911 Air Refueling Squadron

• 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.