The 19th Bombardment Wing was activated in August 1948, operating the B-29, B-47 and B-52 until 1984 when the unit became an Air Refueling Wing with two squadrons of KC-135As. The unit was awarded the Mackay Trophy in 1982 for 'the most meritorious flight of the year' when a B-52 crew successfully landed their aircraft after losing its rudder and elevator hydraulic system; this feat had not previously been accomplished without significant damage or total loss of the aircraft. The wing upgraded to the KC-135R beginning in 1987 and assumed responsibility for the two EC-135Ys operated on behalf of the CinC US Central Command, as well as the EC-137D of US Southern Command. The unit changed to 19th Wing in October 1991, but became an a Air Refueling Wing shortly afterwards.