The 161st Air Refueling Wing (161 ARW) is a unit of the Arizona Air National Guard, stationed at Goldwater Air National Guard Base in Phoenix, Arizona. It operates the KC-135 Stratotanker, providing aerial refueling support to U.S. and allied aircraft worldwide. The wing traces its roots to the 1950s and has played a vital role in numerous operations, including Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Inherent Resolve. It supports global air mobility, extending the range and endurance of combat and support aircraft. The 161 ARW is known as the "Copperheads", reflecting Arizona’s copper mining heritage. The unit is integral to U.S. airpower projection, frequently deploying to forward locations and supporting domestic missions. The wing’s personnel, composed of full-time and part-time Air National Guard members, maintain high readiness to support both state and federal missions, ensuring rapid response to national security and humanitarian efforts.
