Established in 1942 as the 194th Heavy Bomber Squadron, the Grizzlies flew B-17G’s until the Airframes retirement in 1955. Following this, the 194th would be redesignated briefly as an Airlift unit flying C-97 Stratofreighters until finally transitioning to the KC-135A In 1960. In 1990, following concerns about the longevity of the Stratotanker, the Califia Air National Guard successfully petitioned to become one of the few units to receive the Air Defense Forces’ newest frontline Tanker, the KC-10 Extender.
It would not be long until the Grizzlies would put their new aircraft to the test. Flying hundreds of sorties during the 1995 Belkan War and again in 1997 with a detachment of KC-10’s deploying to Usea to support peacekeeping operations in the region.
Today the Grizzlies stand alert in November City, awaiting their nation's call.
