, the unit originally operated as the 161st Fighter-Interceptor Group before transitioning to an air refueling mission in 1972. Since then, the 161 ARW has flown the KC-135 Stratotanker, providing vital aerial refueling capabilities in support of U.S. and allied operations worldwide. The wing has participated in numerous operations, including Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and ongoing global deployments, playing a crucial role in extending the reach and effectiveness of U.S. air power.