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History of 344th Air Refueling Squadron

The 344th Air Refueling Squadron was originally activated during World War II as part of the U.S. Army Air Forces, serving initially as a bombardment unit. Reactivated and redesignated during the Cold War, the squadron became a key component of the Strategic Air Command, providing aerial refueling support with aircraft such as the KC-135 Stratotanker. Over the decades, the 344th has supported various operations, exercises, and contingencies around the globe, ensuring extended reach and endurance for U.S. Air Force bombers and fighters. Today, the squadron continues its vital role in global air mobility and power projection missions.

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ABOUT 344th Air Refueling Squadron

  • Origins in World War II: The 344th Air Refueling Squadron traces its lineage back to the 344th Bombardment Squadron, which was activated in 1942 as part of the 98th Bombardment Group and flew B-24 Liberators in the Mediterranean Theater.
  • Ploesti Raid Participation: The squadron gained fame for its participation in Operation Tidal Wave—the low-level bombing raid against oil refineries at Ploesti, Romania, in August 1943, one of the most dangerous missions of WWII.
  • Distinguished Unit Citation: For its valor and effectiveness during the Ploesti raid, the 344th Bombardment Squadron was awarded a Distinguished Unit Citation.
  • Cold War Reactivation: The unit was reactivated in 1955 as the 344th Air Refueling Squadron, equipped with KC-97 Stratofreighters at Lincoln Air Force Base, Nebraska, supporting Strategic Air Command's (SAC) bomber fleet.
  • Transition to Jet Tankers: In the early 1960s, the squadron transitioned from the KC-97 to the KC-135 Stratotanker, enhancing its capabilities with jet-powered air refueling.
  • Global Reach: The 344th supported numerous SAC operations and exercises worldwide, refueling B-52s, B-47s, and later other Air Force and allied aircraft, demonstrating the global reach of American airpower.
  • Vietnam War Support: The squadron played a key role in supporting air operations during the Vietnam War, deploying crews and tankers to Southeast Asia for combat refueling missions.
  • Desert Storm Service: The 344th Air Refueling Squadron was involved in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, providing aerial refueling over Southwest Asia during the 1990-1991 Gulf War.
  • Modern Operations: Now part of the 22d Operations Group at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, the squadron continues to fly the KC-135R Stratotanker, supporting global mobility and combat operations.
  • Heritage and Motto: The 344th embodies the motto "Always There," reflecting its enduring mission to provide critical aerial refueling to U.S. and allied aircraft around the world, enabling global air operations.

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