185th Air Refueling Wing
Encyclopedia
The United States Air Force
's 185th Air Refueling Wing (ARW) is a unit located at Sioux Gateway Airport
, Iowa
, which is located just west of Sergeant Bluff, Iowa
.
it served in combat as a P-47 Thunderbolt
fighter squadron in the European Theater of Operations
(ETO), designated as the 386th Fighter Squadron
, 365th Fighter Group
, Ninth Air Force
.
The unit was assigned to Sioux City Airport, Iowa, a former World War II airfield that had been used by II Bomber Command
for B-24 Liberator
s and B-17 Flying Fortresses heavy bomber training. On 2 December 1946, the 174th was extended Federal recognition and equipped with P-51D Mustangs. The original component of the unit included 9 rated officers, 7 non-rated officers, and 46 enlisted members for a total of 62 members. For three years, the 174th flew the P-51 Mustang. In 1949-50, the unit received its first jet, the F-84B Thunderjet.
In 1955, the 174th Fighter Squadron was re-designated the 174th Fighter Interceptor Squadron and was transitioned to the F-84E Thunderstreak. As a component of the 132d Fighter Interceptor Wing, the unit won the Air National Guard Gunnery Meet. They also placed third in the USAF Fighter Weapons meet that year. For their accomplishments, the 174th was awarded the Spaatz Trophy as the most outstanding Air National Guard squadron in the nation in 1956. The accolades did not stop there as the unit also was awarded the Wing Flying Safety trophy that year as well. In 1958, the unit changed aircraft and its primary mission. They became the 174th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron and flew the swept-wing RF-84F Thunderflash. As a reconnaissance unit, the 174th was awarded the top "Operational Readiness Reconnaissance Unit" in the nation in 1960.
In 1961, the unit was re-designated the 174th Tactical Fighter Squadron and converted to flying F-100C Super Sabre. On 1 October 1962, the unit reached group status. It was reorganized and re-designated as the 185th Tactical Fighter Group. This reorganization nearly doubled the authorized personnel of the unit to over 800 officers and airmen. This era would also mark the longest continuous period of flying one aircraft. The 185th flew the F-100 from 1961 until 1977, a period of 16 years.
, South Vietnam on 11 May 1968. During the course of the next 90 days, the balance of the 185th was deployed to six military bases in South Korea and several others within the continental United States. During their year in South Vietnam, the 174th flew 6,539 combat sorties totally 11,359 hours of combat time. The unit was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation
and the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award. Individually, its members were awarded 12 silver stars, 35 distinguished flying crosses, 30 bronze stars, 115 commendation medals, 325 air medals, and 1 purple heart
While in Phu Cat AB, one distinguished Air Force pilot that flew one of our planes was Dick Rutan
. Dick went on to become the first pilot to take a non-stop un-refueled trip around the world. In 2005, Mattel toys introduced a die-cast model of the Sioux City based F-100 that Dick Rutan flew in Vietnam, tail # HA 076. Dick was also one of the famous Misty pilots, a top-secret squadron that flew high-risk missions during their tours. Another member of this famous squadron was Medal of Honor
recipient Colonel George "Bud" Day
, for whom the airfield in Sioux City is named.
As for the 174th, on 28 May 1969, the personnel and aircraft were recalled with the 185th and returned to Sioux City and released from active duty. In 1969, the 174th Fighter Squadron won the Air Force Outstanding Unit award with a designation of valor. Vietnam also spawned the nickname Bats. The "Bat" depicted on the tails of the aircraft and the shoulder patch of the pilots became a legendary symbol of the 185th when its 174th Tactical Fighter Squadron was called to duty in Vietnam. "Bat" was the call sign of the 174th. The "Bats" became renowned for their outstanding performance.
The other symbol often associated with been the Indian Chief that is part of the unit patch as well as part of the paint work on the aircraft. The Indian Chieftain is symbolic of the brave Indian warriors, like War Eagle, who once lived in the Siouxland area. The pride, courage and determination found in these "First Americans" are traits emulated by the members of the 185th.
They were re-designated the 185th Air Refueling Wing. In November 2003, the first all Sioux City crew flew a KC-135 out of Sioux City. Within a year, the 185th was flying refueling missions out of Geilenkirchen, Germany supporting NATO AWACS. In 2007, the 185th began transitioning from KC-135E to KC-135R models, newer planes, with larger engines, capable of more missions, making the 185th a unit ready to serve, whenever and wherever they are needed.
Today, the 185th consists of nearly 900 members that includes; traditional guardsman, full-time military, air technicians and state contract employees.
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 185th Air Refueling Wing (ARW) is a unit located at Sioux Gateway Airport
Sioux Gateway Airport
-History:The construction of Sioux City Army Air Base began in March 1942, about three months after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Opened on 5 July 1942, it became a major training center during World War II for crew members of B-24 Liberators and B-17 Flying Fortresses...
, Iowa
Iowa
Iowa is a state located in the Midwestern United States, an area often referred to as the "American Heartland". It derives its name from the Ioway people, one of the many American Indian tribes that occupied the state at the time of European exploration. Iowa was a part of the French colony of New...
, which is located just west of Sergeant Bluff, Iowa
Sergeant Bluff, Iowa
As of the census of 2000, there were 3,321 people, 1,137 households, and 891 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,668.7 people per square mile . There were 1,176 housing units at an average density of 590.9 per square mile...
.
Mission
The mission of the 185 ARW is to provide mid-air refueling and mobility sustainment in direct support of the global mission of the Air Force. As a community based organization the wing and its subordinate units are also tasked to support the state of Iowa in the event of a state emergency.Components
- 185th Operations Group
- 174th Air Refueling Squadron174th Air Refueling SquadronThe 174th Air Refueling Squadron flies the KC-135R Stratotanker. It is a unit of the Iowa Air National Guard. Its parent unit is the 185th Air Refueling Wing.-Major Command/Gaining Command:*Air National Guard/Air Mobility Command...
- 185th Operations Support Flight
- 185th Support Group
- 185th Civil Engineering Squadron
- 185th Security Forces Squadron
- 185th Mission Support Flight
- 185th Communications Flight
- 185th Services Flight
- 185th Logistics Readiness Squadron
- 185th Maintenance Group
- 185th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron
- 185th Maintenance Squadron
- 185th Maintenance Operations Flight
- 185th Medical Group
- The 185th Medical Group provides operational unit support to ensure a medically qualified force able mobilize during a time of need. The group provides highly trained medical personnel to the unit, the United States Air Force, and the State of Iowa in a time of need.
Origins
The Wing's 174th Refueling Squadron was allocated to the Iowa Air National Guard on 24 May 1946. During World War IIWorld War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
it served in combat as a P-47 Thunderbolt
P-47 Thunderbolt
Republic Aviation's P-47 Thunderbolt, also known as the "Jug", was the largest, heaviest, and most expensive fighter aircraft in history to be powered by a single reciprocating engine. It was heavily armed with eight .50-caliber machine guns, four per wing. When fully loaded, the P-47 weighed up to...
fighter squadron in the European Theater of Operations
European Theater of Operations
The European Theater of Operations, United States Army was a United States Army formation which directed U.S. Army operations in parts of Europe from 1942 to 1945. It referred to Army Ground Forces, United States Army Air Forces, and Army Service Forces operations north of Italy and the...
(ETO), designated as the 386th Fighter Squadron
386th Fighter Squadron
The 386th Fighter Squadron is an inactive United States Air Force unit. It was last assigned to the 365th Fighter Group, stationed at Camp Myles Standish, Massachusetts. It was inactivated on 22 September 1945-History:...
, 365th Fighter Group
365th Fighter Group
The 365th Fighter Group is an inactive United States Army Air Force unit. Its last assignment was with the Army Service Forces stationed at Camp Myles Standish, Massachusetts. It was inactivated on 22 September 1945....
, Ninth Air Force
Ninth Air Force
The Ninth Air Force is a numbered air force of the United States Air Force's Air Combat Command . It is headquartered at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina....
.
The unit was assigned to Sioux City Airport, Iowa, a former World War II airfield that had been used by II Bomber Command
II Bomber Command
The II Bomber Command is an inactive United States Air Force unit. It was last assigned to Second Air Force, based at Fort George Wright, Washington. It was inactivated on 6 October 1943....
for B-24 Liberator
B-24 Liberator
The Consolidated B-24 Liberator was an American heavy bomber, designed by Consolidated Aircraft of San Diego, California. It was known within the company as the Model 32, and a small number of early models were sold under the name LB-30, for Land Bomber...
s and B-17 Flying Fortresses heavy bomber training. On 2 December 1946, the 174th was extended Federal recognition and equipped with P-51D Mustangs. The original component of the unit included 9 rated officers, 7 non-rated officers, and 46 enlisted members for a total of 62 members. For three years, the 174th flew the P-51 Mustang. In 1949-50, the unit received its first jet, the F-84B Thunderjet.
Cold War
The squadron was called to active duty on 1 April 1951 for service during the Korean War and assigned to Dow AFB in Bangor, Maine. Most jet pilots transferred to overseas units in Europe and the Far East. The squadron was re-equipped with the F-51D. The unit finished their tour and was transferred back to state control on 31 December 1952. In July 1953, the unit converted from F-51Ds to Lockheed F-80C Shooting Star.In 1955, the 174th Fighter Squadron was re-designated the 174th Fighter Interceptor Squadron and was transitioned to the F-84E Thunderstreak. As a component of the 132d Fighter Interceptor Wing, the unit won the Air National Guard Gunnery Meet. They also placed third in the USAF Fighter Weapons meet that year. For their accomplishments, the 174th was awarded the Spaatz Trophy as the most outstanding Air National Guard squadron in the nation in 1956. The accolades did not stop there as the unit also was awarded the Wing Flying Safety trophy that year as well. In 1958, the unit changed aircraft and its primary mission. They became the 174th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron and flew the swept-wing RF-84F Thunderflash. As a reconnaissance unit, the 174th was awarded the top "Operational Readiness Reconnaissance Unit" in the nation in 1960.
In 1961, the unit was re-designated the 174th Tactical Fighter Squadron and converted to flying F-100C Super Sabre. On 1 October 1962, the unit reached group status. It was reorganized and re-designated as the 185th Tactical Fighter Group. This reorganization nearly doubled the authorized personnel of the unit to over 800 officers and airmen. This era would also mark the longest continuous period of flying one aircraft. The 185th flew the F-100 from 1961 until 1977, a period of 16 years.
Vietnam era
On 26th January 1968, the 185th was recalled to active Federal service as a result of the "Pueblo Crisis". The 174th Tactical Fighter Squadron of the 185th augmented by many of the other personnel from the Group, deployed with their F-100s to Phu Cat Air BasePhu Cat Air Base
Phu Cat Air Base is a Vietnam People's Air Force military airfield in Vietnam. It is located northwest of Qui Nhon in Binh Dinh Province....
, South Vietnam on 11 May 1968. During the course of the next 90 days, the balance of the 185th was deployed to six military bases in South Korea and several others within the continental United States. During their year in South Vietnam, the 174th flew 6,539 combat sorties totally 11,359 hours of combat time. The unit was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation
Presidential Unit Citation
The Presidential Unit Citation is a senior unit award granted to military units which have performed an extremely meritorious or heroic act, usually in the face of an armed enemy...
and the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award. Individually, its members were awarded 12 silver stars, 35 distinguished flying crosses, 30 bronze stars, 115 commendation medals, 325 air medals, and 1 purple heart
While in Phu Cat AB, one distinguished Air Force pilot that flew one of our planes was Dick Rutan
Dick Rutan
Richard Glenn "Dick" Rutan is an aviator who piloted the Voyager aircraft around the world non-stop with co-pilot Jeana Yeager...
. Dick went on to become the first pilot to take a non-stop un-refueled trip around the world. In 2005, Mattel toys introduced a die-cast model of the Sioux City based F-100 that Dick Rutan flew in Vietnam, tail # HA 076. Dick was also one of the famous Misty pilots, a top-secret squadron that flew high-risk missions during their tours. Another member of this famous squadron was Medal of Honor
Medal of Honor
The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is bestowed by the President, in the name of Congress, upon members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her...
recipient Colonel George "Bud" Day
Bud Day
George Everette "Bud" Day is a retired U.S. Air Force Colonel and Command Pilot who served during the Vietnam War, to include five years and seven months as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam. He is often cited as being the most decorated U.S. service member since General Douglas MacArthur, having...
, for whom the airfield in Sioux City is named.
As for the 174th, on 28 May 1969, the personnel and aircraft were recalled with the 185th and returned to Sioux City and released from active duty. In 1969, the 174th Fighter Squadron won the Air Force Outstanding Unit award with a designation of valor. Vietnam also spawned the nickname Bats. The "Bat" depicted on the tails of the aircraft and the shoulder patch of the pilots became a legendary symbol of the 185th when its 174th Tactical Fighter Squadron was called to duty in Vietnam. "Bat" was the call sign of the 174th. The "Bats" became renowned for their outstanding performance.
The other symbol often associated with been the Indian Chief that is part of the unit patch as well as part of the paint work on the aircraft. The Indian Chieftain is symbolic of the brave Indian warriors, like War Eagle, who once lived in the Siouxland area. The pride, courage and determination found in these "First Americans" are traits emulated by the members of the 185th.
A-7D Corsair IIs
In 1977, the 185th converted to the A-7D Corsair II While flying the A-7Ds, the unit won the Spaatz trophy for the second time in 1990, recognizing them as the best Air Guard unit in the Country. The Unit also was awarded the Air Force Outstanding Unit award five times -1985, 1986, 1987, 1989, and 1991. In addition, the 185th's Logistic Group is a two-time winner of the Daedalian Trophy which recognizes the best maintenance team in the ANG. In 1989, the 185th won the 12th Air Force A-7 gunnery meet for the second time. Also in 1989, the 185th received the Gunsmoke A-7 Maintenance Team Award for its aircraft.Modern era
On December 19th, 1991, they received F-16 Falcons. On March 16th, 1992, the 185th Tactical Fighter Group was re-designated the 185th Fighter Group. One month later, the unit was rated operational. As the Air Force and Air Guard standardized unit structures, the 185th was designated the 185th Fighter Wing. The F-16 "Fighting Falcon" would be the last jet that the unit would fly before conversion to KC135 tankers in 2003. The 185th continued to be an award-winning unit. In 1994, the unit picked up the Winston P. Wilson Award as well as the Air Force Association Outstanding Air National Guard Unit Award. In 1999, Congress appropriated $6.5 million dollars for the Air National Guard Aircraft Paint Facility located on base. The facility at the 185th has become top-notch, reflecting the quality of work that has been synonymous with the unit for over 50 years.They were re-designated the 185th Air Refueling Wing. In November 2003, the first all Sioux City crew flew a KC-135 out of Sioux City. Within a year, the 185th was flying refueling missions out of Geilenkirchen, Germany supporting NATO AWACS. In 2007, the 185th began transitioning from KC-135E to KC-135R models, newer planes, with larger engines, capable of more missions, making the 185th a unit ready to serve, whenever and wherever they are needed.
Today, the 185th consists of nearly 900 members that includes; traditional guardsman, full-time military, air technicians and state contract employees.
Lineage
- Established as 174th Fighter Squadron, 24 May 1946
- Extended Federal Recognition, 2 December 1946
- Re-designated: 174th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 1955
- Re-designated: 174th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 1961
- Re-organized as 185th Tactical Fighter Group, 1 October 1962
- 174th Tactical Fighter Squadron assigned as suburdinate unit
- Re-designated as 185th Fighter Group, 16 March 1992
- Re-organized as 185th Fighter Wing, 1 May 1992
- 185th Fighter Group redesignated as 185th Operations Group and assigned as subordinate unit
- Re-designated 185th Air Refeling Wing, 1 November 2003
Assignments
- Operationally gained by:
- 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...
, 2 December 1946 - Air Combat CommandAir Combat CommandAir Combat Command is a major command of the United States Air Force. ACC is one of ten major commands , reporting to Headquarters, United States Air Force ....
, 1 June 1992 - 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....
, 1 November 2003
Aircraft Operated
- KC-135R Stratotanker (2007–Present)
- KC-135E Stratotanker (2002–2007)
- F-16 Fighting FalconF-16 Fighting FalconThe General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon is a multirole jet fighter aircraft originally developed by General Dynamics for the United States Air Force . Designed as an air superiority day fighter, it evolved into a successful all-weather multirole aircraft. Over 4,400 aircraft have been built since...
(1992–2002) - A-7D Corsair (1977–1991)
- F-100C Super Sabre (1961–1977)
- RF-84F Thunderflash (1958–1961)
- F-84E Thunderstreak (1955–1958)
- F-80C Shooting Star (1953–1955)
- F-51D Mustang (1951–1953)
- F-84B Thunderjet (1950–1951)
- P-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...
(1946–1949)
Decorations
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award- Spaatz Trophy (1956, 1990)
- Wing Flying Safety Trophy (1956)
- Top Operational Readiness Reconnaissance Unit in the nation (1960)
- Presidential Unit Citation (1968)
- Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (1968, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1989, 1991, 2008, and 2009)
- 185th Logistics Group-Daedalian Trophy (2 time winner)
- Winston P. Wilson Award (1994)
- Air Force Association Outstanding Air National Guard Unit Award (1994)
External links
- Celebration of the Iowa ANG's 60 years
- http://www.iasiou.ang.af.mil/