56 Air Refueling Sq AETC (U.S. Air Force) White Coffee Mug

The 56th Air Refueling Squadron (56 ARS) is a United States Air Force unit that falls under the Air Education and Training Command (AETC). Its primary function is air refueling, which involves transferring fuel from one aircraft to another while both are in flight. This process enables continuous, long-range missions by extending the operational range of U.S. military aircraft. The 56 ARS operates KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft from its base at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma. Established on October 1, 1942, as a Boeing B-29 Superfortress heavy bomber squadron, the unit was redesignated in 1961 to support air refueling operations. The 56 ARS plays a crucial role in maintaining the readiness of the U.S. Air Force's strategic and tactical aircraft by providing them with the necessary fuel for extended missions.