A KC-135 Stratotanker crew assigned to the 171st Air Refueling Wing preflight the jet prior to takeoff. A U.S. Air Force MC-130J aircraft assigned to the 193 Special Operations Wing, Pennsylvania Air National Guard, follows a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft to perform a routine aerial refueling mission on March 26, 2025. Portions of this video have been altered to secure the aircraft tail number. (U.S. Air National Guard video by Tech. Sgt. Zoe M. Wockenfuss)
The 171st Air Refueling Wing's Fatality Search and Recovery Team and Religious Support Team from the Pennsylvania Air National Guard provided critical support in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene by deploying to Asheville, North Carolina, Oct. 3 - 14, 2024. Their assignment came as the region faced significant challenges in the wake of the powerful storm, which resulted in widespread destruction and loss of life.
The Pennsylvania Air National Guard’s 171st Air Refueling Wing, dove headfirst into the Air Force’s push to create Mission-Ready Airmen (MRA). In today’s rapidly evolving global landscape, this initiative is essential to maintaining readiness and adapting to challenges. For the Guardsmen of the 171st, embracing this philosophy isn’t just a concept—it’s becoming a way of life.
