About this Unit
The 911th Air Refueling Squadron is a unit of the United States Air Force with a distinguished history in aerial refueling operations. Originally constituted as the 911th Air Refueling Squadron, Heavy, it was activated on 1 October 1958 at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, as part of Strategic Air Command, operating KC-135 Stratotankers. The squadron played a crucial role in supporting bomber and reconnaissance aircraft during the Cold War and participated in various operations, including refueling missions during the Vietnam War. The unit has been inactivated and reactivated several times, most recently reactivated at Seymour Johnson AFB in 2016, where it continues to provide vital aerial refueling support for global Air Force missions.
Historical Facts
• World War II Origins: The 911th Air Refueling Squadron traces its lineage back to the 21st Bombardment Squadron, formed in 1942, which flew B-17 Flying Fortresses in the Pacific Theater during WWII.
• Cold War Reactivation: The squadron was reactivated as the 911th Air Refueling Squadron in 1958 at Seymour Johnson AFB, North Carolina, equipped with KC-135 Stratotankers to support Strategic Air Command’s nuclear deterrence mission.
• Cuban Missile Crisis: During the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, the 911th was on high alert, providing vital aerial refueling capability for B-52 bombers on airborne alert.
• Operation Chrome Dome: Throughout the 1960s, the squadron supported Operation Chrome Dome, in which nuclear-armed bombers maintained continuous airborne alert over North America.
• Southeast Asia Deployments: The 911th deployed to support operations in Vietnam, refueling U.S. aircraft engaged in combat missions over Southeast Asia.
• Multiple Relocations: Over its history, the squadron has been stationed at several bases, including Beale AFB (CA), Seymour Johnson AFB (NC), and Grand Forks AFB (ND).
• Humanitarian Missions: In addition to combat roles, the 911th has supported humanitarian missions, such as aerial refueling for cargo and evacuation flights during global crises.
• Inactivation and Reactivation: The squadron has been inactivated and reactivated multiple times, reflecting changing Air Force needs. Its most recent activation was at Seymour Johnson AFB in 2016.
• Modern Operations: Today, the 911th supports worldwide U.S. and allied missions, refueling a wide range of aircraft including fighters, bombers, and cargo planes.
• Motto and Emblem: The squadron’s emblem features a winged fuel droplet and its motto is “Anytime, Anywhere,” reflecting its 24/7 global refueling capability.
