Tanker Heritage Foundation

Beale AFB Air Refueling History

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903rd Air Refueling Squadron

The 903 ARS was the first KC-135 unit assigned to Beale AFB, California
 
                • The first Acft S/N: 58-0071 arrived July 7, 1959
                • The unit transitioned from KC-135A to KC-135Q in 1965 to support the SR-71 mission but its primary mission was to support the B-52s
                • The 903 ARS carried out this mission for 17 years until June 30, 1976, when the bomber mission ended at Beale

9th Air Refueling Squadron

The 9 ARS was activated on Jan 1, 1970.
 
                • The unit was equipped with KC-135Qs and supported both the B-52 and SR-71
                • The unit was deactivated in June 30, 1976, and re-designated the 349th Air Refueling Squadron
                  the SR-71 mission but its primary mission was to support the B-52s
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349th Air Refueling Squadron

The 349 ARS was joined by the 350 ARS in Jan 28, 1982 and became known as the “Beale bandits”
 
                • On Mar 15, 1983, the 9th Reconnaissance Wing became the host wing.
                • On Jun 5, 1992, the 349 ARS was deactivated.
                • The 350 ARS was the last Strategic Air Command unit to remain at Beale until July 1, 1994, when it was transferred to McConnell AFB, Kansas.
                • The KC-135s mission lasted 35 years and 6 days at Beale AFB

940th Air Refueling Wing

The 940 ARW started in 1998 at Beale
 
                • Was part of a Base Realignment and closure (BRAC) from 2005-2007
                • The Wing was reinstated in 2016 as an refueling wing and continues service today