927th Air Refueling Wing
Lineage of the 927th Air Refueling Wing dates back to Jan. 15, 1963, when it was activated as the 927th Troop Carrier Group, Medium, and organized into the Air Force Reserve on Feb. 11, 1963.
One of the wing’s components, the 63rd Air Refueling Squadron, traces its lineage back to World War II. During 1942, the 63rd Troop Carrier Squadron was constituted and deployed with C-47 aircraft to the Pacific to become an active participant in the war by making major contributions delivering airborne troops, air re-supply of forces and subsequent aerial logistic support.
The 63TCS was stationed at such places as Espirito Santo, Los Negros, Blak Island and Clark Field, Luzon, to support numerous WWII campaigns in the South and Southwest Pacific. Some of the 63rd’s decorations included the Distinguished Unit Citation, Philippine Islands, Navy Unit Commendation and Philippine Presidential Unit Citation. The 63rd became a part of the 927TCG in 1963.
The 927TCG was re-designated the 927th Tactical Airlift Group in 1967 and flew C-119 aircraft until 1969. The 927TAG was re-designated the 927th Tactical Air Support Group on June 18, 1969, and flew U-3 aircraft until 1971. The 927TASG was re-designated the 927th Tactical Airlift Group on June 29, 1971, and flew C-130 aircraft. During 1992, the unit converted to KC-135 aircraft and was re-designated the 927th Air Refueling Group until Oct. 1, 1994, when the unit was re-designated as the 927th Air Refueling Wing.
The 927ARW’s flying and non-flying units have demonstrated professionalism throughout many years of service. For example, during the Vietnam War, the flying squadron ferried aircraft and delivered equipment and supplies to South Vietnam. From a humanitarian perspective, unit personnel offered assistance when the need arose. They supported relief efforts such as the 1973 New York and Pennsylvania floods as well as hurricane disaster relief to Honduras in 1974 and for Hurricane Hugo victims in 1989.
During 1990, the 927TAG deployed more than 400 airmen, aircraft and supplies for six months to the Middle East in support of Operations Desert Shield and Storm.
From 1995 through 2004, the 927ARW participated in missions, operations and exercises around the world, including Operation Northern Watch, Somalia Pullout, Atlantic Express, Airlift to Soto Cano, Honduras, AWACS support to Geilenkirchen, Germany, Red Flag at Nellis AFB, Snowbird Support, Airlift Rhein-Main to Duke, Airlift to Ramstein, Germany, Decisive Endeavor, Pitch Black, Pacific Express to Kadena AB, Japan, Phoenix Tusk to Bangor, Maine, and more recently deployed to Italy and France in support of Operations Deny Flight, Decisive Endeavor, and Deliberate Guard/Forge enforcing the “no fly zone” over the former Yugoslavia.
During 1999, the 927ARW responded to the Presidential Selected Recall, deploying members in support of Operation Noble Anvil and NATO Operation Allied Force.
The 927ARW responded within one hour after the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001. The wing quickly became the “refueling unit of choice” for the North Central United States and supported Homeland Defense as part of Operation Noble Eagle. The 927th Security Forces Squadron was initially activated for 12 months and extended for an additional 12 months in support of Operation Noble Eagle. The wing remains actively engaged in Operations Noble Eagle (Homeland Defense) and Enduring Freedom (Global War on Terrorism).