Four KC-135 Stratotankers and approximately 120 Airmen assigned to the 151st Air Refueling Wing, Utah Air National Guard, deployed from Roland R. Wright Air National Guard Base April 5-6, 2021, in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, Freedom's Sentinel and Spartan Shield.

The Airmen will support aerial refueling, which extends global reach and power, and significantly increases the lethality and sustainment of airpower.

151st ARW Commander, Col. Kurt Davis said, "Our Airmen are prepared to deploy and deliver dominant airpower and execute a mission of national, regional, and global significance." Davis added, "this year has presented us with a unique and challenging set of circumstances to navigate and prepare; however, our Guardsmen are ready to serve, and we are incredibly proud of their commitment."

According to Master Sgt. Roger Tyler, 151st AGE superintendent, this is the first time the 151st Maintenance Group has been able to deploy as one body and perform their job together downrange.

"Going as a group, we can take care of our people," said Tyler. "We know who our people are, and we'll be able to recognize when someone is stressed or going through a difficult time while being away from their families. Our Airmen are more likely to open up and have difficult conversations because familiar faces will surround them."

The KC-135 Stratotanker's principal mission is air refueling. This unique asset greatly enhances the Air Force's capability to accomplish its primary missions of Global Reach and Global Power.

Four KC-135 Stratotankers and approximately 120 Airmen assigned to the 151st Air Refueling Wing, Utah Air National Guard, deployed from Roland R. Wright Air National Guard Base April 5-6, 2021, in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, Freedom's Sentinel and Spartan Shield.

The Airmen will support aerial refueling, which extends global reach and power, and significantly increases the lethality and sustainment of airpower.

151st ARW Commander, Col. Kurt Davis said, "Our Airmen are prepared to deploy and deliver dominant airpower and execute a mission of national, regional, and global significance." Davis added, "this year has presented us with a unique and challenging set of circumstances to navigate and prepare; however, our Guardsmen are ready to serve, and we are incredibly proud of their commitment."

According to Master Sgt. Roger Tyler, 151st AGE superintendent, this is the first time the 151st Maintenance Group has been able to deploy as one body and perform their job together downrange.

"Going as a group, we can take care of our people," said Tyler. "We know who our people are, and we'll be able to recognize when someone is stressed or going through a difficult time while being away from their families. Our Airmen are more likely to open up and have difficult conversations because familiar faces will surround them."

The KC-135 Stratotanker's principal mission is air refueling. This unique asset greatly enhances the Air Force's capability to accomplish its primary missions of Global Reach and Global Power.