Photo By Louis Briscese | U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Stew Welch, left, 9th Air Refueling Squadron commander, shows...... read more read more
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“Since 1943, some form of the patch I wear today has been in every major conflict across the globe,” said Staff Sgt. Gabriel Connor, 9th Air Refueling Squadron flight engineer. “Knowing I carry that legacy is both humbling and inspiring.”
Connor is referring to the 9th ARS patch that has been proudly displayed on crew uniforms for 75 years supporting combat operations such as the Korean War, Vietnam, Desert Storm, and playing a pivotal role in all combat operations following 9/11.
“We have been stationed at over 17 different locations all around the world, we have flown eight different incredible aircraft in our history, and we currently fly the world’s largest and most capable tanker air refueler,” said Lt. Col. Stew Welch, 9th ARS commander.
The diverse history of the 9th ARS includes operating in the China-Burma-India Theater of Operations, flying the F-4U Corsair as well as the P-38 Lightning.
“Most people think we started as an air refueling squadron, but back in World War II, we actually started as a combat photo reconnaissance squadron,” said Welch. “After the war, we were reactivated as an air refueling squadron at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, flying the KB-29 (Superfortress) and the KC-97 (Stratofreighter) refuelers.”
The squadron continued to provide fuel with the KC-135 Stratotanker until 1982 when they upgraded to the KC-10 Extender.
“Today the 9th fuels the fight and enables rapid global mobility all over the globe,” said Welch. “But it is not the locations or these aircraft that represent the 9th, it is the people who make the 9th the amazing squadron that it has always been, and who are building on our unique legacy.”
To celebrate the 75th anniversary of the squadron, the unit hosted Gen. Paul J. Selva, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff, and former 9th ARS commander.
“It was incredibly special to have Selva come fly with us,” said Welch. “He is the longest serving and highest ranking prior 9th ARS commander, so we were excited and honored that he agreed to come and celebrate this milestone with us.”
Selva participated in a heritage flight followed by a 75th anniversary heritage exhibit unveiling at the Travis Heritage Center.
“Travis has done a magnificent job,” said Selva. “It’s not just celebrating a squadron I happened to be a commander of, it’s the history and heritage of the base that means a lot to the nation.”
Welch said he is honored to be a part of this milestone as well as having the opportunity to carry the 9th ARS into the future, which includes upgrading to the KC-46 Pegasus.
“I’m incredibly proud and humbled to be serving as the commander of the 9th,” he said. “I was a young captain in the 9th back in 2006 and I never imagined I would one day be in the seat as a commander. It’s a huge blessing to get to work with such an awesome, selfless team of professionals.”
Whether it’s flying the plane, refueling the fight, or serving as a flight engineer, the 9th ARS Airmen carry the same sentiment as the ones who served before them and are proud to represent the legacy and heritage of such an important squadron.
“9th ARS pride for me is wearing the squadron patch on my arm,” said Connor. “I hope to continue that legacy for years to come.”
Airman 1st Class Jonathon D.A. Carnell contributed to this article.
| Date Taken: | 06.19.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 06.19.2018 18:00 |
| Story ID: | 281577 |
| Location: | TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, CA, US |
| Web Views: | 107 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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