93rd Air Refueling Squadron

The 93rd Air Refueling Squadron (93rd ARS) was originally activated in 1941 as the 493rd Bombardment Squadron, serving in World War II before being redesignated and repurposed for air refueling missions during the Cold War. Assigned to Fairchild Air Force Base in Washington, the squadron became one of the Air Force’s oldest and most distinguished air refueling units. Operating primarily the KC-135 Stratotanker, the 93rd ARS has supported U.S. and allied air operations worldwide, including during the Vietnam War, Operation Desert Storm, and ongoing global mobility missions. The squadron’s legacy is marked by its crucial role in extending the range and effectiveness of American airpower through aerial refueling.