171st Air Refueling Wing

171st Air Refueling Wing In 1947, an Air National Guard unit was formed at Pittsburgh Airport. Since then the unit has flown 16 different aircraft. This is a moderated forum.

We provide Global Airlift, Air Refueling, Air Traffic Control and Weather Support to a wide range of combat mission support units. Official page for the 171st Air Refueling Wing of the Pennsylvania Air National Guard (PANG). This page is managed by the 171st Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs Office. All posts made to this page are subject to the User Agreement. DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE

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If you wish to comment, use the text box. The Department of the Air Force reserves the right to modify this policy at any time. That means all comments will be reviewed. In addition, we expect that participants will treat each other, as well as our agency and our employees, with respect. We will not allow comments that contain abusive or vulgar language, hate speech, personal attacks, comments that violate equal employment opportunity policy or are offensive to others, or similar content to remain. We will not allow comments that are spam, are clearly “off topic,” promote services or products, infringe on copyright-protected material, or contain links that do not contribute to the discussion to remain. Comments that make unsupported accusations will not be allowed. The Air Force alone will determine which comment will be posted. Any references to commercial entities, products, services or other nongovernmental organizations or individuals that remain on the site are provided solely for the information of individuals using this page. These references are not intended to reflect the opinion of the Department of the Air Force, Department of Defense, the U.S., or their employees concerning the significance, priority or importance to be given the referenced entity, product, service or organization. Such references are not an official or personal endorsement of any product, person or service, and may not be quoted or reproduced for the purpose of stating or implying Department of the Air Force endorsement or approval of any product, person or service. Any comments that report criminal activity, including suicidal behavior or sexual assault, will be reported to the appropriate authorities, including the Department of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations. Do not use this forum to:
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09/11/2025

Retired and current aircrew members sit down with the 171st Air Refueling Wing Commander Col. Raymond L. Hyland Jr. and discuss their experiences from September 11th, 2001.

09/11/2025
08/30/2025
They see me rollin, they hatin!
08/25/2025

They see me rollin, they hatin!

"We had a great time and appreciate that we got to see everything that we did," said Kara Himich, an employee at Dreamgu...
08/07/2025

"We had a great time and appreciate that we got to see everything that we did," said Kara Himich, an employee at Dreamguard. "It was really cool. Thank you for giving us this opportunity."

The 171st at the 911th just touched down from the ESGR flight. representatives of civilian enterprises from the region participated in a flight to witness first hand what Guardsmen and Reservists do during military service.

  Chaplain Col. Jonathan R. Bell will assume responsibilities as the 12th Director of the Air National Guard Chaplain Co...
08/04/2025



Chaplain Col. Jonathan R. Bell will assume responsibilities as the 12th Director of the Air National Guard Chaplain Corps on Aug. 1, 2025. In this role, Bell will advise and represent the Director of the Air National Guard, ANG senior leadership, and the Air Force Chief of Chaplains on matters of religion, morals, ethics, morale, and well-being for Air National Guard personnel and their families. He will oversee activities and implement policy and guidance for the 600 Chaplain Corps personnel assigned to ANG units across 90 wings in 54 states, territories, and the District of Columbia.

“From the very start of my career, I have been deeply humbled and blessed to serve the men and women of the 171st. Through the relationships I've built and the ministry I've provided, I've strived to support and strengthen them at every level.” Said Chaplain Bell. “As I move on to my next assignment, I look forward to building more relationships with the men and women of the other 89 wings in the ANG. However, I will always remain a Steel Airman.”

Prior to this assignment, he served as the Wing Chaplain at the 171st Air Refueling Wing in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In 2023, he was appointed as the first State Air Chaplain for Pennsylvania and the National Guard Assistant to the Command Chaplain, U.S. Africa Command. Col. Bell is the first Director of the Air National Guard Chaplain Corps from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Congratulations Chaplain Bell!

Maj. Gen. Terrence L. Koudelka Jr., Pennsylvania National Guard Deputy Adjutant General - Air, delivers the oath of enli...
08/03/2025

Maj. Gen. Terrence L. Koudelka Jr., Pennsylvania National Guard Deputy Adjutant General - Air, delivers the oath of enlistment to new recruits joining the 171st Air Refueling Wing Aug. 3, 2025, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The recruits' families were welcomed onto the base to watch the oath of enlistment. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Zoe M. Wockenfuss)

It's Monday... but we have some F-35 pictures. Tech. Sgt. Andrew Stover and the crew helped this team cross the Pacific ...
07/28/2025

It's Monday... but we have some F-35 pictures. Tech. Sgt. Andrew Stover and the crew helped this team cross the Pacific Ocean April 20th so that they can participate in an exercise in Guam & Japan. Which picture is your favorite?

07/04/2025

Happy Independence Day!

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Pittsburgh, PA

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