92nd ARS celebrates 59th birthday

FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- The 92nd Air Refueling Squadron celebrated their 59th birthday along with members of the 93rd ARS Sept. 13.

The event consisted of a toast to honor fallen 92nd ARS members, a trip down memory lane and the history of the 92nd ARS, a cookout and a live video chat with deployed members of the squadron.

“Members of our squadron are always on the move, whether it be deployed, TDYs or training,” said Capt. Jason Whitehead, 92nd ARS training officer. “Coming together via the video chat, we were able to honor the fallen and look forward to the future together. Wherever we go, we are Blackhawks and represent the 92nd ARS.”

The squadron started out in 1941 as the 92nd Reconnaissance Squadron which operated out of March Field, California. In 1942, the squadron became the 392nd Bombardment Squadron, pulling double duty as a reconnaissance and bomber instructor squadron. A year later the squadron moved to a combat role operating throughout the pacific theater.

In 1945, the squadron was deactivated until it was reconstituted into the 92nd Air Refueling Squadron at Bergstrom AFB, Texas. In September 1957, the 92nd ARS was moved to its current location at Fairchild.

“The squadron came together to make the birthday celebration a success,” said Whitehead. “Over the years, the 92nd has played a pivotal role and now that we are a refueling squadron, we continue the history of excellence.”