153d Air Refueling Squadron

153d Air Refueling Squadron
Mississippi Air National Guard 153d Air Refueling Squadron KC-135E 59-1446, Key Field Air National Guard Base.
Active	27 September 1939 – present
Country	United States
Allegiance	Mississippi
Branch	Air National Guard
Type	Squadron
Role	Air Refueling
Part of	Mississippi Air National Guard
Garrison/HQ	Key Field Air National Guard Base, Meridian, Mississippi
Tail Code	Black tail stripe, "Mississippi" in yellow letters
Engagements	World War II World War I
Insignia
153d Air Refueling Squadron Emblem

The 153d Air Refueling Squadron (153 ARS) is a unit of the Mississippi Air National Guard 186th Air Refueling Wing located at Key Field Air National Guard Base, Mississippi. The 153d is equipped with the KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft.

The squadron is a descendant organization of the 153d Observation Squadron, one of the 29 original National Guard Observation Squadrons of the United States Army National Guard formed before World War II.

Overview

The squadrons aircraft are eight KC-135R Stratotankers. The mission of the squadron is to provide air refueling support to major commands of the United States Air Force, as well as other U.S. military forces and the military forces of allied nations.

History

World War II

Activated as part of the Mississippi National Guard in 1939 by the National Guard Bureau. Equipped with Douglas O-38 observation aircraft. Ordered to active service on 15 October 1940 as part of the buildup of the Army Air Corps prior to the United States entry into World War II. After the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, was attached to Army Air Forces Antisubmarine Command, performed anti-submarine patrols over the Gulf of Mexico until August 1943 when the mission was turned over to the United States Navy.

Transferred to the European Theater of Operations (ETO), August 1943. Assigned to Ninth Air Force as a photographic reconnaissance unit. After the Normandy Invasion in June 1944, because a liaison and courier unit flying light aircraft until the end of the war in Europe. Inactivated during December 1945 in Germany.

Mississippi Air National Guard

McDonnell RF-101C-40-MC Voodoo 56-166 at the National Museum of the United States Air Force.

The squadron was re-designated as the 153d Fighter Squadron and allotted to the Mississippi Air National Guard, on 24 May 1946. It was organized at Key Field, Meridian, Mississippi and was extended federal recognition on 12 September. The squadron was equipped with F-47D Thunderbolts and was allocated to the Fourteenth Air Force, Continental Air Command by the National Guard Bureau.

The unit was called to active federal service on 1 March 1951. This activation temporarily resulted in the dissolution of the Mississippi Air National Guard, as members were sent to various places, including for many, duty in the Korean War. The squadron was sent to Turner AFB, Georgia where it was assigned to the federalized 108th Fighter-Bomber Group with a mission to provide fighter escorts to Strategic Air Command B-50 Superfortress bombers on training missions. In December 1951 it was moved to Godman AFB, Kentucky where it replaced a unit deployed to England. It was released from active duty and returned to Mississippi state control on 10 November 1952.

Reformed in December 1952, being equipped with RF-51D Mustang reconnaissance aircraft. Performed tactical reconnaissance for Tactical Air Command, retiring the Mustangs in 1955 and flying RF-80C Shooting Star aircraft until 1956. Re-equipped with RF-84F Thunderflash reconnaissance aircraft.

At the height of the Cold War in 1961, the squadron was federalized as a result of tensions concerning the Berlin Wall. Part of the squadron remained at Key Field in an active-duty status for about a year before being released.

153d Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron RF-4C 66-0428 Tail Code: "KE"

On 15 October 1962, the 153d was authorized to expand to a group level, and the 186th Tactical Reconnaissance Group was established by the National Guard Bureau. The 153d TRS becoming the group's flying squadron. Other squadrons assigned into the group were the 186th Headquarters, 186th Material Squadron (Maintenance), 186th Combat Support Squadron, and the 186th USAF Dispensary. In 1970 Tactical Air Command retired the RF-84s and they were replaced by the RF-101C Voodoo. In 1979 the Voodoos were again replaced by RF-4C Phantom IIs. RF-101C 56-0166, on display at the National Museum of the United States Air Force, served with the 186th TRG. The aircraft was flown directly from Key Field to the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio on its final flight 27 October 1978.

In 1990 during the Gulf Crisis, several aircraft and support personnel were activated and deployed to Doha International Airport, Qatar, being part of the 35th Tactical Fighter Wing (Provisional) during Operation Desert Shield, Operation Desert Storm.

In 1992 the squadron's 186th Tactical Reconnaissance Group was realigned to an air refueling unit as the RF-4Cs were retired. The squadron was equipped with KC-135 Stratotankers and placed initially under Air Combat Command, later under Air Mobility Command. The 153d Air Refueling Squadron has seen worldwide duty with the KC-135s, supporting Operation Display Determination, Operation Provide Relief, Operation Restore Hope, Operation Support Justice, Operation Deny Flight, Operation Northern Watch, Operation Noble Eagle, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Lineage

153d Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron - Legacy Emblem

Designated 153d Observation Squadron, and allotted to Mississippi NG, on 18 Aug 1939

Activated on 27 Sep 1939

Ordered to active service on 15 Oct 1940

Re-designated: 153d Observation Squadron (Light) on 13 Jan 1942

Re-designated: 153d Observation Squadron on 4 Jul 1942

Re-designated: 153d Liaison Squadron on 31 May 1943.

Inactivated on 15 Dec 1945

Re-designated 153d Fighter Squadron, and allotted to Mississippi ANG, on 24 May 1946.

Extended federal recognition on 12 Sep 1946

Federalized and placed on active duty, 1 March 1951

Re-designated: 153d Fighter-Escort Squadron 1 Mar 1951

Re-designated: 153d Fighter-Bomber Squadron on 11 Dec 1951

Released from active duty and returned to Mississippi state control, 30 November 1952

Re-designated: 153d Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron on 1 Dec 1952

Federalized and placed on active duty, 1 October 1961

Released from active duty and returned to Mississippi state control, 31 August 1962

Re-designated: 153d Air Refueling Squadron on 1 Apr 1992

Assignments

Mississippi National Guard, 27 Sep 1939
Forth Corps Area, 15 Oct 1940
V Army Corps, c. Dec 1940
67th Observation (later Reconnaissance; Tactical Reconnaissance) Group, 1 Sep 1941
IX Fighter Command, 12 Dec 1943

Attached to First Army, 4 Feb-15 Nov 1944

Ninth Air Force, 14 Mar 1944
IX Tactical Air Command, 25 Apr 1944

Attached to Twelfth Army Group, 15 Nov 1944 – 26 Jul 1945

XII Tactical Air Command, 15 Jul-15 Dec 1945

Attached to Seventh Army after 26 Jul 1945

116th Fighter Group, 12 September 1946
108th Fighter-Interceptor Group, 1 Mar 1951 – 30 Nov 1952
116th Fighter-Interceptor Group, 30 November 1952
116th Fighter-Bomber Wing, 1 December 1952
116th Fighter Group (Air Defense), 1 July 1955
7117th Tactical Wing, 1 October 1961 – 31 August 1962
Mississippi Air National Guard, 1 September 1962

Gained by: Tactical Air Command

186th Tactical Reconnaissance Group, 15 Oct 1962
186th Air Refueling Group, 1 Apr 1992
186th Operations Group, 1 Jun 1992 – present

Stations

Meridian, Mississippi, 27 Sep 1939
Bluethenthal Field, North Carolina, 16 Dec 1941
Key Field, Mississippi, 28 Jan 1942
Esler Field, Louisiana, 17 Feb-12 Aug 1942
RAF Membury, England, 7 Sep 1942
RAF Keevil, England, 28 Nov 1942
RAF Membury, England, 3 Oct 1943
RAF Keevil, England, 28 Nov 1943
RAF Erlestokes, England, 13 Mar 1944
Vouilly, France, 18 Jun 1944
Canisy, France, 6 Aug 1944
St Pois, France, 11 Aug 1944
Couteme, France, 23 Aug 1944
Maillebois, France, 25 Aug 1944
St Cyr, France, 2 Sep 1944
Vuel, Belgium, 10 Sep 1944
Ham, Belgium, 12 Sep 1944
Stree (near Huy), Belgium, 16 Sep 1944
Verviers, Belgium, 20 Sep 1944
Spa, Belgium, 24 Oct 1944

Olne, Belgium, c. 19 Dec 1944

Operated from Liege, Belgium, 18-23 Dec 1944

Tongres, Belgium, 22 Dec 1944
Rutten (Russon), Belgium, 8 Jan 1945

Operated from Tongres, Belgium, 18 Jan 1945

Duren, Germany, 9 Man 1945
Euskirchen, Germany, 16 Mar 1945
Bad Godesberg, Germany, 30 Mar 1945
Marburg, Germany, 5 Apr 1945
Bad Wildungen, Germany, 15 Apr 1945
Weimar, Germany, 24 Apr 1945
Brunswick, Germany, 20 May 1945
Augsburg, Germany, 4 Jun 1945
Heidelberg, Germany, 25 Jul-15 Dec 1945
Key Field (later Meridian Regional Airport), 12 Sep 1946

Designated: Key Field Air National Guard Base, Delaware, 1991 – present

Operated from: Turner AFB, Georgia, Mar 1951

Operated from: Godman AFB, Kentucky, 11 Dec 1951

Aircraft

Douglas O-38, 1939-1941
In addition to North American O-47, 1940-1942, and O-49 and Curtiss O-52 Owl, 1941-1942
Included F-3A Havoc and F-6A Mustang in 1942; in addition to L-4 Sentinel, 1942-1944, and F-3A Havoc, 1943-1944
Included Spitfire PR XI, 1942-1943, and DB-7 Boston, 1943
L-5 Sentinel, 1944-1945
F-47 Thunderbolt, 1946-1952
RF-51D Mustang, 1952-1955

RF-80 Shooting Star, 1955-1956
RF-84F Thunderflash, 1956-1970
RF-101C Voodoo, 1970-1979
RF-4C Phantom II, 1978-1991
KC-135 Stratotanker, 1992 – present
C-26 Metroliner, 2007 – present

Aircraft flying in this unit

KC-135
58-0059(R) (Jan'94)

References

This article incorporates public domain material from the Air Force Historical Research Agency website http://www.afhra.af.mil/.

Maurer, Maurer, ed. (1982) [1969]. Combat Squadrons of the Air Force, World War II (PDF) (reprint ed.). Washington, DC: Office of Air Force History. ISBN 0-405-12194-6. LCCN 70605402. OCLC 72556.
186th Air Refueling Wing History and Lineage
186th Air Refueling Wing homepage
186th Air Refueling [email protected]
Rogers, B. (2006). United States Air Force Unit Designations Since 1978. ISBN 1-85780-197-0

External links

Air National Guard (ANG)

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Wings and Groups

Wings

Composite	108th 113th 118th 119th 127th 140th 154th 175th 176th 178th 188th

Air Control	116th

Airlift	103d 105th 107th 109th 120th 123d 130th 133d 136th 139th 143d 145th 146th 152d 153d 156th 164th 165th 166th 167th 172d 179th 182d 189th

Air Refueling	101st 117th 121st 126th 128th 134th 137th 141st 151st 155th 157th 161st 168th 171st 185th 186th 190th

Attack	110th 174th

Bomb	131st

Fighter	52d* 53d* 54th* 55th* 60th* 61st* 62d* 63d* 66th* 67th* 71st* 86th* 104th 106th* 111th 114th 115th 122d 124th 125th 132d 138th 142d 144th 148th 149th 150th 159th 162d 169th 173d 177th 180th 183d 187th 192d

Intelligence	102d 181st 184th

Reconnaissance	147th 163d

Regional Support	194th

Rescue	106th 129th

Special Operations	150th 193d

Groups

Composite	170th

Airlift	135th*

Air Operations	102d 152d 157th

Air Refueling	112th* 127th 160th*

Combat Communications	162d 163d 201st 226th 252d 254th 281st*

Cyberspace Engineering Installation	251st 253d

Operations	140th

Reconnaissance	214th

Squadrons

Flying

Air Command and Control	12th 128th

Airlift	105th 109th 115th 118th 130th 135th* 136th 137th 139th 142d 143d 144th 155th 156th 158th 164th 165th 167th 169th 172d 180th 181st 183d 186th 187th 189th* 192d 198th 200th 201st 204th 249th

Air Refueling	106th 108th 116th 117th 126th 132d 133d 141st 145th 146th 147th 150th 151st 153d 166th 168th 171st 173d 174th 185th 191st 197th 203d

Attack	138th

Bomb	110th

Fighter	100th 103d 104th 107th 112th 114th 119th 120th 121st 122d 123d 124th 125th 131st 134th 148th 149th 152d 157th 159th 160th* 163d 170th* 175th 176th 179th 182d 184th 190th 194th 195th 199th

Reconnaissance	111th 162d 178th 196th 214th

Rescue	101st 102d 103d 129th 130th 131st 188th 210th 211th 212th

Special Operations	193d

Training	154th

Non-Flying

Air Control	103d 116th 117th 128th 141st 176th

Air Operations	112th

Air Support	113th ASOS 172d

Air Traffic Control	270th 245th

Civil Engineering	285th Civil Engineering Squadron

Combat Communications	143d 147th 149th 206th 221st 222d 223d 225th 228th 231st 232d 234th 236th 239th 240th 242d 244th 256th 261st 262d 263d 264th 265th 267th 269th 271st 272d 280th 282d 283d 291st 292d 293d

Command and Control	119th 127th 153d 222d

Engineering Installation	130th 202d 205th 210th 211th 212th 213th 214th 215th 217th 218th 219th 220th 241st 243d 270th 272d

Force Support	187th

Information Warfare Aggressor	177th

Intelligence	101st 117th 123d 152d 161st 194th 234th

Joint Communications Support	224th 290th

Logistics Readiness	187th

RED HORSE	202d 203d 819th

Security Forces	187th

Space Control	114th

Space Operations	111th 148th

Space Warning	137th 213th

Special Operations Communications	193d 280th

Special Tactics	125th

Asterisk (*) denotes an inactive unit

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