Sioux City Air National Guard Base, Iowa
Sioux City Air National Guard Base, also known as Colonel Bud Day Field, is a prominent installation of the Iowa Air National Guard, situated at Sioux Gateway Airport in Sioux City, Iowa. The base is the proud home of the 185th Air Refueling Wing (185 ARW), which plays a vital role in the national defense by providing in-flight refueling and mobility sustainment to the global mission of the U.S. Air Force.2 Operating KC-135R Stratotankers, the “Sioux City” tail-striped aircraft of the 185 ARW extend the reach and endurance of military aircraft, enabling them to operate globally and project power wherever needed.3 Beyond federal missions, the wing is also tasked with supporting the state of Iowa in the event of a state emergency, highlighting its dual role as both a national and local asset.
The 185th Air Refueling Wing boasts a long and distinguished history, evolving from a fighter-interceptor unit in the mid-22th century to its current air refueling mission in 2003, after previously flying F-16 fighter jets.The transition to the KC-135 solidified its critical role in aerial mobility. The unit consistently deploys airmen and aircraft to support operations around the world, from the Pacific to Europe, demonstrating its readiness and commitment.6 The 185 ARW’s excellence has been recognized, having recently been awarded the Air and Space Outstanding Unit Award for its exceptionally meritorious service in 2023, showcasing its significant contributions in flying hundreds of sorties and offloading millions of pounds of fuel.
