121st Air Refueling Wing

We announce with great sadness the passing of Lyrica Rispress, a former member of the 121st Air Refueling Wing—our condolences to her family and friends.

https://www.smootfuneral.com/obituary/Lyrica-Rispress

"Never lose count."

Congratulations to Master Sgt. Tom Davis on his retirement after 37 years of faithful service to his community, state, and nation. The 121st Material Management Flight honored him by establishing the Tom Davis Award for Excellence!

📸by Senior Master Sgt. Ralph Branson

Congratulations to CMSgt Leslie Miller on her recent promotion! Currently serving as the Maintenance Operations Flight senior enlisted leader, Miller is the first female chief in the 121st Maintenance Group!

Congrats Chief!

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Robert Miller, 24th Surgeon General of the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force, visited the 121st Medical Group recently. Miller toured the group's brand-new medical facility and spoke to Airmen about the medical career field. Thanks for stopping by, sir!

📸 by Senior Master Sgt. Ralph Branson

✈️ 🤝🏼 ⚡️

It’s !!!

Some oldies, but goodies!

The F-35 Lightning II’s aerodynamic performance and advanced integrated avionics will provide the United States and allied nations with next-generation stealth, enhanced situational awareness, and reduced vulnerability. The KC-135 Stratotanker ensures the F-35 can reach anywhere on the globe anytime.

📸 by Tech. Sgt. Wendy Kuhn and Staff Sgt. Mikayla Gibbs

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WE ARE AT THE FAIR🎡🐮

Ohio Air and Army National Guard recruiters are at the Ohio State Fair from July 24-August 4, 2024. Please stop by and say hello to learn more about the National Guard and see some of our awesome equipment!

If you’re interested in joining the Air National Guard, contact our recruiters at (614)-492-3127 or email [email protected]

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We are so pleased that the Organization of Black Aviation Professionals' Aerospace Career Education Academy visited the 121st! The ACE Academy's young aviation enthusiasts were given a base tour, including stops at the Boom Operator Simulation System, KC-135 flight simulator, and a static display of a KC-135 Stratotanker.

📸 by Senior Master Sgt. Ralph Branson

🇺🇸IT'S A BIRD.... IT'S A PLANE.... IT'S THE THUNDERBIRDS✈️

Help us select our top shot!

The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds made their first appearance in 17 years at the Columbus Airshow at Rickenbacker International Airport on June 14-16, 2024. This year's event featured more than 20 military and civilian planes, including a KC-135 from the 121st Air Refueling Wing, which served as the base of operation for military aircraft participating in the show. Our public affairs team captured many photos throughout the show. Vote for your favorite by liking, commenting, and sharing; we'll make the winner our cover photo!

🫡Happy Retirement🇺🇸

Congratulations to Col. Scott Lerdon, a KC-135 Stratotanker pilot and former 121st Air Refueling Wing commander, on his retirement after 35 years of service to the community, state, and nation. Thank you, Sir, for everything you have done for the Airmen of the 121 ARW. Everyone here wishes you the best of luck with your new adventures.

📸 by Senior Airman Ivy Thomas

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✈️FINAL FLIGHT✈️

Recently, Lt. Col. Rod Jones, a KC-135 pilot with the 121 ARW, completed his final flight at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base! Jones was a pilot for 22 years!!

Congratulations, Sir, and best of luck with your new adventures!😊

📸 by Senior Airman Ivy Thomas

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Eye on the prize👀✈️

It’s !!

Recently, SMSgt Ryan Dunn, an in-flight refueling specialist with the 121 ARW, refueled a C-17 Globemaster III with the 911th Airlift Wing over the skies of Kentucky. The KC-135 Stratotanker enables the 911th mission of providing mission-ready C-17 airlift, aeromedical evacuation, and agile combat support.

📸 by Senior Airman Ivy Thomas

🔫💦FINI FLIGHT🎉🥳

On June 27, Col. Scott Lerdon, a KC-135 pilot and former commander of the 121 ARW, completed his final flight at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base! Lerdon served 35 years in the Air National Guard.

Congratulations, Sir! Everyone here wishes you the best of luck with your new adventures! We all thank you for everything you’ve done for every one of us!😊

📸 by Senior Airman Ivy Thomas

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✈️🤳🏽

It’s !!

Recently, civilian employers from across the state of Ohio participated in an orientation flight on a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 121 ARW as part of an Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Program at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Ohio, June 20, 2024. This flight allowed the employers to experience the various roles and missions of the 121st ARW.

📸 by Tech. Sgt. Alexis Wade

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Congratulations to CMSgt Jennifer Braskett, with the 121st Air Refueling Wing Communications Squadron, on her retirement after 24 years of service! Thank you, Ma’am, for everything you’ve done for the Airmen of the 121 ARW, and best of luck in the next chapter of your life!

📸 by Senior Airman Ivy Thomas

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Congratulations to SMSgt Erik Elmendorf and MSgt Joesph Thomas, with the 121st Air Refueling Wing Maintenance Squadron, on their retirement after many years of service to our state and nation! Thank you, and best of luck in the next chapter of your life!

📸 by Staff Sgt. Mikayla Gibbs

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Happy Juneteenth!

We join our nation in celebrating Juneteenth National Independence Day, honoring the end of slavery in the U.S. and the beginning of the fulfillment of the promise of life, liberty & the pursuit of happiness for all Americans.

🥵👀✈️

Happy !!

Question of the day:
What was your favorite part of the air show? Ours would have to be the KC-135 Eddie Shallow and fly over during the national anthem😍 She sure is a beaut!

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Thanks to all our retirees and former members that stopped by today for a small reunion. Be sure to check out our IG stories to hear from many of these former Airmen yourself! Their number one favorite thing about serving? THE PEOPLE!

📸 by Senior Master Sgt. Ralph Branson.


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Thanks to all our retirees and former members that stopped by today for a small reunion. Be sure to check out our FB stories to hear from many of these former Airmen yourself! Their number one favorite thing about serving? THE PEOPLE!

📸 by Senior Master Sgt. Ralph Branson

IT’S AIRSHOW TIME!! The Thunderbirds have arrived!🥳🇺🇸

Welcome to the buckeye state! The 121st Air Refueling Wing is thrilled to have you!

Airmen and families, prepare for three fun-filled days and enjoy the show!! 🔴⚪️🔵

📸 by Senior Airman Ivy Thomas

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Senior Master Sgt. Kelley Walker retired from the Air National Guard after 38 years of service to her country during a ceremony at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base this past weekend. She was joined by her family, friends, and colleagues to celebrate the beginning of this exciting new chapter in her life. Congratulations, Senior Master Sgt. Walker!

📸 by Tech. Sgt. Wendy Kuhn

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It’s !!

“The power of an Air Force is terrific when there is nothing to oppose it” -Winston Churchill

📸 by Staff Sgt. Tristen Miller

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Lt. Col. Frank Nappo assumed command of the 121st Operations Support Squadron and Lt. Col. David O'Donnell assumed command of the 166th Air Refueling Squadron during a ceremony at Rickenbacker Air National Guard base this past RSD weekend! Congratulations, Lt. Col. Nappo and Lt. Col. O'Donnell!

Congratulations to Major Adam Hermanns, 121st Air Refueling Wing Executive Officer, on his recent promotion!

🟠WHO DEY!!⚫

Recently, 121 ARW gave a base tour to over 20 Cincinnati Bengals rookies here! The tour included stops at the fire department, the Boom Operator Simulation System and flight simulator, a static display of a KC-135 Stratotanker, the Homeland Response Force team, aircrew flight equipment, security forces, and lunch with Airmen and families provided by Easter Seals.

📸 by Senior Airman Ivy Thomas

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Once a Buckeye, Always a Buckeye!🌰‼️

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Elisabeth Applegate, an Ohio State Alumni and former member of TBDBITL, started her career here at the 121 ARW and was promoted to colonel at Ohio Stadium on May 31. Col. Applegate is now the 7th Air Force Reserve Advisor to the Commander and Joint Air Component Coordination Element in Korea.

Congratulations Ma'am! O-H!

📸 by Senior Airman Ivy Thomas