Birmingham Air National Guard
Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard Base, commonly known as Birmingham Air National Guard Base (BHM ANG), is a United States Air Force installation located in Birmingham, Alabama, co-located with Birmingham–Shuttlesworth International Airport. It serves as the home of the 117th Air Refueling Wing (117 ARW), a critical unit of the Alabama Air National Guard. The 117 ARW operates the venerable KC-135R Stratotanker, providing essential aerial refueling capabilities to U.S. and allied forces worldwide. Beyond its primary role of extending the range and endurance of military aircraft, the wing also contributes to airlift, intelligence, logistics, and medical services, making it a highly versatile and vital component of national defense.
The 117th Air Refueling Wing boasts a rich and storied history that dates back to the World War I era. Originally formed as the 106th Aero Squadron, the unit has evolved through various designations and missions, from observation and tactical reconnaissance to its current air refueling role, which began in 1994 with the arrival of the KC-135s. The “Alabama” tail stripe on their KC-135s is a proud symbol of their state. The 117 ARW has been heavily engaged in global operations, supporting contingencies from Operation Desert Shield to the Global War on Terror, consistently demonstrating their readiness and commitment to the “Airpower Anytime, Anywhere” philosophy. The base is also a candidate location for the future KC-46A Pegasus tankers, signifying its continued importance in the evolving landscape of aerial refueling.