History of the 186th Air Refueling Wing

When Al and Fred Key took off in their Curtis-Robbin monoplane nicknamed the "Ole Miss" on June 4, 1935, they could not have known the impact their 27-day flight would have on not only their city and state, but the entire world.

186th and the KC-135

Located in Meridian, Mississippi, the 186th Air Refueling Wing has a long history of proudly serving Mississippi as well as the Meridian community. Take a look at the history of the 186th.

Al and Fred Key

         
Pioneers of aviation, they proved that air-to-air refueling was possible. Find out more about these Meridian, Mississippi Natives. Read more.

Also read more about the Key brothers in the Mississippi Department of Archives and History.

ANG: A Short Story

The Air National Guard as we know it today -- a separate reserve component of the United States Air Force -- was a product of the politics of postwar planning and interservice rivalry during World War II. The men who planned and maneuvered for an independent postwar Air Force during World War II didn't place much faith in the reserves, especially the state-dominated National Guard. 

Read More....

186TH ARW HISTORY

The 186th Air Refueling Wing is home to the KC-135R Stratotanker aircraft. The KC-135 provides the core aerial refueling capability for the United States Air Force and has excelled in this role for more than 50 years. This unique asset enhances the Air Force's capability to accomplish its primary mission of global reach. It also provides aerial refueling support to Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and allied nation aircraft. The KC-135 is also capable of transporting litter and ambulatory patients using patient support pallets during aeromedical evacuations.
https://186arw.usaf.afpims.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/2765998/history-of-the-186th-air-refueling-wing/.