ABOUT 92nd Air Refueling Wing
- Established in 1947: The 92nd Air Refueling Wing (ARW) traces its origins to the 92nd Bombardment Wing, activated at Spokane Army Air Field (now Fairchild AFB), Washington, in November 1947.
- Cold War Alert Role: During the Cold War, the wing maintained a constant nuclear alert status, ready to launch B-52 Stratofortress bombers at a moment’s notice as part of the U.S. nuclear deterrent.
- Operation Chrome Dome: The 92nd participated in Operation Chrome Dome, where B-52s flew continuous airborne alert missions armed with nuclear weapons, circling the Arctic regions.
- Strategic Air Command: For decades, the 92nd was a key element of Strategic Air Command (SAC), which managed America’s strategic bombers and intercontinental ballistic missiles.
- Korean War Deployments: Aircrews from the 92nd flew combat missions over Korea, supporting United Nations operations during the early 1950s.
- Transition to Air Refueling: In 1994, the unit transitioned from a bomber wing to an air refueling wing, operating the KC-135 Stratotanker and providing vital aerial refueling support.
- Operation Allied Force: The 92nd ARW supported NATO operations in Kosovo, providing around-the-clock aerial refueling for U.S. and allied aircraft during 1999.
- Global War on Terrorism: Following 9/11, the 92nd has continuously deployed aircraft and personnel in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.
- Fairchild Air Force Base: The wing has been headquartered at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, since 1947, making it one of the oldest continuously operating units at the same installation.
- Operation Homefront: The 92nd ARW has a proud tradition of community involvement, notably responding to the 2015 Washington wildfires by providing support to firefighters and evacuees.
