The 97th Air Mobility Wing, based at Altus Air Force Base in Oklahoma, plays a crucial role in the United States Air Force's strategic airlift operations. The unit supports all branches of the US armed forces with missions that include aerial refueling, aeromedical evacuation, and humanitarian relief flights.
The base houses a fleet of aircraft such as the KC-135 and KC-46 tankers and the C-17 cargo plane. The wing is committed to providing exceptional air mobility support globally. Its history dates back to September 11, 1947, when it was established as the 97th Bombardment Wing. Over time, it has evolved from flying Boeing B-29 Superfortress bombers to its current focus on air mobility.
The wing was reorganized in 1992 to operate aircraft like the C-5 Galaxy and KC-135 Stratotanker. According to the McChord Air Museum, "the 97th has consistently demonstrated excellence in air mobility," contributing significantly to global operations.