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459th Air Refueling Wing

U.S. Air Force•4,428 members

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About this Unit

459th Air Refueling Wing

U.S. Air Force

The 459th Air Refueling Wing is an Air Force Reserve unit that is based at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland. The wing provides air refueling support to military operations around the world, helping to extend the range and endurance of aircraft in flight. The wing's mission includes aerial refueling of fighter, bomber, and transport aircraft, as well as supporting aeromedical evacuation missions. The 459th Air Refueling Wing plays a crucial role in ensuring the success of military operations by providing timely and efficient refueling capabilities.

About 459th Air Refueling Wing

About this Unit

Historical Facts

The 459th Air Refueling Wing was activated on July 17, 1947 as the 459th Bombardment Wing, and was later redesignated as the 459th Air Refueling Wing in 1955.
During the Korean War, the 459th Air Refueling Wing provided support to United Nations forces by refueling aircraft in the Pacific theater.
In 1961, the 459th Air Refueling Wing deployed to Europe to support NATO forces during the Berlin Crisis.
The wing played a critical role during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962 by providing air refueling support for Strategic Air Command bombers on alert status.
During the Vietnam War, the 459th Air Refueling Wing supported combat operations by refueling aircraft flying missions over Southeast Asia.
In 1991, the wing deployed to the Middle East to support Operation Desert Storm, providing aerial refueling for coalition aircraft during the conflict.
The 459th Air Refueling Wing has received numerous awards and decorations for its service, including the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award and the Presidential Unit Citation.
The wing has a long history of humanitarian missions, including providing support for disaster relief efforts after natural disasters such as hurricanes and earthquakes.
In 2012, the 459th Air Refueling Wing celebrated its 65th anniversary with a series of events honoring its history and legacy of service.
Today, the 459th Air Refueling Wing continues to provide vital air refueling support for military operations around the world, ensuring that aircraft can reach their destinations safely and efficiently.

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459th Air Refueling Wing

U.S. Air Force•4,428 members

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About this Unit

459th Air Refueling Wing

U.S. Air Force

Unit members

Gordon Penner

U.S. Air Force Veteran

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Norman Russell

U.S. Air Force Veteran

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Alan Ciche

U.S. Army Veteran · 1970 - 1971

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Fred Simons

U.S. Army Veteran · 0 - 0

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Photos from 459th Air Refueling Wing members

Osan Korea Electronic Warfare Technician

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About 459th Air Refueling Wing

About this Unit

Historical Facts

The 459th Air Refueling Wing was activated on July 17, 1947 as the 459th Bombardment Wing, and was later redesignated as the 459th Air Refueling Wing in 1955.
During the Korean War, the 459th Air Refueling Wing provided support to United Nations forces by refueling aircraft in the Pacific theater.
In 1961, the 459th Air Refueling Wing deployed to Europe to support NATO forces during the Berlin Crisis.
The wing played a critical role during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962 by providing air refueling support for Strategic Air Command bombers on alert status.
During the Vietnam War, the 459th Air Refueling Wing supported combat operations by refueling aircraft flying missions over Southeast Asia.
In 1991, the wing deployed to the Middle East to support Operation Desert Storm, providing aerial refueling for coalition aircraft during the conflict.
The 459th Air Refueling Wing has received numerous awards and decorations for its service, including the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award and the Presidential Unit Citation.
The wing has a long history of humanitarian missions, including providing support for disaster relief efforts after natural disasters such as hurricanes and earthquakes.
In 2012, the 459th Air Refueling Wing celebrated its 65th anniversary with a series of events honoring its history and legacy of service.
Today, the 459th Air Refueling Wing continues to provide vital air refueling support for military operations around the world, ensuring that aircraft can reach their destinations safely and efficiently.