NIAGARA FALLS AIR RESERVE STATION, N.Y. -- The 914th Airlift Wing redesignated to the 914th Air Refueling Wing in a ceremony almost three years ago. Over the years, they've said goodbye to the C-130 cargo lift mission, an NFARS mission that reaches back to the mid-20th century, to become a fully operational tanker wing with the KC-135 Stratotanker. On April 1, 2020, Col. Mark Larson, commander of the 914th proudly announced the wing was Fully Operational Capable in the KC-135 conventional mission.
"My thanks to the many Airmen and the DoD civilians who have worked so hard," said Larson. "While at the same time maintaining our readiness to execute the other taskings and deployments required of many of our wing personnel."
The 914th Operations Group, including the 328th Air Refueling Squadron and 914th Aeromedical Squadron, has spent several years training with instructors from across the nation to become eligible to execute the tanker mission. The 914th Maintenance Group has also put in countless hours of work to keep all nine tankers ready to fly at a moment's notice.
"The Nation needed NFARS fully back in the fight, and today we are letting our leaders know we are ready and willing," said Larson.
When Larson joined the wing as commander, he announced the new wing motto of whenever asked, wherever tasked. A creed that once started as a vision, today, made into a reality for Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, N.Y.