107th Air Refueling Wing Bids Veteran Tanker Aircraft Goodbye

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NIAGARA FALLS, NY (01/21/2008)(readMedia)-- The New York National Guard’s 107th Air Refueling Wing will begin the process of converting to the 107th Airlift Wing as it says farewell to one of its KC-135R Stratotankers on Tuesday, Jan. 22.

WHO:Members of the New York Air National Guard’s 107th Air Refueling Wing

WHAT:Send-off ceremony for veteran KC-135R Stratotanker departing for service with the 126th Air Refueling Wing, Illinois Air National Guard

WHEN: 3 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 22

WHERE: Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, Niagara Falls, New York

BACKGROUND: The 107th Air Refueling Wing, New York Air National Guard, will be sending off one of its first KC-135R Stratotankers by the end of this January. The departure of this aircraft marks the beginning of the conversion of the 107th Air Refueling Wing to the 107th Airlift Wing.

The KC-135R’s were transferred to the New York Air National Guard from the Active Duty Air Force, Grand Forks AFB, South Dakota in 1994. Once at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, these aircraft, operated by 107th ARW aircrew, flew numerous air refueling training missions in addition to supporting countless operational contingencies.

This airframe was instrumental in offloading millions of pounds of fuel to aircraft all over the world. Some of the world contingencies include Operations Deny Flight, Decisive Endeavor, Northern Watch, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom.

Stateside, these aircraft were employed to support the Northeast Tanker Task Force, refueling aircraft deploying to and from the Middle East and Europe – a 24/7 commitment. Additionally, they were flown in support of Operation Noble Eagle and instrumental in flying supplies to victims of Hurricane Katrina.

After 14 years of faithful service, this KC-135R’s job here at the 107th is done and we bid her farewell. She will be leaving the New York Air National Guard to join the 126th Air Refueling Wing, Illinois Air National Guard and continue to faithfully serve her country.

Following the initial jet’s departure, the remainder of the New York Air National Guards KC-135’s will be leaving for new homes in the Air National Guard. The departure of these aircraft was directed by the Base Realignment and Closure of 2005. The 107th Air Refueling Wing will convert to C-130H aircraft and its guardsmen will partner with the 914th Airlift Wing, Air Force Reserve. This will be the second such associate model ever established and the first-ever in combat delivery.

Primary responsibility of the aircraft will fall with the 914th Airlift Wing but both units will be responsible for employing these aircraft, Air National Guardsmen and Air Force Reservists. This association will allow the units to operate more efficiently by sharing resources and reducing duplication of effort.

We invite you to join us on Tuesday, January 22nd to bid our aircraft farewell. A representative from the 107th ARW Public Affairs Office will meet members of the media at the main gate of the base on Lockport Road at 3p.m. Please contact Maj. Deanna Miller, Wing Executive Officer/Community Manager, at (716) 236-3142 prior to 12 p.m. Tuesday, January 22, if you plan on sending a representative(s) from your organization.

Cutline for Attached Photograph: Ground crew for this New York Air National Guard KC-135R that will be leaving the 107th Refueling Wing and assigned to another Air National Guard unit are (from left) Technical Sgt. Roman Jeter, Technical Sgt. Jeffrey Peace, and Master Sgt. Charles “Charlie” Ball.

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