About this Unit
The 305th Air Refueling Wing (305 ARW), stationed at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, traces its origins to the 305th Bombardment Group, which distinguished itself flying B-17s in Europe during World War II. Reactivated in the Cold War era, the wing transitioned to air refueling missions, operating KC-135 Stratotankers and later KC-10 Extenders. The 305 ARW has played a critical role in supporting U.S. and allied air operations worldwide, providing aerial refueling for combat, humanitarian, and contingency missions. Today, the wing remains a vital component of Air Mobility Command, ensuring global reach and rapid mobility for the U.S. Air Force.
Historical Facts
• Origins in WWII: The 305th traces its roots to the 305th Bombardment Group (Heavy), activated in March 1942, flying legendary B-17 Flying Fortresses in the European Theater.
• Distinguished Unit Citation: The 305th Bomb Group earned two Distinguished Unit Citations for its bravery and effectiveness in bombing missions over Nazi-occupied Europe.
• Target: Schweinfurt: The 305th participated in the famous Schweinfurt–Regensburg mission in August 1943, a critical and costly daylight raid against German ball-bearing factories.
• Cold War Transition: After WWII, the 305th was reactivated as a Strategic Air Command (SAC) unit, flying B-29 and later B-47 bombers during the early Cold War era.
• Refueling Mission: In 1970, the unit was redesignated as the 305th Air Refueling Wing, transitioning to the vital role of aerial refueling, essential for global USAF operations.
• KC-135 Stratotanker: The 305th has operated the KC-135 Stratotanker since 1970, enabling the U.S. Air Force to project power worldwide by refueling bombers, fighters, and cargo planes in flight.
• Operation Desert Storm: The 305th played a critical role in Operation Desert Storm (1991), providing aerial refueling in support of coalition air operations over Iraq and Kuwait.
• Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst: The wing is currently stationed at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, a unique tri-service base supporting Air Force, Army, and Navy missions.
• Humanitarian Missions: The 305th has supported numerous humanitarian relief efforts, including Hurricane Katrina (2005) and the Haiti earthquake (2010), by enabling rapid airlift and refueling operations.
• Global Reach: The 305th motto, “Can Do”, reflects its critical role in providing global reach for U.S. and allied forces, ensuring aircraft can reach any corner of the world at a moment’s notice.
