6th Air Refueling Wing: History And Mission Revealed

The 6th Air Refueling Wing is a United States Air Force unit that has been playing a crucial role in the country's defense since its establishment in 1951. With a rich history and a clear mission, this wing has been instrumental in supporting various military operations and humanitarian efforts. In this article, we will delve into the history and mission of the 6th Air Refueling Wing and explore its significance in the US Air Force.

Early Years and Mission

The 6th Air Refueling Wing was established on October 1, 1951, at Walker Air Force Base in Roswell, New Mexico. Initially, the wing was designated as the 6th Bombardment Wing and was equipped with Boeing B-29 Superfortress bombers. However, with the advent of the Cold War, the wing's mission shifted to air refueling, and it was redesignated as the 6th Air Refueling Wing in 1958.

The wing's primary mission is to provide air refueling support to military aircraft, enabling them to extend their range and stay in the air for longer periods. This is achieved through the use of KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft, which are equipped with a flying boom refueling system.

History of Operations

Over the years, the 6th Air Refueling Wing has participated in numerous military operations and humanitarian efforts. During the Vietnam War, the wing provided air refueling support to bomber aircraft, enabling them to conduct sorties deep into enemy territory. In the 1980s, the wing played a key role in supporting Operation Desert Storm, providing air refueling support to coalition aircraft.

In recent years, the wing has continued to support military operations in the Middle East, including Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. In addition, the wing has provided humanitarian support during natural disasters, such as Hurricane Katrina and the 2010 Haiti earthquake.

Current Mission and Operations

Today, the 6th Air Refueling Wing is based at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida, and is part of the 18th Air Force, Air Mobility Command. The wing operates 15 KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft and has a total force of approximately 1,200 personnel.

The wing's current mission is to provide air refueling support to military aircraft, as well as to conduct airlift and aeromedical evacuation operations. The wing also participates in various exercises and training events, including Red Flag and Mobility Guardian.

Organization and Structure

The 6th Air Refueling Wing is organized into several squadrons, each with its own specific mission and responsibilities. These include:

6th Operations Group: responsible for the wing's flying operations
6th Maintenance Group: responsible for maintaining the wing's aircraft
6th Mission Support Group: responsible for providing support services, including logistics and communications
6th Medical Group: responsible for providing medical support to the wing's personnel

Awards and Decorations

Throughout its history, the 6th Air Refueling Wing has received numerous awards and decorations for its outstanding performance and service. These include:

Air Force Outstanding Unit Award
Air Force Organizational Excellence Award
Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm

Conclusion

The 6th Air Refueling Wing is a vital component of the US Air Force, providing air refueling support to military aircraft and conducting airlift and aeromedical evacuation operations. With a rich history and a clear mission, this wing has been instrumental in supporting various military operations and humanitarian efforts. As the wing continues to evolve and adapt to changing circumstances, its commitment to excellence and service remains unwavering.