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121st Air Refueling Wing
Rickenbacker ANGB Columbus, Ohio Ohio Air National Guard |
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121st Air Refueling Wing
Rickenbacker ANGB Columbus, Ohio Ohio Air National Guard |
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Based at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, just south of Columbus, Ohio, the 121st Air Refueling Wing consists of two squadrons--the 145th and 166th Air Refueling Squadrons--as part of the Ohio Air National Guard. It is also one of the oldest tanker units in the entire ANG, as the 145ARS received its first KC-135A in 1975. Since that time, the unit has been busy across the globe supplying coalition forces with aerial refueling and transport capabilities.
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The history of the 121st Air Refueling Wing dates back to 1947, when the 55th Fighter Wing was established in December of that year at Lockbourne AFB (later re-named Rickenbacker ANGB). Aircraft types of the early years consisted of the T-6, A-26, P-47, and P-51. Jet aircraft arrived in the 1950's with the arrival of the F-80 Shooting Star and F-84 Thunderjet. It was also in the 1950's that the 55th Fighter Wing was re-designated the 121st Fighter Wing. The 1960's brought the F-100C Super Sabre, followed by the A-7D/K Corsair II, which arrived in 1974. The first KC-135R arrived in 1992, and brought with it a change in mission, along with the unit's new title, the 121st Air Refueling Wing.
In October 1993, the 160th Air Refueling Group, also based at Rickenbacker ANGB, was disbanded, and its 145th Air Refueling Squadron was placed under control of the 121st ARW, bringing with it the aircraft, personnel, equipment, support functions, and a long and distinguished history of its own. With the addition of the 145th ARS, the 121ARW became one of only a few "Super Wings" in the ANG, with twice as many aircraft assigned as other units.
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Recent years have found the 121st participating in Air Mobility Command operations worldwide. In 1994, the unit began flying from bases in southern France to support strike aircraft during Operation Deny Flight missions over the Balkans. The 121st was a fixture at Incirlik AB, Turkey, as well as Prince Sultan AB, Saudi Arabia, supporting Operations Northern Watch and Southern Watch, respectively, over Iraq. After the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, the 121st Air Refueling Wing launched into immediate action supporting armed aircraft over the United States during Operation Noble Eagle. The 121st ARW had the distinction of flying more missions than any other unit during this time. The 121st ARW has also participated in Operation Enduring Freedom over Afghanistan, as well as Operation Iraqi Freedom over Iraq.
In addition to the combat deployments, the unit has also been very heavily-tasked with airlift missions during national emergencies. Immediately following Hurricane Katrina in August, 2005, the 121ARW was one of the first units to send aircraft into Louisiana filled with supplies and troops. Similar missions were flown in September 2005, after Hurricane Rita.
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I was invited to fly along in a 121st Air Refueling Wing KC-135R to witness first-hand the professionalism of the crews as they supported the 178th Fighter Wing during a routine training mission over southern Ohio. The 178th Fighter Wing is a training house for USAF F-16 pilots, and frequently depends on the 121ARW in order to complete their training syllabus. More information on the 178FW can be found here.
The 121st ARW's website says, "The 121st and its personnel have a proud history of outstanding accomplishments. The wing has received four Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards while winning honors in many Air Force, Major Command, international and state competitions such as Gunsmoke, Top Gun, Rodeo, and International Air Tattoo. It is considered one of the premier units in the Air National Guard and the Air Force with a reputation for operational excellence, pride, efficiency, innovation and community service. Its men and women are dedicated to continuing this record of outstanding service to the nation, state and community." After witnessing their people at work first-hand, I can only agree. I was truly impressed by every individual person I met, and can't wait to go fly with them again.
The 121st Air Refueling Wing is truly in a class by itself. LtCol Kathy Lowrey and SSgt. Will Gilbert deserve much credit for making my flight happen and for ensuring I got the best images possible. I'd also like to thank the entire crew of "Taz 52", as well as the Viper pilots of "Cujo" and "Harley" flights from the 178th Fighter Wing, Ohio Air National Guard. I hope you guys like the pictures!