The 157th Air Refueling Wing of the New Hampshire Air National Guard is located at Pease ANGB in Newington, N.H.. Based a few miles from the Seacoast, the 157th's KC-135s coming for landing at Pease ANGB are a familiar sight for beachcombers and fishermen since 1975. Organized in 1946, the New Hampshire Air National Guard was located at Grenier Field, Manchester, N.H. where its flying component received federal recognition as the 133rd Fighter Squadron (SE) on April 4, 1947. The 133rd F.S. traces its origins from the 529th F.S./ 311th F.G., which had flown combat operations in the CBI theater with NA A-36 and P-51s during World War II.

The 133rd FS/NH ANG was first equipped with P-47D and served on active duty during the Korean war from February 1, 1951 until October 31, 1952 in the air defense role from its home base. In November 1952, the 133rd re-equipped with F-51H until June 1954 when the N.H. ANG entered the jet age and joined the Air Defense community with the F-94A/B "Starfire", becoming the 133rd Fighter Interceptor Squadron in the process. The unit also received two T-33A used for pilot conversion training and two modified B-25 used to train radar observers.The 133rd became part of the Air Defense Group based in Vermont and was to provide air defense for New Hampshire and southern Maine. On April 16, 1956, the New Hampshire unit reached group status with the federal recognition of the 101st Fighter interceptor Group. The 133rd had been headquartered in Vermont as part of the Air Defense group since 1954. The same year, the 133rd FIS became the first ANG unit to receive the General Winston P.Wilson Trophy for the most outstanding Air Guard jet fighter interceptor unit. During April 1958, the 133rd was assigned the F-86L, its last fighter aircraft before a change of command and a new mission for the New Hampshire Air National Guard during 1960. The unit joined the Military Air Transport Service and was redesignated the 133rd Air Transport Squadron (Heavy), now flying the Boeing C-97A "Stratofreighter". On September 1, 1960, the group was renumbered and redesignated the 157th Air Transport Group. The unit had officially given up its 101ts Fighter Group designation to the State of Maine, becoming one of three groups assigned to the 133rd Air transportation Wing, Minnesota ANG. The New Hampshire ANG was again called to active duty during the Berlin Crisis and the 133rd ATS served in active support to the Berlin Airlift operations from Oct. 1, 1961 to Aug. 31, 1962. Equipped with eight C-97s and manned with 675 guardsmen, the unit stayed at Grenier Field during the crisis.

1966 saw the N.H. ANG moving to its present location, Pease AFB, a Strategic Air Command base situated near Portsmouth and under the new Military Airlift Command, the unit was redesignated the 157th Military Airlift Group. That year, as the unit settled into a new home, the 133rd Aeromedical Evacuation Flight was formed and comprised 13 flight nurses and 29 airmen serving as medical aide technicians. By March 1966, the 157th began regular logistical support for American forces in Vietnam and averaged two flights a month to Southeast Asia until 1971. In December 1967, the 157th again changed aircraft, exchanging its C-97s for the larger and slower C-124 C "Globemaster". The first C-124 arrived on February 9, 1968 and by late Fall, the ninth and last Globemaster touched down at Pease AFB. In the late sixties, the 157th's overseas commitment was growing and two to three-days flights within the U.S. were common. In 1969, the unit transported more than 1,000 tons of cargo and 2,000 passengers, its aircrews logging 5,236 hours on 44 overseas missions to Vietnam, England, France, Germany, Japan and Portugal. Both mission and aircraft changed again on April 6, 1971, when the Secretary of the Air Force announced the redesignation of the NH ANG to the 157th Tactical Airlift Group and a new assigned aircraft, the C-130A "Hercules". The 157th was now one of 10 C-130s ANG units assigned to TAC with a mission to provide mobility and logistical support for ground forces in all types of operations. The C-130A was the backbone of TAC's fleet, a medium assault transport with long-range (beyond 2,000 mile), high speed (220 to 300 miles per hour), and capable of landing or taking off from a short runway. The turbo-prop aircraft with a five-man crew could carry nearly 20 tons of cargo or 92 fully equipped troops, 64 paratroops or 74 litters patients and attendants. The first assigned C-130A arrived on July 8, 1971 from Lockbourne AFB, OH. During the fall of 1972, the 157th moved back to Grenier Field, due to major runway construction at Pease AFB. In October 1973, the 133rd Aeromedical Evacuation Flight was deactivated with the unit's 18 officers and 27 enlisted medical personnel filling vacancies and augmenting medical services in the 157th TAC Clinic. The unit converted back to MAC for a short period in 1975 prior to a final conversion.

The 157th AREFG was among the first units in the Air National Guard to convert to the KC-135A "Stratotanker" under Project Angler which began in FY75 and involved the conversion of ANG refueling squadrons to jet tankers. By October 1, the conversion was complete with the last of eight KC-135s on base by December 1975. During fiscal year 76, all ANG refueling units switched to SAC-gained status to preclude dual command management of tanker forces. In 1977, the 157th AREFG became the second ANG unit in SAC history to stand alert with the Alert force. The 157th AREFG remained under SAC control until July 1, 1991. The 157th AREFG finished 1979 by winning the 'Navigation' Trophy at Giant Voice'79 and was the first ANG or Air force Reserve unit to win a trophy in the 31-years history of the SAC competition. During 1981, subordinate units of the 157th AREFG achieved a level of excellence unprecedented in ANG history and received many Awards and Trophies in recognition for their excellence. The 157th AREFG also received the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award in 1983 and 1985. In 1984, the 157th's KC-135A were upgraded with higher-performing engines, TF33-PW-102 and redesignated KC-135E. This re-engining resulted in a fuel offload capability increased by 25 per cent and a 90 per cent reduction in air pollution. The first female pilot , 1st Lt. Ellen G.Hard began flying the KC-135E in August 1984. In the summer of 1986, the unit deployed to Moron AB, Spain where 300 NH ANG members were parts of Operation "Sentry Sunflower". Moron would become a a real-world deployed home for the 157th AREFG during Desert Storm and 1992's "Restore Hope". In 1988, the 157th AREFG was the first ANG unit to experience a joint ORI/UEI with an active duty Air Force unit, the 509th BMW co-located at Pease AFB and earned an Excellent rating. Late 1988 saw the announcement that Pease AFB would close and early 1989 confirmed that the 157th AREFG would remain in its own installations. For a two-year period, the 157th AREFG prepared for the day when it would assume a stand-alone status. That day arrived on April 1, 1991 as the 509th BW completed its departure from Pease AFB. During a ceremony lead by Col. J.K.Simeone, Group Commander, the base was formally renamed Pease Air National Guard Base. The 157th suffered its first major accident when on January 11, 1990, KC-135E 59-1494 caught fire and exploded on the Pease parking ramp. Fortunately, no one was on board when the aircraft exploded. The $12 million aircraft was completely destroyed.

"Desert Shield, Desert Storm" Since the invasion of Kuwait on August 2, 1990 the 157th AREFG flew in support of Operation Desert Shield. The first refueling mission involved about 40 Guard members and by mid-October, more than 200 missions had been flown to support the build up of American forces in the Persian Gulf region. For the first time since the Vietnam War, the 157th flew directly into a potential area of conflict. On October 12, 1990, KC-135E 57-1428 roared down the Pease AFB runway and took off for the Group's first mission to Saudi Arabia. During Operation Desert Storm, 157th's KC-135E operated with the 1709th ARW (P) based at Jeddah/King Abdul Aziz Intl Airport while 2 of the unit's KC-135E were transferred to the 126th AREFW/ IL ANG during the Gulf War and operated out of Cairo, Egypt for the duration. One aircraft, 59-1448 flew 23 Desert Storm missions during its stays in Egypt. On February 28, 1991, the Gulf war was over and with the end of hostilities in the Middle East, the 157th AREFG got actively involved in the re-deployment of troops and aircrafts. The 157th's KC-135E participated in a refueling mission that brought back the first F-15s to Langley AFB, Va. On May 31, 1991, the 157th AREFG was released from active duty. During "Desert Shield/Desert Storm", the 157th launched 322 sorties, flew 1,529 hours and off-loaded 13,743,000 pounds of fuel to 20 different types of aircraft.

"Restore Hope"

Nineteen months after the return of those deployed for Desert Storm, the 157th AREFG was back in action. On December 3, 1992, during a visit to AMC Headquarters at Scott AFB, Il., the Group's Commander Col. J.K.Simeone was informed that he would be the commander of a Tanker Task Force to be formed 'somewhere'. Moron AB was finally chosen as the location for the Task Force. Situated near the southern coast of Spain, the base offered a strategic location in the air bridge to Somalia. Superior fueling capacity and ramp space made the facility a perfect place to host at least 20 tanker aircrafts. The 157th AREFG was given just 48 hours to prepare for deployment. After intense preparations, the initial deploying force of two KC-135E and 80 personnel departed on time. Soon after, other units were on their way too. Within a six-hour period, twelve KC-135E landed at Moron AB on Saturday morning. Because the refueling area was situated over open ocean, air tracks had to be cleared by traffic controllers without conflict with commercial aircrafts. A refueling track stretching all the way from Nantuckett, MA. to the Mediterranean was cleared for operations. With all clearances in hand, the MTTF flew 10 sorties in the first five days of operations and on December 11, the force had completed 14 air refueling in one day.

After 26 days of operations, the MTTF had completed 300 sorties, flown 1175 hours and delivered 3,588,583. gallons of fuel. On December 30, 1992, AMC announced that the Moron Tanker Task Force would become an all-active force by January 15. ANG and Reserve units prepared to go home after a job well done! In February 1993, the 157th AREFG was honored with two Awards from 15th Air Force. The 157th AREFG was declared Outstanding Tanker Air Reserve Force of the year for 1992 and the 133rd ARS, the operation's unit of the 157th, won the Award for Outstanding Tanker Flying Squadron of the year for 1992.

"KC-135R Conversion"

On January 11, 1993, the 157th AREFG received the news that it would undergo an aircraft conversion. Staying with the air refueling mission, the 157th was soon to convert to the KC-135R. All the KC-135E had a long and rich history with the unit and performed very well during their service with the N.H.ANG, thanks to their crewchief and other maintenance personnel that took very good care of these aircrafts. From 1975 to 1983, the same eight aircraft s have flown with the 157th AREFG and the only KC-135 in the Group's fleet continuously since 1975 up to June 1993 has been aircraft 56-3650 "Numbah I". the art work on this particular aircraft reflects on the KC-135's visits to Vietnam and the local way of saying 'number'. Arriving at Pease AFB on November 14, 1975, it was the first aircraft to be converted to E-model in March 1984. In June 1993, 56-3650 was flown to March AFB, Ca. to serve with the 163rd Air Refueling Group/CA ANG.

On June 5, 1993, KC-135E 59-1448 crewed by members of the 163rd AREFG was the first tanker to leave the 157th AREFG and fly west to its new home in California. One of the 157th's KC-135E, 59-1450 was dedicated to Col. William J.Hamilton, a former 157th commander and in its honor, received a nose art depicting a Block B which was the designator of Hamilton's 95th Bombardment Group in England during World War II. One of the unit's very best aircraft was KC-135E 56-3593 "America's Best" with an appropriate nose art. Considered by many in the 157h AREFG to be the nicest looking and cleanest in the fleet, this particular aircraft was often chosen for VIP tours. This KC-135 served with the unit since May 1986 until its transfer in November 1993. Having previously served with the 509th BMW at Pease AFB from 1966 to 1975, KC-135A 59-1505 came back to Pease AFB in January 1983, this time to serve with the 157th AREFG. In 1992, KC-135E 59-1505 became the first and only 157th's tanker to be painted in the USAF "Duck egg blue".

During 1987, the 157th AREFG gained 2 more KC-135E to augment the fleet to 10 aircrafts. During all its years of operations with the KC-135, the 157th lost only one aircraft when KC-135E 59-1494 was written-off in a ground accident at Pease AFB on January 11, 1990. The unit received KC-135E 56-3626 as a replacement. During 1993, most of the 157th's KC-135E were transferred to the 163rd AREFG/CA ANG at March AFB, CA.

In 1994, the 157th fleet was downsized to 9 Primary Assigned Aircraft after the transfer of two to the Alaskan ANG during the summer. To facilitate training of aircrews and ground crews as well, the 157th received a KC-135R model simulator in February 1997. The KC-135R is primarily a tanker but is also used as a cargo carrier and troop transport. Fuel is transferred via a boom on the tail section but a probe and drogue air refueling adapter kit can also be installed on the end of the boom for refueling Navy, Marines and some NATO's aircraft. The cargo compartment and load carrying capabilities of the aircraft make it possible to carry up to 58 passengers and a maximum flight weight of 322,500 lbs. The KC-135R can also carry up to 6 pallets during cargo missions.

During 1994, the 157th ARG was awarded the Carl A.Spaatz Memorial Trophy by the National Guard Association of the United States for being the overall Air National Guard outstanding flying unit for 1993. For the second time in three years!. This trophy is presented annually to the overall outstanding Air National Guard flying unit and was designed to recognize the outstanding ANG unit who has shown excellence in achievement, dedication and service to the mission of the Air national Guard. During 1993, the 157th flew 976 sorties in 2,949 hours, offloading almost nine million pounds of fuel to 1,469 receivers.The 157th ARG was also recognized by AMC for 100,000 hours of flying time without a Class A mishap during June 1994.

In March 1995, the 157th ARG deployed more than 300 unit members to Volk Field Combat Readiness Training Center, WI. for five days of realistic field training with two other ANG units, the 164th AG from the Tennessee ANG and the 107th ARG from the NY ANG. From May to June, the Group was the lead unit providing aerial refueling in support of Operation Deny Flight and deployed 135 aircrew, maintenance and support people, to Istres, France.

On October 1, the 157th was redesignated an Air Refueling Wing. The Northeast Tanker Task Force was established at Pease ANGB and operations started with the new year. In February 1996, the 157th ARW deployed for two weeks to Geilenkirchen AB, Germany to refuel NATO's E-3 AWACS aircraft in support of on-going Deny Flight missions. In November of the same year, the 157th completed its first major European deployment since 1995. The unit operated from Pisa, Italy to support NATO's Operation Decisive Endeavor.

April 14, 1997 marked the NH ANG's 50th anniversary of the 133rd Fighter Squadron's first formation at Grenier Field in Manchester, NH. Commemorative events were reported to September due to the ORI taking place in April. Nearly 400 members of the unit deployed to Fort Hood, TX for the wing's Air Mobility Command ORI. On September 20, the unit's first air show since May 1990 was held to celebrate the 50th anniversary and drew some 50,000 spectators to the flight-line area. On October 15, history was made when the Guard's first all-female flight crew flew and transported some 40 active and retired Army and Air National Guard women to Washington, D.C., and back. They were traveling to the dedication of the new Memorial to Women in Military Service to America. The flight was composed of Capt. Laurie Farris, aircraft commander, 1st Lt. Justyna Hudson, co-pilot, and Maj. Nicole Bixler, navigator. TSgt. Elaina D'Orto served as boom operator on the flight.

The 157th Air Refueling Wing took on air traffic control duties in October 1997 when the 260th Air Traffic Control Squadron stood up at Pease ANGB. November 1997 saw the 157th deployed to Incirlik AB, Turkey to support Operation Northern Watch, a U.N.-mandated no-fly zone over Iraq's northern border. While there, the unit refueled USAF and other NATO aircraft such as Turkish F-4s and F-16s, British Tornadoes. During December 1998, the Tanker Task Force was kept pretty busy to support movement to Southwest Asia of an Air Expeditionary force. 19 KC-135R assembled at Pease to support the deployment of fighters and bombers to the theater.

Pease ANGB was one of two ANG 'Pacer Crag' conversion sites in the United States in 1998. Pacer Crag stands for Compass, Radar and GPS replacement. The first aircraft to be converted was a KC-135R from the 107th ARW, NY ANG. The 157th saw its own aircraft converted in the fall of 1998. Pacer Crag is being accomplished through a combination of contract field teams by Raytheon Aerospace personnel working on a five-year contract. The modifications allow the KC-135R to be safely flown by two pilots and a boom operator. The 157th Operations group accepted its first Pacer crag aircraft on September 9, 58-0008 was the first a/c.

1999 saw the 157th ARW returning to Incirlik AB, Turkey, with the 107th ARW for Northern Watch. Three KC-135R along with three all volunteer and maintenance crews deployed for a 30 days deployment. Members of the 260th ATCS were called to active duty in May as part of a Presidential Selective Reserve Call-up because of the conflict in Kosovo. About 30 members deployed for 270 days with members of the 259th ATCS, LA ANG to provide tactical air traffic control services to airfields without such support. During June and July, the 157th ARW supported 41 tankers that came through Pease as part of the Kosovo redeployment effort. The Task Force helped move more than 154 fighter aircraft coming back home.

Within hours after the tragic events of September 11, 2001, the 157th ARW had an aircraft in the skies over the Northeast providing aerial refueling support to fighter jets flying CAP over major cities. In the weeks that followed, the wing not only provided refueling support, but played a major role in coordinating all refueling operations in the Northeastern United States. The 157th Air Refueling Wing also participated in Operation Noble Eagle and Enduring Freedom.

In the summer of 2005, members of the 157th ARW deployed to New Orleans, LA, to assist with post Hurricane Katrina operations. A year later, the 157th was called upon by the State of New Hampshire with flood waters resulting from a week of solid rain. In the spring of 2007, almost 150 members of the 157th were mobilized again to assist local authorities of New Hampshire with flood waters. Today, the 157th Air Refueling Wing and its eight KC-135R continue to provide support to the Air Force at home and abroad, and fulfil its state mission.