McConnell Reserve Group becomes Wing

  • Published
  • By 931st Air Refueling Group
  • Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  The Air Force Reserve 931st Air Refueling Group will be designated the 931st Air Refueling Wing, effective March 5, 2016.  An official ceremony to celebrate the designation is scheduled for 10 a.m. on April 30, at McConnell Air Force Base, Kan.

The wing designation will establish the 931st Operations Group, the 931st Maintenance Group, and the 931st Force Support Squadron. The same authorization will also stand up two new air refueling squadrons at the base, the 905th and 924th Refueling Squadrons. This action will result in the growth of nearly 400 personnel to meet the needs of the newly designated wing.

Col. Mark. S. Larson, 931st ARG commander, said he views  the ceremony as an opportunity to showcase the new wing, congratulate his Airmen on their hard work in achieving this historic milestone, and thank the local community for their long-time support in this endeavor.

"The designation as a wing is a testament to the excellence of our Reserve Airmen both past and present," he said.  "At the same time, this would not have been possible without the continued resolve of our elected officials and the support of our local community leaders."

The 931 ARW will be the first Reserve unit to fly and maintain the new KC-46A Pegasus tanker. According to the official Air Force fact sheet, the KC-46A is intended to replace the U.S. Air Force's aging fleet of KC-135 Stratotankers which have been the Air Force's primary refueling aircraft for more than 50 years. The KC-46A will provide more refueling capability and increased capacity for cargo as well as aeromedical evacuation. The KC-46A will provide aerial refueling to Air Force, Navy, Marine and allied nation aircraft. 

For all media interested in attending the official wing designation ceremony, or to request more information about the 931st Air Refueling Group, please contact the 931st Air Refueling Group Public Affairs office at (316) 759-3704, or (316) 617-0550.