About this Unit
The 171st Air Refueling Wing (ARW), based at Pittsburgh International Airport Air Reserve Station, Pennsylvania, is a unit of the Pennsylvania Air National Guard. Established in 1961, the wing originally flew fighter aircraft before transitioning to air refueling operations. Over the decades, the 171st ARW has operated various tanker aircraft, including the KC-135 Stratotanker, providing critical aerial refueling support to both U.S. and allied air forces worldwide. The wing has played a significant role in numerous operations, such as Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom, demonstrating its enduring commitment to global mobility and airpower projection.
Historical Facts
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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.
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Location: The 171st ARW is based at Pittsburgh International Airport Air Reserve Station, Pennsylvania, playing a critical role in the region's defense infrastructure.
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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.
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KC-135 Era: In 1977, the 171st upgraded to the jet-powered KC-135 Stratotanker, significantly improving its refueling capabilities and global reach.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Continuous Operations: The wing has maintained a 24/7 alert posture for decades, supporting NORAD and U.S. Strategic Command missions with continuous readiness.
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Recognition: The 171st ARW has received multiple Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards, reflecting its excellence in mission accomplishment and service.
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Community Involvement: Beyond its military mission, the unit is deeply involved in local communities, supporting education, veterans’ events, and disaster response efforts in Pennsylvania.
