344th Air Refueling Squadron

• Origins in World War II: The 344th Air Refueling Squadron traces its lineage back to the 344th Bombardment Squadron, which was activated in 1942 as part of the 98th Bombardment Group and flew B-24 Liberators in the Mediterranean Theater. • Ploesti Raid Participation: The squadron gained fame for its participation in Operation Tidal Wave—the low-level bombing raid against oil refineries at Ploesti, Romania, in August 1943, one of the most dangerous missions of WWII. • Distinguished Unit Citation: For its valor and effectiveness during the Ploesti raid, the 344th Bombardment Squadron was awarded a Distinguished Unit Citation. • Cold War Reactivation: The unit was reactivated in 1955 as the 344th Air Refueling Squadron, equipped with KC-97 Stratofreighters at Lincoln Air Force Base, Nebraska, supporting Strategic Air Command's (SAC) bomber fleet. • Transition to Jet Tankers: In the early 1960s, the squadron transitioned from the KC-97 to the KC-135 Stratotanker, enhancing its capabilities with jet-powered air refueling. • Global Reach: The 344th supported numerous SAC operations and exercises worldwide, refueling B-52s, B-47s, and later other Air Force and allied aircraft, demonstrating the global reach of American airpower. • Vietnam War Support: The squadron played a key role in supporting air operations during the Vietnam War, deploying crews and tankers to Southeast Asia for combat refueling missions. • Desert Storm Service: The 344th Air Refueling Squadron was involved in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, providing aerial refueling over Southwest Asia during the 1990-1991 Gulf War. • Modern Operations: Now part of the 22d Operations Group at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, the squadron continues to fly the KC-135R Stratotanker, supporting global mobility and combat operations. • Heritage and Motto: The 344th embodies the motto "Always There," reflecting its enduring mission to provide critical aerial refueling to U.S. and allied aircraft around the world, enabling global air operations.