128th Air Refueling Wing: U.S. Air Force honors 100 years of aerial refueling with global flyover events

MILWAUKEE – The 128th Air Refueling Wing invites the public to join us June 27 to observe flyovers of our air refuelers above communities across the state honoring 100 years of aerial refueling excellence.

While the U.S. Air Force has been in the business for 100 years, the Wisconsin Air National Guard has been providing air refueling to receiver aircraft across the globe for nearly 60 years. Based out of Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport the 128 ARW, “Brew City Tankers”, operate 10 KC-135 Stratotankers on behalf of the Air National Guard and US Air Force Air Mobility Command.

On June 27, a 128 ARW KC-135 will tour the state performing low-pass flyovers to commemorate this historic occasion. The low-pass flyover will be performed at the following locations: Miller Park, Lambeau Field, Door County, Minnesota State Capital, Volk Field, Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin State Capital, and Camp Randall.

“Milwaukee’s Hometown Brew City Tankers have provided essential fuel to US and NATO receivers in every major conflict since 1963,” said Col. Adria Zuccaro, 128 ARW Wing Commander. “One hundred years of experience has trained us well and we are ready to deliver unstoppable air power across the world.”

With 100 years of experience, today’s U.S. Air Force air refueling capabilities deliver unrivaled rapid global reach for U.S. forces and our Allies and partners through the mobility air forces fleet of KC-46, KC-135 and KC-10 tankers. Aerial refueling serves as a force multiplier, increasing the speed, range, lethality, flexibility, and versatility of combat aircraft. Tankers also carry cargo and passengers, perform aeromedical evacuations, and enable strategic deterrence for the United States.

“Air refueling propels our Nation’s air power across the skies, unleashing its full potential,” said Gen. Mike Minihan, Air Mobility Command commander. “It connects our strategic vision with operational reality, ensuring we can reach any corner of the globe with unwavering speed and precision. Air refueling embodies our resolve to defend freedom and project power, leaving an indelible mark on aviation history.”

Innovation and tenacity, hallmark characteristics of Airmen throughout the service’s history, delivered the game-changing capability, once deemed impossible.

In the continued pursuit of advanced capabilities and increased endurance, U.S. Army Air Service aviators pulled off the impossible on June 27, 1923. On that day, 1st Lt. Virgil Hine and 1st Lt. Frank W. Seifert, flying a DH-4B, passed gasoline through a hose to another DH-4B flying beneath it carrying Capt. Lowell H. Smith and 1st Lt. John P. Richter, accomplishing the first aerial refueling.

One hundred years later, the United States Air Force celebrates these Airmen’s tenacity and innovative will that is still thriving in Airmen’s spirits today.

This critical capability is essential for the Department of Defense’s most vital missions. To remain relevant in the current and future security environments, the Air Force is in the process of recapitalizing its tanker fleet with the ongoing acquisition of the KC-46A and accelerating its pursuit of the next-generation air refueling system (NGAS), announced in March – propelling forward the capability developed and entrusted to Airmen a century ago.

“As we embark on the next 100 years of air refueling, we will continue to strengthen our air mobility excellence,” said Minihan. “We must leverage the remarkable capabilities of air refueling to preserve peace, protect freedom, and bring hope to the world. As Mobility Airmen, we write the next chapter of air refueling.”

Air Mobility Command salutes the visionaries who challenged the status quo of yesteryears while we inspire the next generation of dreamers and out-of-the box thinkers for the challenges ahead.

For more information on the 128 ARW, visit www.128arw.ang.af.mil

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.