News

Jan. 3, 2023
Ten Tankers Launched from 171st in One Day

Ten KC-135 aircraft were launched in a single day by the 171st on Oct. 25, 2022, making it one of the busiest days for flying at the unit on record.
Dec. 9, 2022
171st Tanker Keeps Low-on-Fuel Stealth Bomber Airborne

Just before takeoff, with the first of four engines started, Steel 51 received an unexpected call requesting immediate refueling for a B-2 Bomber. The B-2, call sign “Fury 72,” was quickly running low on fuel had about 90 minutes remaining.
Nov. 15, 2022
171st Air Refueling Wing Participates in Operation Noble Defender

The Pennsylvania Air National Guard, 171st Air Refueling Wing participated in the North American Aerospace Defense Command’s Operation Noble Defender, an air defense operation off the northeastern coast of the United States, Oct. 25-27, 2022. NORAD’s continental U.S. region led this iteration of
Oct. 13, 2022
PA Guardsman Leads Project Providing New Housing for Homeless Cherokee Vets

A Pennsylvania Air National Guardsman with the 171st Air Refueling Wing led the construction of seven homes for tribal members of Cherokee Nation in Tahlequah, Oklahoma who are currently experiencing homelessness.
Oct. 7, 2022
Successful Inspection at the 171st Air Refueling Wing

The 171st Air Refueling Wing inspection team determined the base demonstrated an exceptionally high level of knowledge and skill during the Nuclear Operational Readiness Inspection on August 25 to August 28, 2022.
Oct. 4, 2022
Air Force introduces new, foundational Ready Airman Training program

The Air Force announced plans to transition foundational training for all Airmen as of Oct. 1, ensuring they have the necessary skillsets to survive and operate during contingencies both at home station and deployed, including remote and contested environments.
Aug. 27, 2022
New Resiliency Center Opens at 171st Air Refueling Wing

The 171st Air Refueling Wing opened a new Resiliency Center on Aug. 27, 2022 to help Guardsmen and their families handle mental, social, physical, financial and spiritual challenges they may face on and off duty.
July 26, 2022
258th Air Traffic Control Squadron Attends NATO Exercise

The 258th Air Traffic Control Squadron attended a multinational, joint exercise, Defender Europe-22, with NATO and other military partners, June 2022.
July 1, 2022
171st Air Refueling Wing Honored Local World War II Veteran

The 171st Air Refueling Wing hosted WQED, a local television station, to honor a World War II veteran by showing a video documentary titled “Homecoming: Sgt. Hamilton’s Long Journey” June 24, 2022.
June 22, 2022
Strength Through Partnership: 171st Air Refueling Wing Partners with 159th Fighter Wing

The 171st Air Refueling Wing hosted 30 Airmen from the 159th Fighter Wing as a part of a collaborative training effort to accomplish core competency training for Airmen of the Logistics Readiness Squadron from June 6, 2022-June 15, 2022.