<p>The 116th ARS is the operational unit of the wing and has flown the KC-135E since 1984, with a support C-26B. The unit began life in August 1924 and was one of the first National Guard units to be mobilized in September 1940, remaining on active duty until the end of 1943. The squadron was reorganized as the 116th Fighter Squadron at Felts Field in February 1947 with the P-51D, and moved to Geiger Field in 1948 to re-equip with the F-84B in April 1950. The squadron was called to active duty in February 1951 and converted to the F-86A before moving to RAF Bentwaters, UK. The unit was returned to state control in November 1952 and equipped with the F-51D until receiving the F-86A again in 1954 and being redesignated the 116th FIS. The squadron converted to the F-94B in August 1955, the F-89D in December 1957 and the F-89J in July 1960, before switching to the F-102A in March 1966. The 141st FIG was organized in July 1960. F-101Bs were assigned from November 1969 until July 1976 when the unit re-equipped with the KC-135A, and then changed designation to the 116th ARS and moved to Fairchild AFB. Subsequently, the Stratotankers were re-engined to become KC-135Es.
