116th Air Refueling Squadron to celebrate centennial Sunday

FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE — One of the oldest Air National Guard units is turning 100 this year.

The 141st Air Refueling Wing, Washington Air National Guard, will be hosting a 100th Anniversary Birthday Bash honoring the 116th Air Refueling Squadron at Fairchild Air Force Base on Sunday, according to an announcement from the Washington Air National Guard.

Originally organized as 116 Aero Squadron in 1917, the unit was constituted in the National Guard and assigned to Washington in 1921, according to information from the U.S. Air Force, and federally recognized Aug. 6, 1924. The 116th was stationed all over the Northwest in the ensuing decades, including a stint at Moses Lake Air Force Base in 1951.

Over the years personnel have changed, planes have changed, and even its airfield has changed, but one thing has remained constant over the last 100 years — their commitment to mobilize in defense and support of neighbor and nation, the WANG wrote in the announcement.

The ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. and will feature a history of the squadron’s Ace of Spades insignia, opening comments by the Commander 141st Air Refueling Wing, Col. James McGovern, and a flyover featuring an A-10 Warthog, F-15 Eagle, and a KC-135 Stratotanker, according to the announcement.