121st Air Refueling Wing
Encyclopedia
The United States Air Force
's 121st Air Refueling Wing (121 ARW) is an aerial refueling organization assigned to the Ohio Air National Guard
and located at Rickenbacker ANGB, Ohio
.
, and community interests by:
. The units were located at Lockbourne Air Force Base
, Ohio
. Aircraft flown during these early years included the T-6, A-26, P-47, and P-51.
The 55th was redesignated as the 121st Fighter Wing in November 1950 flying The 166th was activated in 1951 for the Korean War
and was assigned an air defense mission. Many of its personnel were additionally reassigned to other units for duty in Korea and other overseas locations. In 1954, the F-80C Shooting Star arrived and the wing continued with an air defense mission. F-84E
aircraft were received in 1955 followed by the swept-wing F-84F
in 1957, which brought with it a fighter-bomber mission.
In October 1961, the wing was called to active duty for the Berlin Crisis
. The 166th and additional augmenting personnel deployed to Etain Air Base, France
, where they served with distinction until redeploying in August 1962. The unit next converted to the F-100C Super Sabre
, which greatly enhanced its mission capabilities. Another call-up to active duty occurred in 1968 as a result of the USS Pueblo Crisis. One year of the 18-month activation was spent in Kunsan Air Base
, Republic of Korea. During the deployment some pilots flew combat missions in Vietnam
while performing temporary assignments with other units. Aircraft and personnel returned home in June 1969. An aircraft upgrade to the F-100D was accomplished in 1971.
Under the “Total Force Policy,” Guard and Reserve units began to receive newer aircraft and equipment in the 1970s. The 121st began conversion to the A-7D Corsair II
in 1974 which brought with it additional missions. In the same year Lockbourne AFB was renamed Rickenbacker AFB in honor of Captain Eddie Rickenbacker
, World War I “Ace of Aces” and a Columbus, Ohio
, native. When the active duty units departed in 1979, Rickenbacker became an Air National Guard Base with the 121st as its largest flying unit.
The 1980s brought new and more demanding tasks when the 121st became part of the Rapid Deployment Force
and was ultimately integrated into war plans as a part of United States Central Command
. Training for this high priority mission was intense and included many deployments, exercises and evaluations. Although the wing was not recalled for Operation Desert Storm in 1991, it provided support for operations at home station while smaller elements and individuals served as active duty augmentees in several locations. The 121st Security Forces Squadron was activated and deployed to the Persian Gulf
in November 1990. Stationed at Sheik Isa Air Base
, Bahrain
, it served under combat conditions, returning home in April 1991.
With the end of the Cold War
, a major reorganization of the Air Force was soon underway which would bring about the most significant mission change in the history of the 121st. After 35 years of flying fighters it was to become an air refueling wing. In 1992, the A-7D’s were flown to the “Boneyard” and the first KC-135R’s
were received. The 121st also assumed base support responsibilities.
In October, 1993, the 121st Air Refueling Wing was consolidated with the 160th Air Refueling Group which was deactivated in the process. With this consolidation, the 121st became a “Super Wing” by gaining the 145th Air Refueling Squadron with its aircraft, unique history and heritage.
Both squadrons fly the Boeing KC-135R (blue/red tail stripe "Ohio")
United States Air Force
The United States Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the American uniformed services. Initially part of the United States Army, the USAF was formed as a separate branch of the military on September 18, 1947 under the National Security Act of...
's 121st Air Refueling Wing (121 ARW) is an aerial refueling organization assigned to the Ohio Air National Guard
Ohio Air National Guard
The Ohio Air National Guard is a part of the United States National Guard and an Air Reserve Component of the United States Air Force. It is composed of approximately 5,000 airmen and officers assigned to four flying wings and eight non-flying support units. OHANG units are based in Columbus,...
and located at Rickenbacker ANGB, Ohio
Ohio
Ohio is a Midwestern state in the United States. The 34th largest state by area in the U.S.,it is the 7th‑most populous with over 11.5 million residents, containing several major American cities and seven metropolitan areas with populations of 500,000 or more.The state's capital is Columbus...
.
Mission
The 121st Air Refuleing Wing's mission is to provide highly trained professionals in support of federal, stateU.S. state
A U.S. state is any one of the 50 federated states of the United States of America that share sovereignty with the federal government. Because of this shared sovereignty, an American is a citizen both of the federal entity and of his or her state of domicile. Four states use the official title of...
, and community interests by:
- Providing timely worldwide air refueling, air-lift and support forces of the United States military.
- Protecting life and property, preserving peace, order and public safety for OhioOhioOhio is a Midwestern state in the United States. The 34th largest state by area in the U.S.,it is the 7th‑most populous with over 11.5 million residents, containing several major American cities and seven metropolitan areas with populations of 500,000 or more.The state's capital is Columbus...
- Participating in local, state and national programs that add value to the American community.
History
The 121st Air Refueling Wing was originally established as the 55th Fighter Wing in December 1947 and it caries the lineage of the 55th Bombardment Wing of World War II. Its original flying unit, the 166th Air Refueling Squadron, was established as the 166th Tactical Fighter Squadron in August 1946 and its World War II lineage is the 364th Fighter Squadron357th Fighter Group
The 357th Fighter Group was an air combat unit of the United States Army Air Forces during the Second World War. The 357th operated P-51 Mustang aircraft as part of the U.S. Eighth Air Force and its members were known unofficially as "The Yoxford Boys" after a village near their base...
. The units were located at Lockbourne Air Force Base
Rickenbacker International Airport
Rickenbacker International Airport is a joint civil-military public airport located 10 miles south of the central business district of Columbus, near the village of Lockbourne in extreme southern Franklin County, Ohio, United States. The southern end of the airport extends into northern Pickaway...
, Ohio
Ohio
Ohio is a Midwestern state in the United States. The 34th largest state by area in the U.S.,it is the 7th‑most populous with over 11.5 million residents, containing several major American cities and seven metropolitan areas with populations of 500,000 or more.The state's capital is Columbus...
. Aircraft flown during these early years included the T-6, A-26, P-47, and P-51.
The 55th was redesignated as the 121st Fighter Wing in November 1950 flying The 166th was activated in 1951 for the Korean War
Korean War
The Korean War was a conventional war between South Korea, supported by the United Nations, and North Korea, supported by the People's Republic of China , with military material aid from the Soviet Union...
and was assigned an air defense mission. Many of its personnel were additionally reassigned to other units for duty in Korea and other overseas locations. In 1954, the F-80C Shooting Star arrived and the wing continued with an air defense mission. F-84E
F-84 Thunderjet
The Republic F-84 Thunderjet was an American turbojet fighter-bomber aircraft. Originating as a 1944 United States Army Air Forces proposal for a "day fighter", the F-84 flew in 1946...
aircraft were received in 1955 followed by the swept-wing F-84F
F-84F Thunderstreak
The Republic F-84F Thunderstreak was an American-built swept-wing turbojet fighter-bomber. While an evolutionary development of the straight-wing F-84 Thunderjet, the F-84F was a new design. The RF-84F Thunderflash was a photo reconnaissance version....
in 1957, which brought with it a fighter-bomber mission.
Berlin Crisis of 1961
The Berlin Crisis of 1961 was the last major politico-military European incident of the Cold War about the occupational status of the German capital city, Berlin, and of post–World War II Germany. The U.S.S.R...
. The 166th and additional augmenting personnel deployed to Etain Air Base, France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
, where they served with distinction until redeploying in August 1962. The unit next converted to the F-100C Super Sabre
F-100 Super Sabre
The North American F-100 Super Sabre was a supersonic jet fighter aircraft that served with the United States Air Force from 1954 to 1971 and with the Air National Guard until 1979. The first of the Century Series collection of USAF jet fighters, it was the first USAF fighter capable of...
, which greatly enhanced its mission capabilities. Another call-up to active duty occurred in 1968 as a result of the USS Pueblo Crisis. One year of the 18-month activation was spent in Kunsan Air Base
Kunsan Air Base
Kunsan Air Base , is a United States Air Force base located on the west coast of the South Korean peninsula bordered by the Yellow Sea. It is at the town of Gunsan about 150 miles south of Seoul. The town can be romanized as both Gunsan and Kunsan...
, Republic of Korea. During the deployment some pilots flew combat missions in Vietnam
Vietnam
Vietnam – sometimes spelled Viet Nam , officially the Socialist Republic of Vietnam – is the easternmost country on the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia. It is bordered by China to the north, Laos to the northwest, Cambodia to the southwest, and the South China Sea –...
while performing temporary assignments with other units. Aircraft and personnel returned home in June 1969. An aircraft upgrade to the F-100D was accomplished in 1971.
Under the “Total Force Policy,” Guard and Reserve units began to receive newer aircraft and equipment in the 1970s. The 121st began conversion to the A-7D Corsair II
A-7 Corsair II
The Ling-Temco-Vought A-7 Corsair II is a carrier-based subsonic light attack aircraft introduced to replace the United States Navy's Douglas A-4 Skyhawk, initially entering service during the Vietnam War...
in 1974 which brought with it additional missions. In the same year Lockbourne AFB was renamed Rickenbacker AFB in honor of Captain Eddie Rickenbacker
Eddie Rickenbacker
Edward Vernon Rickenbacker was an American fighter ace in World War I and Medal of Honor recipient. He was also a race car driver and automotive designer, a government consultant in military matters and a pioneer in air transportation, particularly as the longtime head of Eastern Air Lines.-Early...
, World War I “Ace of Aces” and a Columbus, Ohio
Columbus, Ohio
Columbus is the capital of and the largest city in the U.S. state of Ohio. The broader metropolitan area encompasses several counties and is the third largest in Ohio behind those of Cleveland and Cincinnati. Columbus is the third largest city in the American Midwest, and the fifteenth largest city...
, native. When the active duty units departed in 1979, Rickenbacker became an Air National Guard Base with the 121st as its largest flying unit.
The 1980s brought new and more demanding tasks when the 121st became part of the Rapid Deployment Force
Rapid Deployment Force
A rapid deployment force is a military formation capable of quick deployment of its forces. Such forces typically consist of elite military units and may receive priority in equipment and training to prepare them for their mission....
and was ultimately integrated into war plans as a part of United States Central Command
United States Central Command
The United States Central Command is a theater-level Unified Combatant Command unit of the U.S. armed forces, established in 1983 under the operational control of the U.S. Secretary of Defense...
. Training for this high priority mission was intense and included many deployments, exercises and evaluations. Although the wing was not recalled for Operation Desert Storm in 1991, it provided support for operations at home station while smaller elements and individuals served as active duty augmentees in several locations. The 121st Security Forces Squadron was activated and deployed to the Persian Gulf
Persian Gulf
The Persian Gulf, in Southwest Asia, is an extension of the Indian Ocean located between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula.The Persian Gulf was the focus of the 1980–1988 Iran-Iraq War, in which each side attacked the other's oil tankers...
in November 1990. Stationed at Sheik Isa Air Base
Sheik Isa Air Base
Isa Air Base, formerly Shaikh Isa Air Base , is located on the 665 km² island nation of Bahrain which is situated off Saudi Arabia’s eastern coast...
, Bahrain
Bahrain
' , officially the Kingdom of Bahrain , is a small island state near the western shores of the Persian Gulf. It is ruled by the Al Khalifa royal family. The population in 2010 stood at 1,214,705, including 235,108 non-nationals. Formerly an emirate, Bahrain was declared a kingdom in 2002.Bahrain is...
, it served under combat conditions, returning home in April 1991.
Cold War
The Cold War was the continuing state from roughly 1946 to 1991 of political conflict, military tension, proxy wars, and economic competition between the Communist World—primarily the Soviet Union and its satellite states and allies—and the powers of the Western world, primarily the United States...
, a major reorganization of the Air Force was soon underway which would bring about the most significant mission change in the history of the 121st. After 35 years of flying fighters it was to become an air refueling wing. In 1992, the A-7D’s were flown to the “Boneyard” and the first KC-135R’s
KC-135 Stratotanker
The Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker is an aerial refueling military aircraft. It and the Boeing 707 airliner were developed from the Boeing 367-80 prototype. The KC-135 was the US Air Force's first jet-powered refueling tanker and replaced the KC-97 Stratotanker...
were received. The 121st also assumed base support responsibilities.
In October, 1993, the 121st Air Refueling Wing was consolidated with the 160th Air Refueling Group which was deactivated in the process. With this consolidation, the 121st became a “Super Wing” by gaining the 145th Air Refueling Squadron with its aircraft, unique history and heritage.
Major Command/Gaining Command
- Air National GuardAir National GuardThe Air National Guard , often referred to as the Air Guard, is the air force militia organized by each of the fifty U.S. states, the commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the territories of Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia of the United States. Established under Title 10 and...
/Air Mobility CommandAir Mobility CommandAir Mobility Command is a Major Command of the U.S. Air Force. AMC is headquartered at Scott AFB, Illinois, east of St. Louis....
(1992–Present) - Air National GuardAir National GuardThe Air National Guard , often referred to as the Air Guard, is the air force militia organized by each of the fifty U.S. states, the commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the territories of Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia of the United States. Established under Title 10 and...
/Tactical Air CommandTactical Air CommandTactical Air Command is an inactive United States Air Force organization. It was a Major Command of the United States Air Force, established on 21 March 1946 being headquartered at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia...
(1962–1992)
Previous designations
- 121st Air Refueling Wing (March 16, 1992 – October 1, 1993)
- 121st Tactical Fighter Wing (November 1950 – March 16, 1992)
- 55th Fighter Wing (December 1947 – November 1950)
Squadrons assigned
- 145th Air Refueling Squadron145th Air Refueling SquadronThe 145th Air Refueling Squadron flies the KC-135R Stratotanker. It is a unit of the Ohio Air National Guard. Originally part of the 160th Air Refueling Group, today its parent unit is the 121st Air Refueling Wing...
(1993–Present) - 166th Air Refueling Squadron166th Air Refueling SquadronThe 166th Air Refueling Squadron flies the KC-135R Stratotanker. It is a unit of the Ohio Air National Guard. Its parent unit is the 121st Air Refueling Wing.-History:...
(1947–Present)
Both squadrons fly the Boeing KC-135R (blue/red tail stripe "Ohio")
Aircraft Operated
- KC-135R (1992–Present)
- KC-135Rs assigned to the 160th ARG, inactivated March 16, 1992, aircraft and 145th ARS reassigned to 121st ARW same date.
- 166th ARS realigned from 166th TFS and reequipped with KC-135Rs January 16, 1993.
- A-7D/KA-7 Corsair IIThe Ling-Temco-Vought A-7 Corsair II is a carrier-based subsonic light attack aircraft introduced to replace the United States Navy's Douglas A-4 Skyhawk, initially entering service during the Vietnam War...
(1974–1993) - F-100C/DF-100 Super SabreThe North American F-100 Super Sabre was a supersonic jet fighter aircraft that served with the United States Air Force from 1954 to 1971 and with the Air National Guard until 1979. The first of the Century Series collection of USAF jet fighters, it was the first USAF fighter capable of...
(1962–1974) - F-84F (1958–1962)
- F-84E (1955–1958)
- F-80C (1953–1955)
- F-51 MustangP-51 MustangThe North American Aviation P-51 Mustang was an American long-range, single-seat fighter and fighter-bomber used during World War II, the Korean War and in several other conflicts...
(1947–1953)
- A-7D/K
External links
- http://www.121arw.ang.af.mil/