NIAGARA FALLS AIR RESERVE STATION, NY - The New York Air National Guard's 107th Airlift Wing flew its last tanker mission on June 22 bidding farewell to its only remaining KC-135R Stratotanker and ending its legacy as an air refueling wing.
Col. Patrick D. Ginavan, commander of the 107th Airlift Wing, piloted the aircraft on its final New York Air National Guard mission. "It's been a great mission for the past 14 years," he said. "The 107th will embrace our new mission with the same professionalism and enthusiasm as we have with past conversions. We look forward to our new mission as an airlift wing and have already successfully flown our first C-130 mission."
The KC-135R's were transferred to the New York Air National Guard from Grand Forks Air Force Base in South Dakota in 1994. Once here at Niagara Falls, these aircraft, operated by 107th ARW aircrew, flew numerous air refueling training missions in addition to supporting countless operational contingencies.
The airframe was instrumental in offloading millions of pounds of fuel to aircraft all over the world as part of Operations Deny Flight, Decisive Endeavor, Northern Watch, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom to name a few.
Stateside, these aircraft were employed to support the Northeast Tanker Task Force, refueling aircraft deploying to and from the Middle East and Europe - a 24/7 commitment. Additionally, they were flown in support in Operation Noble Eagle and instrumental in flying supplies to victims of Hurricane Katrina.
After 14 years of faithful service, this KC-135's job here at Niagara is done. She will join other members of the fleet at the 126th Air Refueling Wing of the Illinois Air National Guard and continue to faithfully serve her country.
On April 1, 2008, the 107th changed it's designation from an air refueling wing to an airlift wing, converting to C-130H2 aircraft. This was directed by the Base Realignment and Closure of 2005.