4060th Air Refueling Wing

• Establishment: The 4060th Air Refueling Wing was established in 1952 to support the United States Air Force's Strategic Air Command (SAC) during the Cold War. • Location: The wing was based at Westover Air Force Base, Massachusetts, a key SAC installation in the northeastern United States. • Main Mission: Its primary mission was to perform aerial refueling operations, extending the range and endurance of SAC's bomber fleet, notably the B-47 Stratojet and B-52 Stratofortress. • Aircraft Operated: The wing was equipped with the KC-97 Stratofreighter, a piston-engine tanker used widely by the Air Force during the 1950s and early 1960s. • Cuban Missile Crisis: During the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, the 4060th played a critical role by maintaining a high operational tempo, keeping bombers and tankers on alert and ready for potential conflict. • Support to "Reflex" Missions: The wing regularly supported SAC "Reflex" deployments, in which bombers and tankers were deployed on temporary duty to forward bases in Europe and North Africa to deter Soviet aggression. • Organizational Changes: The wing underwent several redesignations and organizational changes during its history, reflecting evolving Air Force strategies and structure. • Disestablishment: The 4060th Air Refueling Wing was discontinued in February 1963 as part of a SAC-wide reorganization and the phaseout of the KC-97 from active duty service. • Legacy: Elements of the wing were absorbed into the newly established 499th Air Refueling Wing, continuing the legacy of strategic aerial refueling at Westover AFB. • Historical Significance: The 4060th contributed to SAC’s global reach during a pivotal period in history, supporting deterrence and the projection of American airpower during the early Cold War era.