JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- The 32d Air Refueling Squadron, 305th Air Mobility Wing, marked its 100 year anniversary with a ceremony, here June 30, 2017.
Starting as the 32d Aero Squadron during World War I, the 32d has been involved in every major conflict the United States has been involved in.
“The story of the 32d can be told as one of constant support,” said Tech Sgt. Jeremy Becnel, 32d ARS boom operator and squadron historian. “From maintenance and training during the Great War to passing gas as young tigers in Vietnam.
During World War II, the 32d was one of the first bomb squadrons assigned to England. The Squadron was also in Europe in the midst of the Cold War flying ‘show of force’ missions.
Today the 32d, an air refueling squadron since 1965, calls Joint Base MDL home and has a major impact on current operations in the Middle East and around the world, providing rapid global mobility excellence.
“Over the last 100 years we have always been there supporting others,” said Capt. Dan Emirbayer, 32d ARS pilot. “With wrenches and machine tools in the first world war, precision delivered bombs in the second, maintaining peace with Strategic Air Command or by topping off receivers in Vietnam and Iraq.”
During the centennial ceremony the squadron revealed new nose art on one of their KC-10 Extenders.
“KC-10 tail number 86-0032,” started 1st Lt. Luis Tenebruso, 32d ARS pilot. “This aircraft was just flown back from deployment, and as of this morning has flown over 32 thousand hours.”
The art, paying homage to the days of the 32d Bomb Squadron through the aerial refueling of the present, depicts an eagle leaning up against a fuel pump.