117 ARW MISSION PHOTOS

Vice President Pence and Alabama Governor Ivey Addresses Local M
Vice President Mike Pence and Alabama Governor Kay Ivey speaks to the local media at Sumpter Smith ANGB, Birmingham, Alabama October 30, 2018. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Ken Johnson)
Vice President Pence and Alabama Governor Ivey Addresses Local M
Vice President Mike Pence and Alabama Governor Kay Ivey speaks to the local media at Sumpter Smith ANGB, Birmingham, Alabama October 30, 2018. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Ken Johnson)
Vice President Pence and Alabama Governor Ivey Addresses Local M
Vice President Mike Pence and Alabama Governor Kay Ivey speaks to the local media at Sumpter Smith ANGB, Birmingham, Alabama October 30, 2018. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Ken Johnson)
Vice President Pence Greets Alabama Governor Ivey, Friends and F
Vice President Mike Pence greets Alabama Governor Kay Ivey along with friends and family during a visit to Sumpter Smith ANGB, Birmingham, Alabama October 30, 2018. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Ken Johnson)
Vice President Pence and Alabama Governor Ivey Greets Onlookers
Vice President Mike Pence and Alabama Governor Kay Ivey waves and greets onlookers during a visit to Sumpter Smith ANGB, Birmingham, Alabama October 30, 2018. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Ken Johnson)
Vice President Pence and Alabama Governor Ivey Addresses Local M
Vice President Mike Pence and Alabama Governor Kay Ivey speaks to the local media at Sumpter Smith ANGB, Birmingham, Alabama October 30, 2018. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Ken Johnson)
Vice President Pence and Alabama Governor Ivey Addresses Local M
Vice President Mike Pence and Alabama Governor Kay Ivey speaks to the local media at Sumpter Smith ANGB, Birmingham, Alabama October 30, 2018. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Ken Johnson)
Vice President Pence and Alabama Governor Ivey Greets Onlookers
Vice President Mike Pence and Alabama Governor Kay Ivey waves and greets onlookers during a visit to Sumpter Smith ANGB, Birmingham, Alabama October 30, 2018. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Ken Johnson)
Vice President Pence and Alabama Governor Ivey Addresses Local M
Vice President Mike Pence and Alabama Governor Kay Ivey speaks to the local media at Sumpter Smith ANGB, Birmingham, Alabama October 30, 2018. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Ken Johnson)
Col. Scott Grant Addresses Local Media
Col. Scott Grant, 117th Air Refueling Wing Commander speaks to the local media during a visit from Vice President Mike Pence at Sumpter Smith ANGB, Birmingham, Alabama October 30, 2018. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Ken Johnson)
Col. Scott Grant Addresses Local Media
Col. Scott Grant, 117th Air Refueling Wing Commander speaks to the local media during a visit from Vice President Mike Pence at Sumpter Smith ANGB, Birmingham, Alabama October 30, 2018. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Ken Johnson)
Vice President Pence and Alabama Governor Ivey Addresses Local M
Vice President Mike Pence and Alabama Governor Kay Ivey speaks to the local media at Sumpter Smith ANGB, Birmingham, Alabama October 30, 2018. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Ken Johnson)
Vice President Pence and Alabama Governor Ivey Addresses Local M
Vice President Mike Pence and Alabama Governor Kay Ivey speaks to the local media at Sumpter Smith ANGB, Birmingham, Alabama October 30, 2018. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Ken Johnson)
Col. Scott Grant and Alabama Governor Kay Ivey Prepares to Meet
Col. Scott Grant, Commander of the 117th Air Refueling Wing and Alabama Governor Kay Ivey is briefed during a visit from Vice President Mike Pence at Sumpter Smith ANGB, Birmingham, Alabama October 30, 2018. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Ken Johnson)
Air Force 2 Arrives at 117 ARW
Air Force 2 arrives at the 117th Air Refueling Wing during the visit of Vice President Mike Pence at Sumpter Smith ANGB, Birmingham, Alabama October 30, 2018. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Ken Johnson)
Air Force 2 Arrives at 117 ARW
Air Force 2 arrives at the 117th Air Refueling Wing during the visit of Vice President Mike Pence at Sumpter Smith ANGB, Birmingham, Alabama October 30, 2018. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Ken Johnson)
Air Force 2 Arrives at 117 ARW
Air Force 2 arrives at the 117th Air Refueling Wing during the visit of Vice President Mike Pence at Sumpter Smith ANGB, Birmingham, Alabama October 30, 2018. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Ken Johnson)
Air Force 2 Arrives at 117 ARW
Air Force 2 arrives at the 117th Air Refueling Wing during the visit of Vice President Mike Pence at Sumpter Smith ANGB, Birmingham, Alabama October 30, 2018. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Ken Johnson)
Air Force 2 Arrives at 117 ARW
Air Force 2 arrives at the 117th Air Refueling Wing during the visit of Vice President Mike Pence at Sumpter Smith ANGB, Birmingham, Alabama October 30, 2018. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Ken Johnson)
Air Force 2 Arrives at 117 ARW
Air Force 2 arrives at the 117th Air Refueling Wing during the visit of Vice President Mike Pence at Sumpter Smith ANGB, Birmingham, Alabama October 30, 2018. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Ken Johnson)
Air Force 2 Arrives at 117 ARW
Air Force 2 arrives at the 117th Air Refueling Wing during the visit of Vice President Mike Pence at Sumpter Smith ANGB, Birmingham, Alabama October 30, 2018. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Ken Johnson)
Air Force 2 Arrives at 117 ARW
Air Force 2 arrives at the 117th Air Refueling Wing during the visit of Vice President Mike Pence at Sumpter Smith ANGB, Birmingham, Alabama October 30, 2018. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Ken Johnson)
Vice President Pence and Alabama Governor Ivey Addresses Local M
Vice President Mike Pence and Alabama Governor Kay Ivey speaks to the local media at Sumpter Smith ANGB, Birmingham, Alabama October 30, 2018. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Ken Johnson)
117 ARW Refuels U.S. Navy Blue Angels
The 117th Air Refueling Wing refuels the U.S. Navy Blue Angels during a refueling flight on June 27, 2018. The Blue Angels are the U.S. Navy's premier flight demonstration squadron, flying the F/A-18 Hornet. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Lee Murphy)
117 ARW Refuels U.S. Navy Blue Angels
The 117th Air Refueling Wing refuels the U.S. Navy Blue Angels during a refueling flight on June 27, 2018. The Blue Angels are the U.S. Navy's premier flight demonstration squadron, flying the F/A-18 Hornet. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Lee Murphy)
117 ARW Refuels U.S. Navy Blue Angels
The 117th Air Refueling Wing refuels the U.S. Navy Blue Angels during a refueling flight on June 27, 2018. The Blue Angels are the U.S. Navy's premier flight demonstration squadron, flying the F/A-18 Hornet. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Lee Murphy)
Crash, Damaged and Disabled Aircraft Recovery Exercise
Members of the 117th Air Refueling Wing Maintenance Squadron conduct Crash Damaged or Disabled Aircraft Recovery (CCDAR) training at the Southern Museum of Flight in Birmingham, Alabama, May 19, 2018. The Airmen used jacks and airbags to adjust the aircraft's position from being stuck in the ground to being on top of concrete slabs. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Jeremy Farson)
Brigadier General and Romanian Colonel Visit 117th ARW
An F-18 fighter jet gets refueled as Brigadier General Paul Jacobs, Assistant Adjutant General - Air, Joint Force Headquarters, Alabama Air National Guard observes during a familiarization flight with the 117th Air Refueling Wing March 12, 2017. (Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Wes Jones)
117 ARW Conducts Aircrew Survival Training
Aircrew from the 117th Air Refuelling Wing exit an Alabama Army National Guard helicopter during survival training in Hanceville, Alabama February 12, 2017. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by: Senior Master Sgt. Ken Johnson)
Foggy Morning On The Line
Six KC-135R Stratotankers sit in a heavy fog on the flight line at the 117th Air Refuelling Wing, Birmingham, Alabama. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by: Senior Master Sgt. Ken Johnson/Released)
F-15E Strike Eagle Four Ship
A four-ship of F-15E Strike Eagles, from the 494th Fighter Squadron, RAF Lakenheath, England fly in formation behind a KC-135R Stratotanker from the 117th Air Refueling Wing, Aug. 24, 2016, over the Atlantic Ocean. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by: Senior Airman Wesley Jones)
Air Refueling over the Atlantic
An F-15E Strike Eagle, 494th Fighter Squadron, RAF Lakenheath, England is refueled by a KC-135R Stratotanker, 117th Air Refueling Wing, Birmingham, Ala., Aug. 24, 2016, over the Atlantic Ocean. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by: Senior Airman Wesley Jones)
Air Refueling over the Atlantic
An F-15E Strike Eagle, 494th Fighter Squadron, RAF Lakenheath, England is refueled by a KC-135R Stratotanker, 117th Air Refueling Wing, Birmingham, Ala., Aug. 24, 2016, over the Atlantic Ocean. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by: Senior Airman Wesley Jones)
Sunrise in England
The sun rises over a KC-135R Stratotanker from the 117th Air Refueling Wing as crew members conduct a pre-flight meeting at RAF Mildenhall, England, Aug. 24, 2016. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by: Senior Airman Wesley Jones)
Incentive Flight Make Spouses Proud
An F-16C Fighting Falcon approaches the boom of a KC-135R Stratotanker for refueling over Montgomery, Ala., January 10, 2016. The mission was part of an incentive flight involing the 117th Air Refeuling Wing and the 187th Fighter Wing. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by: Capt. Jonathan Russell/Released)
117th Air Refueling Wing Welcomes A Colorful Sunrise
A KC-135R Stratotanker at the 117th Air Refuelling Wing, Birmingham, Alabama welcomes a fiery sunrise on October 24, 2015 . (U.S. Air National Guard photo illustration by: Senior Master Sgt. Ken Johnson/Released)
Army National Guard Supports 117th Air Refueling Wing
Members from the Alabama Army National Guard provide aerial support for the 117th Air Refueling Wing during a training mission June 22, 2015. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by: Airman 1st Class Jim Bentley/ Released)
President Visits Birmingham
President Barack Obama arrives in Birmingham, Alabama today March 26th, 2015.. Obama is greeted by Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley, Birmingham Mayor William Bell and Col. Robert "Scott" Grant, Vice Commander of the 117th Air Refueling Wing. Obama came to Birmingham to visit Lawson State Community College where he gave a speech on economic issues. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by: Senior Master Sgt. Ken Johnson/Released)
President Visits Birmingham
President Barack Obama arrives in Birmingham, Alabama today March 26th, 2015.. Obama is greeted by Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley, Birmingham Mayor William Bell and Col. Robert "Scott" Grant, Vice Commander of the 117th Air Refueling Wing. Obama came to Birmingham to visit Lawson State Community College where he gave a speech on economic issues. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by: Senior Master Sgt. Ken Johnson/Released)
President Visits Birmingham
President Barack Obama arrives in Birmingham, Alabama today March 26th, 2015.. Obama is greeted by Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley, Birmingham Mayor William Bell and Col. Robert "Scott" Grant, Vice Commander of the 117th Air Refueling Wing. Obama came to Birmingham to visit Lawson State Community College where he gave a speech on economic issues. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by: Senior Master Sgt. Ken Johnson/Released)
Rare Alabama Snow Blankets Aircraft
Maintainers Master Sergeant Brian Champion, Airman First Class Zachory Bryant and Airman First Class Dathan Hudson from the 117th Air Refuelling Wing, Alabama Air National Guard work to clear ice and snow from KC-135R Stratotankers parked on the flight line. The planes are covered in a blanket of snow and ice as a rare winter storm pushes through north and central Alabama. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by: Senior Master Sgt. Ken Johnson/Released)
Rare Alabama Snow Blankets Aircraft
Maintainers Master Sergeant Brian Champion, Airman First Class Zachory Bryant and Airman First Class Dathan Hudson from the 117th Air Refuelling Wing, Alabama Air National Guard work to clear ice and snow from KC-135R Stratotankers parked on the flight line. The planes are covered in a blanket of snow and ice as a rare winter storm pushes through north and central Alabama. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by: Senior Master Sgt. Ken Johnson/Released)
Rare Alabama Snow Blankets Aircraft
Maintainers Master Sergeant Brian Champion, Airman First Class Zachory Bryant and Airman First Class Dathan Hudson from the 117th Air Refuelling Wing, Alabama Air National Guard work to clear ice and snow from KC-135R Stratotankers parked on the flight line. The planes are covered in a blanket of snow and ice as a rare winter storm pushes through north and central Alabama. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by: Senior Master Sgt. Ken Johnson/Released)
Rare Alabama Snow Blankets Aircraft
KC-135R Stratotankers parked on the flight line at the 117th Air Refuelling Wing, Birmingham, Alabama are covered in a blanket of snow as a rare winter storm pushes through north and central Alabama. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by: Senior Master Sgt. Ken Johnson/Released)
Rare Alabama Snow Blankets Aircraft
KC-135R Stratotankers parked on the flight line at the 117th Air Refuelling Wing, Birmingham, Alabama are covered in a blanket of snow as a rare winter storm pushes through north and central Alabama. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by: Senior Master Sgt. Ken Johnson/Released)
Rare Alabama Snow Blankets Aircraft
KC-135R Stratotankers parked on the flight line at the 117th Air Refuelling Wing, Birmingham, Alabama are covered in a blanket of snow as a rare winter storm pushes through north and central Alabama. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by: Senior Master Sgt. Ken Johnson/Released)
Rare Alabama Snow Blankets Aircraft
KC-135R Stratotankers parked on the flight line at the 117th Air Refuelling Wing, Birmingham, Alabama are covered in a blanket of snow as a rare winter storm pushes through north and central Alabama. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by: Senior Master Sgt. Ken Johnson/Released)
Rare Alabama Snow Blankets Aircraft
KC-135R Stratotankers parked on the flight line at the 117th Air Refuelling Wing, Birmingham, Alabama are covered in a blanket of snow as a rare winter storm pushes through north and central Alabama. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by: Senior Master Sgt. Ken Johnson/Released)
Romanian Delegation Visits 117th Air Refueling Wing
Members from the Romanian Delegation participating in the State Partnership Program visit the 117th Air Refueling Wing, Alabama Air National Guard. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by: Senior Master Sgt. Ken Johnson/Released)
Tanker Tradition
A KC-135R Stratotanker from the 117th Air Refueling Wing gets hosed down by a fire truck from the units fire department as a common celebration for a pilots final flight also know as a Fini Flight. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by: Senior Master Sgt. Ken Johnson/Released)
Jet Washed
A KC-135R Stratotanker from the 117th Air Refueling Wing gets hosed down by a fire truck from the units fire department as a common celebration for a pilots final flight also know as a Fini Flight. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by: Senior Master Sgt. Ken Johnson/Released)
Jet Wash
A KC-135R Stratotanker from the 117th Air Refueling Wing gets hosed down by a fire truck from the units fire department as a common celebration for a pilots final flight also know as a Fini Flight. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by: Senior Master Sgt. Ken Johnson/Released)
The 117th Air Refueling Wing Remembers Fallen Airmen
Tech. Sgt. Aaron Sharit, a crew chief from the 117th Maintenance Group paints nose art on a KC-135R commemorating the 117th Air Refueling Wing's participation in the 1961 Bay of Pigs operation. The design, created by Sharit, was inspired by a combination of logos and graphics that were used on some of the aircraft during the invasion. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Ken Johnson/Released)
The 117th Air Refueling Wing Remembers Fallen Airmen
Students and directors from the University of Alabama-Birmingham paint nose art on a KC-135R aircraft. The design commemorates the 117th Air Refueling Wing's participation in the 1961 Bay of Pigs operation. Tech. Sgt. Aaron Sharit, a crew chief from the 117th Maintenance Group, created the design and was inspired by a combination of logos and graphics that were used on some of the aircraft during the invasion. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Ken Johnson/Released)
The 117th Air Refueling Wing Remembers Fallen Airmen
Students and directors from the University of Alabama-Birmingham paint nose art on a KC-135R aircraft. The design commemorates the 117th Air Refueling Wing's participation in the 1961 Bay of Pigs operation. Tech. Sgt. Aaron Sharit, a crew chief from the 117th Maintenance Group, created the design and was inspired by a combination of logos and graphics that were used on some of the aircraft during the invasion. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Ken Johnson/Released)
The 117th Air Refueling Wing Remembers Fallen Airmen
Students and directors from the University of Alabama-Birmingham paint nose art on a KC-135R aircraft. The design commemorates the 117th Air Refueling Wing's participation in the 1961 Bay of Pigs operation. Tech. Sgt. Aaron Sharit, a crew chief from the 117th Maintenance Group, created the design and was inspired by a combination of logos and graphics that were used on some of the aircraft during the invasion. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Ken Johnson/Released)
The 117th Air Refueling Wing Remembers Fallen Airmen
Students and directors from the University of Alabama-Birmingham paint nose art on a KC-135R aircraft. The design commemorates the 117th Air Refueling Wing's participation in the 1961 Bay of Pigs operation. Tech. Sgt. Aaron Sharit, a crew chief from the 117th Maintenance Group, created the design and was inspired by a combination of logos and graphics that were used on some of the aircraft during the invasion. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Ken Johnson/Released)
The 117th Air Refueling Wing Remembers Fallen Airmen
Students and directors from the University of Alabama-Birmingham paint nose art on a KC-135R aircraft. The design commemorates the 117th Air Refueling Wing's participation in the 1961 Bay of Pigs operation. Tech. Sgt. Aaron Sharit, a crew chief from the 117th Maintenance Group, created the design and was inspired by a combination of logos and graphics that were used on some of the aircraft during the invasion. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Ken Johnson/Released)
The 117th Air Refueling Wing Remembers Fallen Airmen
Students and directors from the University of Alabama-Birmingham paint nose art on a KC-135R aircraft. The design commemorates the 117th Air Refueling Wing's participation in the 1961 Bay of Pigs operation. Tech. Sgt. Aaron Sharit, a crew chief from the 117th Maintenance Group, created the design and was inspired by a combination of logos and graphics that were used on some of the aircraft during the invasion. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Ken Johnson/Released)
Historic Five-Ship Flight
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- Two KC-135R aircraft taxi during five-ship training mission here on Saturday. Four of the KC-135s refueled A-10 aircraft. The fifth KC-135R returned to base after the formation training was complete. A KC-135R from the 171st Air Refueling Wing in Pittsburgh, Pa. was flown in the formation and was used during the refueling mission. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Maj. Pam Carroll/Released)
Historic Five-Ship Flight
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- Five KC-135R aircraft taxi during five-ship training mission here on Saturday. Four of the KC-135s refueled A-10 aircraft. The fifth KC-135R returned to base after the formation training was complete. A KC-135R from the 171st Air Refueling Wing in Pittsburgh, Pa. was flown in the formation and was used during the refueling mission. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Maj. Pam Carroll/Released)
Historic Five-Ship Flight
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- Four KC-135R aircraft taxi during five-ship training mission here on Saturday. Four of the KC-135s refueled A-10 aircraft. The fifth KC-135R returned to base after the formation training was complete. A KC-135R from the 171st Air Refueling Wing in Pittsburgh, Pa. was flown in the formation and was used during the refueling mission. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Jon Roebuck/Released)
Historic Five-Ship Flight
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- Two KC-135R aircraft depart during five-ship training mission here on Saturday. Four of the KC-135s refueled A-10 aircraft. The fifth KC-135R returned to base after the formation training was complete. A KC-135R from the 171st Air Refueling Wing in Pittsburgh, Pa. was flown in the formation and was used during the refueling mission. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Jon Roebuck/Released)
Historic Five-Ship Flight
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- A KC-135R aircraft departs during five-ship training mission here on Saturday. Four of the KC-135s refueled A-10 aircraft. The fifth KC-135R returned to base after the formation training was complete. A KC-135R from the 171st Air Refueling Wing in Pittsburgh, Pa. was flown in the formation and was used during the refueling mission. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Jon Roebuck/Released)
Historic Five-Ship Flight
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- A KC-135R from the 117th Air Refueling Wing aircraft departs in five-ship formation flight here on Saturday. The purpose of this mission was training. Four of the KC-135s refueled A-10 aircraft. The fifth KC-135R returned to base after the formation training was complete. The KC-135R from the 171st Air Refueling Wing in Pittsburgh, Pa. was flown in the formation and was used during the refueling mission. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Maj. Pam Carroll/Released)
Historic Five-Ship Flight
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- A KC-135R from the 171st Air Refueling Wing aircraft departs in a five-ship formation flight here on Saturday. Four of the KC-135s refueled A-10 aircraft. The fifth KC-135R returned to base after the formation training was complete. The KC-135R pictured from the 171st Air Refueling Wing in Pittsburgh, Pa. was flown in the formation and was used during the refueling mission. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Maj. Pam Carroll/Released)
Historic Five-Ship Flight
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- A KC-135R from the 171st Air Refueling Wing aircraft departs in a five-ship formation flight here on Saturday. Four of the KC-135s refueled A-10 aircraft. The fifth KC-135R returned to base after the formation training was complete. The KC-135R pictured from the 171st Air Refueling Wing in Pittsburgh, Pa. was flown in the formation and was used during the refueling mission. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Maj. Pam Carroll/Released)
Historic Five-Ship Flight
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- Lt. Col. Michael Phillips adjusts KC-135R throttles during five-ship mission here on Saturday. The purpose of this mission was training. Four of the KC-135s refueled A-10 aircraft. The fifth KC-135R returned to base after the formation training was complete. A KC-135R from the 171st Air Refueling Wing in Pittsburgh, Pa. was flown in the formation and was used during the refueling mission. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Jon Roebuck/Released)
Historic Five-Ship Flight
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- KC-135R throttles shown during five-ship mission here on Saturday. The purpose of this mission was training. Four of the KC-135s refueled A-10 aircraft. The fifth KC-135R returned to base after the formation training was complete. A KC-135R from the 171st Air Refueling Wing in Pittsburgh, Pa. was flown in the formation and was used during the refueling mission. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Jon Roebuck/Released)
Historic Five-Ship Flight
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- A KC-135R aircraft flies in five-ship formation flight here on Saturday. Four of the KC-135s refueled A-10 aircraft. The fifth KC-135R returned to base after the formation training was complete. A KC-135R from the 171st Air Refueling Wing in Pittsburgh, Pa. was flown in the formation and was used during the refueling mission. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Jon Roebuck/Released)
Historic Five-Ship Flight
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- Four KC-135R aircraft fly in five-ship formation flight here on Saturday. The purpose of this mission was training. Four of the KC-135s refueled A-10 aircraft. The fifth KC-135R returned to base after the formation training was complete. A KC-135R from the 171st Air Refueling Wing in Pittsburgh, Pa. was flown in the formation and was used during the refueling mission. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Jon Roebuck/Released)
SERE exercise
Alabama Air National Guard members from the 117th Air Refueling Wing arrive in a remote area to participate in a Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (SERE) exercise. The purpose of the training is for pilots, boom operators and crew chiefs to know what to do if their aircraft goes down behind enemy lines. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. David Maxwell)
Change of Command 2012
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- Members of the 117th Air Refueling Wing and the Alabama Air National Guard gathered in formation during the change of command ceremony here on Apr. 14, 2012. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Doug Jones)
Surge exercise
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- Members of the 117th Maintenance Group prepare a KC-135 for a mission during the 24 hour surge exercise on Nov.15, 2012. The purpose of this exercise is to demonstrate conventional aircraft generation and employment from the home base location without the aid of any outside resources. The surge generated 15 sorties, 48.7 flying hours, 156,000 gallons of fuel and one deployed maintenance recovery team who assisted another base. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Ken Johnson)
Surge exercise
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- The 117th Air Refueling Wing was involved in a 24 hour surge exercise on Nov.15, 2012. The purpose of this exercise is to demonstrate conventional aircraft generation and employment from the home base location without the aid of any outside resources. The surge generated 15 sorties, 48.7 flying hours, 156,000 gallons of fuel and one deployed maintenance recovery team who assisted another base. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Ken Johnson)
Surge exercise
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- Members of the 117th Maintenance Group prepare KC-135s for a mission during a 24 hours surge exercise. The purpose of this exercise is to demonstrate conventional aircraft generation and employment from the home base location without the aid of any outside resources. The surge generated 15 sorties, 48.7 flying hours, 156,000 gallons of fuel and one deployed maintenance recovery team who assisted another base. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Ken Johnson)
F-15E Strike Eagle refuels over Afghanistan
An aircrew member, from the 335th Fighter Squadron, monitors the delivery of fuel into his F-15E Strike Eagle from a 117th Air Refueling Wing KC-135 Stratotanker while flying over Afghanistan Nov. 18. The Stratotanker is deployed to the 22nd Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron at Transit Center at the Manas, Kyrgyzstan. The aircrew member and the Strike Eagle are both deployed from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C. (U.S. Air Force photo/Capt. Andrew Hardy)
KC-135s keep 96th EBS flying
Andersen AFB, Guam --A B-52 Stratofortress bomber from the 96th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron approaches a KC-135 Stratotanker during a practice aerial refueling mission near the Mariana Islands on March 19th. In-flight refueling allows the B-52 to stay airborne longer demonstrating U.S. global reach and global power. The KC-135 is from the 106th Air Refueling Squadron and the 96th EBS is deployed here from Barksdale AFB, La. (U.S. Air Force Photo By Staff Sgt. Vanessa Valentine)
Photo essay: Tankers refuel the mission
A 117th Air Refueling Wing KC-135 Stratotanker refuels a 113th Fighter Wing F-16 Fighting Falcon over Afghanistan Nov. 18. The F-16 is a compact, multi-role fighter aircraft. It is highly maneuverable and is proven in air-to-air combat and air-to-surface attack. (U.S. Air Force photo/Capt. Andrew Hardy)
Photo essay: Tankers refuel the mission
A pair of F-16 Fighting Falcons from the D.C. Air National Guard’s 113th Fighter Wing approach a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 117th Air Refueling Wing for refueling over Afghanistan Nov. 18, 2011. Since Sept. 11, 2001 the F-16 has been a major component of the combat forces committed to Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Air Force photo/Capt. Andrew Hardy)
Photo essay: Tankers refuel the mission
A KC-135 Stratotanker from the 117th Air Refueling Wing refuels an F-15E Strike Eagle from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C. over Afghanistan Nov. 18, 2011. The KC-135 Stratotanker has provided the core aerial refueling capability for the United States Air Force for more than 50 years. (U.S. Air Force photo/Capt. Andrew Hardy)
Photo essay: Tankers refuel the mission
International Security Assistance Force Commander, Gen. John Allen, witnessed an in-flight refueling during an orientation flight in the F-15 E Strike Eagle on Nov. 18, 2011 over Afghanistan. The Stratotanker is deployed to the 22nd Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron at the Transit Center at Manas, Kyrgyzstan, from the Alabama Air National Guard’s 117th Air Refueling Wing. The Strike Eagle is deployed from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C. (U.S. Air Force photo/Capt. Andrew Hardy)
F-15E Strike Eagle refuels over Afghanistan
An F-15E Strike Eagle approaches a KC-135R Stratotanker for refueling over Afghanistan Nov. 18. The Stratotanker is deployed to the 22nd Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron at the Transit Center at Manas, Kyrgyzstan, from the Alabama Air National Guard’s 117th Air Refueling Wing. The Strike Eagle is deployed from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C. (U.S. Air Force photo/Capt. Andrew Hardy)
Blue Angels on KC-135R wingtip
Three F/A-18 Hornet aircraft assigned to the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, fly alongside a KC-135R Stratotanker aircraft while waiting to refuel over the United States Jan. 3, 2011. The KC-135R is assigned to the 117th Air Refueling Wing, Alabama Air National Guard. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Ken Johnson/Released)
Blue Angel
An F/A-18 Hornet aircraft assigned to the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, refuels from a KC-135R Stratotanker aircraft in flight over the United States Jan. 3, 2011. The KC-135R is assigned to the 117th Air Refueling Wing, Alabama Air National Guard. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Ken Johnson/Released)
Flightline
KC-135R aircraft fill the flightline at the 117th Air Refueling Wing, Alabama Air National Guard, Birmingham, Alabama, on 20 October 2010. This "first" was the result of on-going exercises and equipment utilization from multiple unts..."Released".USAF Photo by MSgt. Mark Owen.Maj. Pamela Carroll, 117th Public Affairs Officer
Airpower Summary for July 21, 2007
A KC-135 Stratotanker from the Alabama Air National Guard's 117th Air Refueling Wing refuels a French Mirage 2000. Tankers are essential to sustaining coalition air operations over Iraq and Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo)
Military appreciation
AUBURN, Ala. -- A KC-135R Stratotanker flies over Auburn University's homecoming game here Sept. 24 in support of military appreciation day and the Air Force anniversary. The KC-135 is from the Alabama Air National Guard's 117th Air Refueling Wing in Birmingham, Ala. (U.S. Air Force photo by 2nd Lt. Sean Flynn)
Moving in for fueling
OVER THE NORTH SEA -- An F-15E Strike Eagle from the 494th Fighter Squadron at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, approaches the refueling boom of a KC-135 Stratotanker from the Birmingham Air National Guard's 106th Air Refueling Squadron during a training mission here July 19. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Tony R. Tolley)

117th Air Refueling Wing Photos

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U.S. Air Force
@117ARW-08 Mar
Campbell Miller received the 2019 National Guard Military Child of the Year Award! He is the son of Lt. Col. Chris… https://t.co/33GCqB2uYg
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U.S. Air Force
@117ARW-31 Jan
117 ARW Customer Service: For questions about how to obtain or renew ID cards, contact the 117 FSS Customer Servic… https://t.co/muy31Em2ny
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U.S. Air Force
@117ARW-29 Jan
As of 0445L on 29 January 2019: Due to inclement weather conditions, All 117 ARW day shift personnel are directed t… https://t.co/0ef9J7YmJR
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U.S. Air Force
@117ARW-25 Jan
Col. Scott Grant, Commander of the 117th Air Refueling Wing welcomes Tarrant City Mayor Loxcil Tuck and Tarrant Pol… https://t.co/nYRhNL2eUo
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U.S. Air Force
@117ARW-21 Jan
Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day! Today also marks the 117 ARW's 97th anniversary. We were the seventh federally re… https://t.co/dSdHbQmwWd
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U.S. Air Force
@117ARW-09 Dec
Report for drill at 1pm today. Contact your supervisor with any questions.
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U.S. Air Force
@117ARW-09 Dec
Drill is not canceled but will be delayed today due to widespread power outages. A reporting time will be announced… https://t.co/FzELICZ3V8
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U.S. Air Force
@117ARW-11 Nov
Happy Veterans Day!
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U.S. Air Force
@117ARW-06 Aug
Harold Clifton "Cotton" Usrey, 71, of Birmingham, passed away on August 3, 2018 and went to be with his Lord and Sa… https://t.co/LYLONhOyCk
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U.S. Air Force
@117ARW-04 Jul
Happy Fourth of July!!!
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U.S. Air Force
@117ARW-27 Jun
All Alabama Air/Army National Guard service members who are interested in a career in building trades (i.e., weldin… https://t.co/sIw37UA2Dl
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U.S. Air Force
@117ARW-10 Jun
117th Security Forces Squadron conducts Change of Command ceremony. Captain James Parker assumes command and Lt. Co… https://t.co/LoGWSrCnRd
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U.S. Air Force
@117ARW-05 Jun
The viewing for SrA Croskey will be on Thursday, 7 June, from 1700-1900 at Wren Funeral Home located here: 2516 Fi… https://t.co/H1uuedGfq3
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U.S. Air Force
@117ARW-28 May
We remember those who gave their lives for our freedom. We will never forget their sacrifice and the sacrifices mad… https://t.co/8lk0Yy6EaH
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U.S. Air Force
@117ARW-22 May
117th Air Refueling Wing Military Appreciation Night At Regions Field With The Birmingham, Barons.
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U.S. Air Force
@117ARW-11 May
Today is Military Spouse Appreciation day! We understand that life as a military spouse can be difficult—sudden mov… https://t.co/xcxQhLY739
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U.S. Air Force
@117ARW-25 Apr
Congratulation to Staff Sgt. Halbert for receiving the Air Force Commendation Medal.
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U.S. Air Force
@117ARW-19 Apr
Alabama Air National Guard members from the 117th Air Refueling Wing participate in a wreath laying ceremony honori… https://t.co/5QMqNvB2pJ
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U.S. Air Force
@117ARW-14 Mar
Maj. Gen. James F. Brown Visitation 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Wednesday, March 14, 2018 JEFFERSON MEMORIAL 1591... https://t.co/D3mScmXIis
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U.S. Air Force
@117ARW-21 Jan
All 117ARW technicians, AGR's, and REGAF personnel are to report for work on Tuesday, 23 Jan 18, as normally... https://t.co/2eHH50hShQ

KC-135R

117 ARW Leadership

117 ARW Commander

Col. Scott Grant

117 ARW Vice Commander

Col. Allen King

117 ARW Command Chief

Command Chief Master Sgt. 
Aaron Davis
 

 

Alabama ANG


117 ARW Mission

Provide quality worldwide air refueling, airlift, support, logistics, intelligence, and medical services in support of our community, state, and nation.

 

117 ARW Vision

A world-class team of empowered men & women committed to continuous improvement and excellence, operating as the model Air National Guard unit into the twenty-first century.