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914th Air Refueling Wing

Winged horseshoe on a shield. Reads, "914th AIR REFUELING WING."

914th Air Refueling Wing Shield

Emblem for the 914th Air Refueling Wing, Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, New York.
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SLIDESHOW | 12 images | 914th Air Refueling Wing Shield
Winged horseshoe on a shield. Reads, "914th AIR REFUELING WING."

914th Air Refueling Wing Shield

Emblem for the 914th Air Refueling Wing, Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, New York.

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Senior Airman David Kelley, a Crew Chief with the 914th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, stands close to a KC-135R Stratotanker at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station.

914th conducts ESGR Bosslift

Senior Airman David Kelley, a Crew Chief with the 914th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, stands close to a KC-135R Stratotanker at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, New York, August 1, 2024 just before takeoff during an Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve "Bosslift" showcasing the mission of the 914th to civilian employers. the job of the Crew Chief is to manage and maintain an assigned aircraft, keeping it ready to takeoff for whatever the reason, whenever, wherever. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kylar Vermeulen)

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Airman works on components to KC-135 front landing gear

Airman works on components to KC-135 front landing gear

Senior Airman Mark Vogt, an electrical environmental journeyman with the 914th Maintenance Squadron, tightens a bolt down on the main landing gear of a KC-135 Stratotanker during its 30-month periodic inspection (PE) at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, New York, April 12, 2023. A PE is performed every 15 and 30 months on an aircraft to ensure every part, system and function is repaired and working properly so Airmen may safely fly it during future missions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kylar Vermeulen)

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Staff Sgt. Ashley Maxwell, a member of the 914th Security Forces Squadron, Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, New York, scans her surroundings during a static defense exercise, May 19, 2023, at Camp James A. Garfield Joint Military Training Center, Ohio.

IDLC: High caliber Defenders in 2023

Staff Sgt. Ashley Maxwell, a member of the 914th Security Forces Squadron, Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, New York, scans her surroundings during a static defense exercise, May 19, 2023, at Camp James A. Garfield Joint Military Training Center, Ohio. The exercise was part of the Integrated Defense Leadership Course. IDLC, which is based at Youngstown Air Reserve Station, Ohio, and uses training grounds at CJAG, was designed to provide Air Force Security Forces members with intensely focused hands-on training to achieve and maintain combat readiness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Eric M. White)

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Evaluators with the 801st RED HORSE Training Squadron evaluate an airfield damage crater repair attempt by competitors.

914th participates in Civil Engineer Readiness Challenge

Evaluators with the 801st RED HORSE Training Squadron evaluate an airfield damage crater repair attempt by competitors at Readiness Challenge IX in Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., April 25, 2023. Readiness Challenge is the capstone event for Department of the Air Force civil engineers to demonstrate their readiness and capability to conduct full-spectrum, integrated base response and recovery operations in contested, degraded and operationally limited environments. The Air Force Civil Engineer Center and the 801st RED HORSE Training Squadron, host the event and through the competition, are able assess unit readiness, find deficiencies and identify training opportunities to ensure the Air and Space Forces have ready trained civil engineers. (U.S. Air Force photo by Malcolm McClendon).

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Airmen perform periodic inspection on KC-135

Airmen perform periodic inspection on KC-135

(Right) Tech. Sgt. Alex Confer, a hydraulics mechanic for the 914th Maintenance Squadron (MXS), works on removing the boom off of a KC-135 Stratotanker while in the background, Staff Sgt. Nicolas Holt, a maintainer with the 914 MXS, works on the wing during a periodic inspection (PE) of the aircraft at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, New York, April 12, 2023. A PE is performed every 15 and 30 months on an aircraft to ensure every part, system and function is repaired and working properly so Airmen may safely fly it during future missions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kylar Vermeulen)

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Image of Staff Sgt. DeMarcus Garrett celebrating after completing his bench press.

Reserve Command Will Be Well Represented at Warrior Games Challenge

Staff Sgt. DeMarcus Garrett, shown here celebrating after completing his bench press during a previous Warrior Games powerlifting competition, is one of six Air Force Reservists selected to compete on the Air Force team at the Warrior Games Challenge in June. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Sahara L. Fales)

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An F-16C Fighting Falcon attached to the 177th Fighter Wing, approaches a KC-135R Stratotanker from the 914th Air Refueling Wing, Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station.

914th conducts ESGR Bosslift

An F-16C Fighting Falcon attached to the 177th Fighter Wing, approaches a KC-135R Stratotanker from the 914th Air Refueling Wing, Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, New York to refuel, August 1, 2024 during an Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve "Bosslift" flight which showcased the mission of the 914th to reserve employers. Air Refueling is a vital component to combat and defensive operations worldwide, allowing multirole aircraft to conduct operations without having to land to refuel, saving time, extending the aircrafts range, and taking combat airpower wherever it may be needed. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Senior Airman Kylar Vermeulen)

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Master Sgt. Maurice "Moe" Shivers III, a Boom Operator with the 328th Air Refueling Squadron, speaks to a pilot of an F-16C Fighting Falcon while on a refueling track August 1, 2024, somewhere over the Northeastern United States.

914th conducts ESGR Bosslift

Master Sgt. Maurice "Moe" Shivers III, a Boom Operator with the 328th Air Refueling Squadron, speaks to a pilot of an F-16C Fighting Falcon while on a refueling track August 1, 2024, somewhere over the Northeastern United States during an Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve "Bosslift" showcasing the mission of the 914th to civilian employers. Effective communication is key when it comes to aerial refueling, as it can prevent disaster from occurring, and allows the aircrew to efficiently get the job done so U.S. and coalition aircraft can go anywhere, anytime. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kylar Vermeulen)

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Airman using his hands to direct a forklift as it reverses

Airman directs a forklift

Airmen from the 30th Aerial Port Squadron participate in one final rodeo to hone their skills before competing in the annual Port Dawg Challenge. This drill is to ensure this piece of equipment is properly operated. Safety over speed.

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Airmen works on aircraft in the snow

914 MXG tested, responds at Nordic Response 24

914th Maintenance Group Crew Chief Staff Sgt. Mikaela Swanson works on removing the drogue from a KC-135 Stratotanker boom at Luleå-Kallax Air Base, Sweden, March 14, 2024. The Airmen assigned to the 914th Air Refueling Wing are in Sweden as part of Nordic Response 24. NR24 provides vital opportunities for U.S. active-duty personnel, reservists, and Air National Guard members to integrate and train alongside NATO Allies and other partner militaries to ensure interoperability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Master Sgt. Andrew Caya)

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We Stand Together

We Stand Together

Airmen from the 914th Air Refueling Wing stand in formation during a base-wide 9/11 Ceremony on Sept. 11, 2021, Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, N.Y. Presented are three guidons from different squadrons present; they signify unit designation and branch affiliation or the title of the individual who carries it. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Senior Airman Kelsey Martinez)

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We are Reserve Citizen Airmen, committed to strategic competition and providing a unique essential role in our nation’s defense. We bring the range, speed, and agility required for near-immediate responses to the full range of challenges our military and its allies confront. Our legacy is built on a foundation of proven excellence and maintained by our dedicated Airmen. Charged with host responsibilities for Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station as one of Air Force Reserve Command’s nine reserve host base installations, we’re organized under the Fourth Air Force and are comprised of three groups, 12 squadrons, and one wing staff agency. As Reserve Citizen Airmen, we also live, work, teach, and volunteer within the Western New York Community and are proud to call Niagara home.

 

Our Heritage

04:44
VIDEO | 04:44 | In Memory of Col. John Moriarty
The 914th Air Refueling Wing's 328th Air Refueling Squadron traces its roots back to April 15, 1944, when Lt. Col. John Moriarty established the 3rd Combat Cargo Squadron. During World War II, the squadron valiantly flew C-47 Skytrains over "The Hump," a treacherous Himalayan route that provided vital supplies to Allied forces in the China-Burma-India theater. Over the past 70 years, the 328th has operated an impressive array of aircraft—including the C-47, C-119 Boxcar, C-130 Hercules, and KC-135 Stratotanker—supporting critical campaigns and operations around the globe.

 

Our Mission

KC-135 Stratotanker refuels a B-52 Stratofortress.
News
Niagara's Nuclear Mission
On June 3, 2017, the 914th Airlift Wing was re-designated as the 914th Air Refueling Wing, marking a new chapter in its storied history. The transition involved replacing its fleet of C-130 Hercules with eight KC-135 Stratotankers. Then, in November of 2023, the wing became certified nuclear-ready after an Air Mobility Command Initial Nuclear Operational Readiness Inspection (INORI) becoming part of America’s nuclear triad.

Today, the 914th remains dedicated to its mission of excellence, ready to support joint partners and ensure mission success--whatever the task.

 

Our Aircraft

914th ARW Fully Operational Capable KC-135s
Fact Sheet
KC-135 Stratotanker
We own and operate eight KC-135 Stratotankers. The Stratotanker provides the core aerial refueling capability for the Department of Defense. They are capable of delivering over 200,000 pounds of fuel to U.S. and allied nation aircraft. The KC-135 is also capable of carrying up to 83,000 pounds of cargo and can seat up to 80 passengers.

 

02:59
VIDEO | 02:59 | Wing deploys after historic blizzard
Economic Impact

Personnel

  • Total Assigned: 1,454
    • Active Guard Reserve: 107
    • Air Reserve Technicians: 149
    • Traditional Reserve: 894
    • Civilian Employees: 215
    • Contract Positions: 89
  • Retention Rate: 89%

Local Economy Contributions

  • Locally Produced Goods & Services: $33.4 million
  • Construction Projects: $52.5 million
  • Annual Payroll: $77 million
  • Total Economic Impact: $162.9 million
  • Indirect Jobs Supported: 1,308

The Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station is Niagara county's largest employer and remains a cornerstone of the regional economy, providing employment opportunities, contributing to local business growth, and fostering community development.