344th Air Refueling Squadron
Unit of US Air Force 22d Air Refueling Wing / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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The 344th Air Refueling Squadron is a unit of the US Air Force, part of the 22d Air Refueling Wing of Air Mobility Command at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas. It operates the Boeing KC-46 Pegasus aircraft conducting aerial refueling missions.
344th Air Refueling Squadron | |
---|---|
Active | 1942–1946; 1947–1966; 1986–present |
Country | United States |
Branch | United States Air Force |
Role | Air refueling |
Part of | Air Mobility Command |
Garrison/HQ | McConnell Air Force Base |
Motto(s) | Anytime-Anywhere (1994–present) Capable – Reliable – Versatile (1987–1994) Hell from the Heavens (1956–1966) |
Decorations | Distinguished Unit Citation Air Force Outstanding Unit Award Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation[1] |
Commanders | |
Notable commanders | William Crumm |
Insignia | |
344th Air Refueling Squadron emblem [lower-alpha 1][1] | |
344th Air Refueling Squadron emblem[lower-alpha 2][2] | |
Patch with 344th Bombardment Squadron emblem[lower-alpha 3][3] |
The squadron was first activated during World War II as the 344th Bombardment Squadron. It saw combat in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations, participating in the low level attack on oil refineries near Ploiești, Romania. It earned two Distinguished Unit Citations for its combat operations. After VE Day the squadron returned to the United States and trained with Boeing B-29 Superfortresses until inactivating in spring 1946.
The squadron was reactivated in 1947 with Superfortresses. During the Korean War, it deployed to Japan and earned another Distinguished Unit Citation for its combat operations. The squadron returned to the United States and converted to the Boeing B-47 Stratojet, which it flew until inactivating in 1966 when the B-47 was withdrawn from service and Lincoln Air Force Base closed.
In 1986, the squadron was reactivated as the 344th Air Refueling Squadron at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina. It moved to McConnell in 1994.