117th Air Refueling Wing

• Origins in WWII: The 117th Air Refueling Wing traces its lineage to the 354th Fighter Group, activated in 1942, which distinguished itself in the European Theater during World War II. • Alabama Air National Guard: It is a unit of the Alabama Air National Guard, based at Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard Base in Birmingham, Alabama. • Early Jet Age: The unit flew the F-80 Shooting Star and F-84 Thunderjet in the early years of the jet age, transitioning from propeller-driven aircraft after WWII. • Berlin Crisis Activation (1961): The 117th was federalized and called to active duty during the Berlin Crisis, deploying personnel and aircraft to France in support of NATO operations. • Shift to Air Refueling: In 1994, the unit converted to an air refueling mission, flying the KC-135 Stratotanker, and became the 117th Air Refueling Wing. • Support for Operations Enduring Freedom & Iraqi Freedom: The 117th ARW has flown numerous missions in support of operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, providing vital aerial refueling to U.S. and allied aircraft. • Hurricane Katrina Response: The Wing provided crucial support during Hurricane Katrina relief operations in 2005, delivering supplies and assisting with rescue and recovery efforts. • Distinguished Unit Awards: The unit and its predecessor organizations have earned multiple Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards for exemplary performance and mission success. • Community Involvement: The 117th ARW is known for its deep ties to the Birmingham community, participating in local events, disaster response, and youth outreach programs. • Modernization Efforts: The Wing continues to modernize its fleet and capabilities, ensuring readiness for global refueling missions and maintaining a strategic role in U.S. air power projection.