The 155th Air Refueling Wing (ARW) traces its origins to 1 June 1960, when it was established as the 155th Fighter Group as part of an expansion of the highly decorated 173rd Fighter-Interceptor Squadron. In its early years, the unit earned national recognition, including multiple Winston P. Wilson Trophies and the prestigious Spaatz Trophy, marking it as one of the finest flying units in the Air National Guard.  

In 1964, the unit transitioned from air defense to tactical reconnaissance, becoming the 155th Tactical Reconnaissance Group and operating aircraft such as the RF‑84 Thunderflash and later the RF‑4C Phantom II, which arrived in 1971. This reconnaissance mission continued for nearly three decades.  

A major transformation came in 1992, when the Air Force retired the last F‑4 Phantoms and directed the unit to convert to the KC‑135R Stratotanker. The 155th achieved operational capability ahead of schedule, and on 1 October 1995, it was redesignated as the 155th Air Refueling Wing.  

The Wing flew its first combat missions in 1999, becoming the first Air National Guard tanker unit tasked to support Operation Allied Force during the NATO air campaign in Kosovo. Its rapid deployment and leadership in tanker operations during the conflict highlighted its growing global role.  

Today, based at Lincoln Air National Guard Base, the 155th ARW continues to provide worldwide aerial refueling capability with the KC‑135R, supporting U.S. and allied operations across the globe.