927th Air Refueling Wing

• Origins in the Cold War: The 927th Air Refueling Wing (927 ARW) was originally established in 1963 as the 927th Troop Carrier Group at Selfridge Air Force Base, Michigan, playing a role in Cold War airlift operations. • Air Refueling Mission: The unit transitioned to an air refueling mission in 1978, operating the KC-135 Stratotanker, a pivotal aircraft for extending the range and endurance of U.S. and allied aircraft. • Operation Desert Storm: During the Gulf War, personnel and aircraft from the 927th ARW were deployed to support air refueling operations for coalition air forces in Operation Desert Storm. • Base Realignment and Relocation: In 2008, the 927th ARW relocated from Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Michigan, to MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, as part of the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process. • Active Association: At MacDill AFB, the 927th ARW became an "Associate Wing," sharing aircraft and missions with the active-duty 6th Air Refueling Wing, exemplifying the Total Force Integration concept. • Humanitarian Operations: The wing has participated in multiple humanitarian relief missions, including support for Hurricane Katrina relief efforts and other disaster response operations. • Distinguished Unit: The 927th ARW has received numerous awards for its service, including Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards, recognizing its excellence and professionalism. • Reservist Excellence: The wing is part of the Air Force Reserve Command and is composed primarily of part-time citizen Airmen who balance civilian careers with military service. • Modernization and Upgrades: The 927th ARW has continually modernized its fleet, flying upgraded KC-135R models with enhanced avionics and engines to maintain mission readiness. • Global Reach: The wing regularly participates in overseas deployments, supporting operations such as Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, and NATO missions, enabling global mobility for U.S. and allied air forces.