78th Air Refueling Squadron

78th Air Refueling Squadron Public forum for the Air Force Reserve Command's premier KC-10 squadron From 1961 through 1972, the 78th flew the C-119, C-124, and the A-37.

The 78th Air Refueling Squadron (ARS) was initially constituted on 30 January 1943 as the 78th Troop Carrier Squadron, Bowman Field, Kentucky. From 1943 to 1945, the unit was heavily involved in World War II European Operations flying the C-47 and C-53. While in the European Theater the 78th Troop Carrier Squadron was awarded the Distinguished Unit Citation for its participation in the invasion of

Normandy. After the war, the unit was returned to Kellogg Field, Michigan and was activated on 15 November 1945. From 1947 to 1961, the 78th Troop Carrier Squadron saw several activations, inactivations, redesignations and changes in aircraft. It moved to Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, 8 May 1961 and was designated the Captain Shreve Squadron in honor of the bold frontiersman who was responsible for making the nearby Red River navigable. In 1947, the 78th was assigned to the Air Force Reserve and except for three brief periods of active duty, it has remained with the reserve component until the present time. In January 1963, the squadron became a group and was redesignated the 917th Troop Carrier Group. In 1972, the unit was deactivated. On 25 March 1981, the squadron was reactivated as the 78th Air Refueling Squadron Heavy (Associate) by HQ USAF Special Order G-32. The squadron became the first “associate” reserve unit to form a flying partnership with the active forces Strategic Air Command (SAC). Effective 1 September 1981, it was assigned as a USAF controlled USAF Reserve unit. On 1 October 1994 , the 78th Air Refueling Squadron relocated from Barksdale, Air Force Base, Louisiana, to McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey. Thus, beginning a new and challenging phase of the 78 ARS existence with the opportunity to make a significant contribution to the “Total Force Concept” and to the defense of the United States of America. From 1 January – 31 December 2004, the 78 ARS earned the prestigious Grover Loening Award as the “Best Air Refueling Squadron” in the Air Force Reserve Command. Again in 2005 the 78th ARS was honored with this award, making it the first time in history that a squadron has received this award for two consecutive years. In 2005, 2006 and 2007 the 78th ARS was awarded the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for its contributions to both Operation ENDURING FREEDOM and Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, as well as, its sustained fight against terrorism. Finally, in 2008 the 78 ARS was awarded the 514th AMW Freedom Wing Award.

78th ARS dragging the Thunderbirds to their New York International Air Show 2020 from Nellis AFB, NV
09/03/2020

78th ARS dragging the Thunderbirds to their New York International Air Show 2020 from Nellis AFB, NV

Fighter drag thru Hawaii, Wake island, and Guam.
05/14/2020

Fighter drag thru Hawaii, Wake island, and Guam.

Steamboaters, let's take a moment to be grateful for how the squadron has always provided for so many of us over the yea...
05/06/2020

Steamboaters, let's take a moment to be grateful for how the squadron has always provided for so many of us over the years and help our brothers and sisters in the local area who are not so fortunate. Help us support the Food Bank of South Jersey in this time of need.

The 78th ARS completed the 1st ever operational deployment of F-35A's last year
03/08/2020

The 78th ARS completed the 1st ever operational deployment of F-35A's last year

78th dragging the Blues!
08/17/2018

78th dragging the Blues!

03/05/2018
For anyone unaware, one of our 78th brothers, Brian "BA" Alexander, suffered a severe head injury on Christmas Eve and h...
01/04/2018

For anyone unaware, one of our 78th brothers, Brian "BA" Alexander, suffered a severe head injury on Christmas Eve and has been hospitalized since then. To help his wife and kids in the short term, a GoFundMe page has been established. Additionally, his family has set up a page at Caring Bridge to post updates on his progress to everyone. There is no pressure to donate, but this is the best way to help the Alexanders right now for those who would like to show your support.

https://www.gofundme.com/help-BA-his-family

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/brianalexander4

On Christmas Eve Brian Alexander fell backwards down a flight of stairs. He is currently a patient at the UVA Medical Center surrounded by his family and many close friends. This forum is not the appropriate venue to discuss his medical diagnosis and/or prognosis. What we do know is that his ro...

Brothers and Sisters,Some of our members and their families have been affected to a devastating degree by the recent hur...
10/24/2017

Brothers and Sisters,
Some of our members and their families have been affected to a devastating degree by the recent hurricanes. One of our members has set up a Go Fund Me page to send them our support. Please help in any amount that you can - they need our love now more than ever!

It's no secret Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico. Some of our members in the 76th and 78th have family members living in Puerto Rico. Our families at home give our members so much love and support, which keeps us in the fight. We constantly stress how our squadrons are also our families, and...

The 78th in action helping out with Hurricane Harvey relief.
09/03/2017

The 78th in action helping out with Hurricane Harvey relief.

More than a thousand miles away, a military airbase in New Jersey is playing a central role in the Harvey relief effort. The joint base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in Burlington County has played a crucial role for planes flying to and from the flooded area.

08/24/2013

Offload complete. See ya!

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McGuire Air Force Base, NJ
08641

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