98th Air Refueling Squadron
98th Air-Refueling Squadron (KC-97G)
The 98th AREFS recieved the last KC-97 ever built from Boeing in 1956.
The
98th AREFS was stationed at Lincoln Air Force Base from 1954 to 1963. The Vets Association was formed in the early 80s.
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Mission: To support B-47 operations using KC-97 tankers to provide air-refueling, extending the range of those bombers.
History: Effective activation date: February 16th, 1954 at Forbes AFB, Kansas (deployed to Lincoln AFB soon after). Equipped with 20 KC-97G tankers, the 98th provided air-refueling capability for the B-47. Although the KC-97 was relatively under powered when attempting to refuel jets (as it was propeller driven), it was adequate enough to service Lincoln bombers. 98th KC-97s often deployed to forward bases (such as Newfoundland and Churchill Air Base in Canada) to provide refueling to outbound bombers should war occur, but also to support overseas movements by bombers such as Operation Reflex Action. By March of 1963, along with the approaching retirement of the B-47, the piston-engined KC-97 was being phased out of service, and the 98th Air-Refueling Squadron soon inactivated.
Commanders:
History: Effective activation date: February 16th, 1954 at Forbes AFB, Kansas (deployed to Lincoln AFB soon after). Equipped with 20 KC-97G tankers, the 98th provided air-refueling capability for the B-47. Although the KC-97 was relatively under powered when attempting to refuel jets (as it was propeller driven), it was adequate enough to service Lincoln bombers. 98th KC-97s often deployed to forward bases (such as Newfoundland and Churchill Air Base in Canada) to provide refueling to outbound bombers should war occur, but also to support overseas movements by bombers such as Operation Reflex Action. By March of 1963, along with the approaching retirement of the B-47, the piston-engined KC-97 was being phased out of service, and the 98th Air-Refueling Squadron soon inactivated.
Commanders: