An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

MC-12W arrives at Will Rogers

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Kasey Phipps
  • 137th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
WILL ROGERS AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Okla. --  For the first time since 2007, flying operations here are officially back on.

The 137th Air Refueling Wing recognized the MC-12W's arrival during a ribbon cutting ceremony here, Aug. 1.

Army Maj. Gen. Robbie Asher, Oklahoma National Guard adjutant general, said the MC-12 mission is going to be challenging, exciting and demanding.

"There is a huge need for this aircraft in theaters around the world," he said.

Now, Airmen can actually see the mission firsthand, said Col. Devin Wooden, 137th ARW commander.

"Bringing flight operations back lets everyone know what they're supporting is actually taking place," he said. "It gives a visual indicator of what it is we're here to do."

This MC-12's arrival is part of the 137th ARW's transition to the Air Force Special Operations Command

Lt. Gen. Bradley Heithold, AFSOC commander, said he looks forward to partnering with the Oklahoma Air National Guard.

"The whole reason why we're standing up this wing here is so we can provide more ISR to combatant commanders," he said. "It's vitally important to the success of our mission on the battlefield."

The MC-12 is the first of 13 aircraft slated to arrive at Will Rogers.

"We're very excited to have the mission back and to have everybody here and back under one roof," Wooden said.