Key Field Air National Guard Base

Last week, Key Field Air National Guard Base was selected by the Dept. of the Air Force as one of four candidate locations eligible to receive the new KC-46A Pegasus aircraft. In the coming months, the Air Force will select one of these ANG bases for the new aircraft. With direction from Tate Reeves, guidance from The Adjutant General of the Mississippi National Guard and support from our Congressional Delegation in Washington, DC, the 186 ARW seeks to be the new home for the tanker of the future!

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A Final Flight, A Lasting Impact! ✈️🇺🇸

Last week, Maj. Jacquelyn Aycock marked her final flight on the KC-135, closing out her time with the 186th Air Refueling Wing.

Congratulations, Maj. Aycock, and thank you for your service! 🇺🇸

Congratulations to Senior Master Sgt. Justin Tyler on his promotion to senior master sergeant and his new role as wing first sergeant for the 186th Air Refueling Wing! 🎉🇺🇸

Tyler brings more than 24 years of military service to the 186th ARW. He previously served as first sergeant for the 172nd Airlift Wing Civil Engineer Squadron.

Join us in congratulating Senior Master Sgt. Tyler as he begins this new role and continues his commitment to taking care of Airmen.

Riding the skies one last time! ✈️🇺🇸

Last week, Col. Albert Germany marked his final flight on the KC-135 after more than 31 years of service at Key Field.

Germany concludes his career as the Deputy Commander of the Air Operations Group, leaving behind a legacy of dedicated service to the 186th Air Refueling Wing and the Airmen he served alongside.

Congratulations, Col. Germany, and thank you for more than three decades of service! 🇺🇸

🏃‍♀️Airmen Run for a Cause! 🏃💨

Congratulations to four members of the 186th Air Refueling Wing who placed in the Lean On Me 5K held Sept. 19 in downtown Meridian.

The 5K was part of the annual Lean On Me Jubilee, a community event focused on su***de awareness, prevention and support while bringing the community together through hope and connection.

From right to left:

Lt. Col. Denitra Hicks — first place in her age category, run

Staff Sgt. Michael Bittick — second place in his age category, run

Tech. Sgt. Jerrius Dowdy — third place in his age category, run

Master Sgt. LaToya Walcott — second overall, walk

Congratulations to these Airmen for their accomplishments and for representing the 186th ARW while supporting an important community cause.

Congratulations to Staff Sgt. Coley Shirley on his promotion to Staff Sergeant.

The rank of Staff Sgt. marks a transition point in an Airman's career, shifting the focus to leading, training, and managing others.

Congratulations to Maj. Christopher S. Massey of the 186th Comptroller Flight on his promotion to Major! 🎉🇺🇸

Massey was also awarded the Meritorious Service Medal! He distinguished himself through meritorious service as the Wing’s Budget Officer, overseeing millions in pay, allowances, operations and maintenance funds, unfunded requirements, and military construction.

His leadership and support enabled major operations, the activation and deployment of nearly 400 Airmen, and critical training and readiness efforts across the wing.

His dedication, professionalism, and commitment to the mission exemplify the outstanding Airmen of the 186th Air Refueling Wing.

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186 ARW Unveils New Tail Art on KC-135 Aircraft

Key Field Air National Guard Base, Miss. -- The 186th Air Refueling Wing unveiled new tail design artwork on one of the KC-135R aircraft assigned to the Wing on September 22, 2026. The artwork showcases the Wing’s Mississippi roots and Meridian’s aviation heritage.

Tail art traces its roots to the early days of military aviation, when markings on aircraft tails and rudders were first used primarily to identify aircraft and distinguish friendly forces. During World War I and the years that followed, these markings evolved to include colors, stripes, numbers and unit insignia, gradually becoming symbols of squadron and unit identity. Over time, units painted tails not only as identifiers, but as a visible representation of the unit history, heritage and pride. In this spirit of esprit de corps, the tradition continues today.

The artwork features the iconic “Key Bros” logo, honoring Meridian aviation pioneers Al and Fred Key, whose work helped advance air-to-air refueling technology. The brothers became interested in aviation following World War I and went on to make aviation history in 1935 when they remained airborne for 27 days over Meridian using air-to-air refueling. Their achievement established the aviation legacy that continues at Key Field today.

Click the link to read more!
https://dvidshub.net/r/px5dda

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Please join us in congratulating Maj. Richard Swink and Maj. John Watson of the Logistics Readiness Squadron on their promotion to the rank of Major!

Congratulations to Tech. Sgt. Reagan Rivet of the 186th Medical Group on her promotion to Technical Sergeant! 🎉🇺🇸

Rivet was also awarded the Air and Space Commendation Medal for her meritorious service as a Surgical Technologist.

Her dedication, professionalism, and commitment to the mission exemplify the outstanding Airmen of the 186th Air Refueling Wing.