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163rd Attack Wing
163rd Attack Wing
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163rd Attack Wing
163rd Reconnaissance Wing MQ-1 and T-41 chase plane
Active1958 – present
Country United States
Allegiance California
Branch  Air National Guard
TypeWing
RoleRPA Ground Attack
Part ofCalifornia Air National Guard
Garrison/HQMarch Air Reserve Base, Riverside, California
NicknameGrizzlys
Tail Code"CA"
Insignia
163rd Reconnaissance Wing emblem

The 163rd Attack Wing (163 ATKW) is a unit of the California Air National Guard (CA ANG), stationed at March Air Reserve Base in Riverside, California. When activated into federal service, elements of the 163 ATKW are gained by the United States Air Force's Air Combat Command (ACC) and Air Education and Training Command (AETC).[1]

Overview

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The 163 ATKW is one of the first Air National Guard units to fly the MQ-1 Predator. The unit was featured in an ABC News story on 12 January 2010.[2] The wing has since retired the MQ-1 and currently flies the MQ-9 Reaper remotely piloted aircraft (RPA).

The mission of the 163 ATKW is to execute global unmanned aerial systems, combat support, and humanitarian missions by Air National Guard men and women.[3]

Units

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The 163rd Attack Wing consists of the following units:[4]

  • 163rd Operations Group
    • 196th Attack Squadron
    • 160th Attack Squadron (FTU)
    • 163rd Operations Support Squadron
    • 210th Weather Flight
  • 163rd Mission Support Group
  • 163rd Maintenance Group
  • 163rd Medical Group

History

[edit]
California Air National Guard 196th Fighter Interceptor Squadron F-102A Delta Dagger in 1970[5]

Air Defense Command

[edit]

On 17 May 1958, the California Air National Guard's196th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron (196 FIS) at Ontario International Airport was authorized to expand to a group level and the 163rd Fighter-Interceptor Group (163 FIG) was established with the 196 FIS became the group's flying squadron. Other units assigned into the group were the 163rd Material Squadron, 163rd Air Base Squadron, and the 163rd USAF Dispensary. The group's mobilization gaining command was Air Defense Command (ADC)

Initially flying North American F-86A Sabre day interceptors, the squadron upgraded to F-86Hs in 1959 and to Convair F-102 Delta Daggers in 1965. The F-102 was being phased out of active duty units in the early 1960s and the 163rd was one of the last ANG units to replace its F-86 Sabres. The F-102, however, was obsolescent as an interceptor by the time it was received by the 163 FIG. The Delta Daggers soldiered into the early 1970s until they were retired to the Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Center at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona.

Serving with distinction, the unit received two Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards for extended periods ending in 1964 and 1974.

Tactical Air Command

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On 8 March 1975, the unit took on the challenge of a new mission and its mobilization gaining command became Tactical Air Command as the group became the 163rd Tactical Air Support Group. The 163rd received the 0-2A/B "Super Skymaster" to accomplish the unit's new role.

196th TFS F-4C about 1987[6]

In October 1982, the 163rd assumed a tactical fighter role flying the McDonnell Douglas F-4C Phantom II. The group concurrently moved to March Air Force Base, near Riverside, into new facilities specifically built for the unit and became a tenant ANG wing at the then-Strategic Air Command (SAC) installation.

On 21 March 1987, Captain Dean Paul Martin ("Dino", son of entertainer Dean Martin), a pilot in the 196th Tactical Fighter Squadron crashed his F-4C into San Gorgonio Mountain, California shortly after departure from March AFB during a snow storm. Both Martin and his Weapons System Officer (WSO), Capt Ramon Ortiz were killed.[7]

The 163rd transitioned to the upgraded F-4E Phantom II on 1 April 1987. This newer aircraft incorporated more sophisticated electronics and weaponry.

In July 1990, the unit once again changed missions and was redesignated the 163rd Tactical Reconnaissance Group. The 163rd was equipped with RF-4C unarmed reconnaissance model of the Phantom II aircraft and maintained a dual state/federal mission. The unit's primary mission was to provide tactical reconnaissance to all friendly forces. The unit was also actively involved in statewide missions. This was accomplished by using a system of visual, optical, electronic, and other sensors. During this time the aircrews accumulated over 30,000 hours of flying time and the unit deployed across both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.

The 163rd deployed to Pisa Airport, Italy, in support of Operation Decisive Endeavor. While deployed, the unit flew as the lead unit in support of flight operations over Bosnia.

Air Refueling

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196th Air Refueling Squadron KC-135R

After the end of Operation Desert Storm in 1991, the phaseout of the RF-4C Phantom II with the Air National Guard was accelerated. In 1993, the RF-4s were retired to Davis-Monthan. The squadron became an air refueling group and was equipped with Boeing KC-135E Stratotankers. As a result of this change in mission and aircraft, the 163rd's mobilization gaining command became Air Mobility Command. In 1995, the group expanded and became the 163rd Air Refueling Wing. The wing later transitioned to the KC-135R Stratotanker.

In one of the highest profile military events of the year, nearly 100 members and three KC-135R aircraft from the 163rd wing deployed in support of Operation Allied Force. The 163rd flew combat missions around-the-clock refueling North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) aircraft, including complex night formation sorties with the F-117A Nighthawk Stealth Fighter. 1999 also saw the 163rd's Pacer Crag conversion begin in June and complete by the end of the year. This extensive aircraft modernization project meant intensive aircrew training and was expected to extend the life of the 40-year-old Boeing jet beyond the year 2020.

The wing and its 196th Air Refueling Squadron were widely recognized for achievements in 1999 and earned the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for the fourth time. The award covers a period during which the unit deployed 300 personnel and three aircraft to Pisa Airport, Italy in support of Operation Decisive Endeavor and also flew as the lead unit in support of flight operations over Bosnia. The 163rd Operations Support Flight, 163rd Logistics Group, 163rd Logistics Squadron, and the 196th Air Refueling Squadron also earned the Governor's Outstanding Unit Citation.

The 163rd provided support to NATO's Operation Joint Forge while deployed to Istres Air Base, France from 31 October through 3 December 2000, deploying three KC-135 Stratotanker air refueling aircraft along with nearly 210 personnel. As part of Air Expeditionary Force 9, the 163rd "Grizzlies" also sent personnel to Kuwait, Germany, France, Saudi Arabia and Turkey from October through December 2000.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle operations

[edit]

During a ceremony 28 November 2007 at March Air Reserve Base, the 163rd Air Refueling Wing became the 163rd Reconnaissance Wing, taking on the Predator mission in place of its KC-135R tankers. The wing's last KC-135R left in April 2008. The wing was the first Air National Guard unit to receive the MQ-1 Predator armed unmanned reconnaissance aircraft and was the first to become a fully functional ANG Flying Training Unit (FTU) and to operate a Field Training Detachment (FTD) for the Predator.

The wing operates its MQ-1s out of March ARB, but also uses the restricted airspace near Edwards Air Force Base in southern California for training, operating a detachment from Southern California Logistics Airport, the former George Air Force Base, northeast of March ARB in Victorville. The 163rd also flies its Predators under the service's "remote split operations" approach. This means that the aircraft and a contingent of maintainers are deployed forward, along with some pilots to handle takeoffs and landings. However, the majority of the wing's pilots remain stateside and operate the aircraft via satellite communications links.

The wing's FTU falls under Air Combat Command and previously trained pilots and sensor operators to become Predator aircrew and now trains them as MQ-9 Reaper aircrew. The FTD, which falls under Air Education and Training Command, previously trained enlisted personnel to build, maintain and repair the Predator and now performs the same training mission utilizing the Reaper.[8]

On 28 August 2013, a Predator flew over the Rim Fire in California providing infrared video of lurking fires, after receiving emergency approval.[9][10]

On 1 July 2015 the 163rd Reconnaissance Wing became the 163rd Attack Wing, and switched from flying the MQ-1 Predator to the MQ-9 Reaper[11]

Lineage

[edit]
  • Constituted as the 163rd Fighter Group (Air Defense), and allotted to California ANG, 1958
Extended federal recognition and activated on 17 May 1958
  • Redesignated: 163rd Fighter-Interceptor Group on 15 September 1972
Redesignated: 163rd Tactical Air Support Group on 8 March 1975
Redesignated: 163rd Tactical Fighter Group on 1 October 1982
Redesignated: 163rd Tactical Reconnaissance Group on 1 July 1990
Redesignated: 163rd Reconnaissance Group on 16 March 1992
Redesignated: 163rd Air Refueling Group on 1 October 1993
Redesignated: 163rd Air Refueling Wing on 1 October 1995
Redesignated: 163rd Reconnaissance Wing on 28 November 2007
Redesignated: 163rd Attack Wing on 1 July 2015

Assignments

[edit]
Gained by: 27th Air Division, Air Defense Command
Gained by: Los Angeles Air Defense Sector, Air Defense Command, 1 July 1960
Gained by: 27th Air Division, Air Defense Command (later Aerospace Defense Command), 1 April 1966
Gained by: 26th Air Division, Aerospace Defense Command, 1 January 1970
Gained by: Tactical Air Command, 8 March 1975
Gained by: Air Combat Command, 1 June 1992
Gained by: Air Mobility Command, 1 October 1993
Elements gained by: Air Combat Command, 28 November 2007
Elements gained by: Air Education and Training Command, 28 November 2007

Components

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Stations

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  • Ontario Municipal Airport, California, 7 May 1958
  • March Air Force Base (later March Air Reserve Base), California, 1 October 1982 – Present
Elements at Southern California Logistics Airport, California, 1 June 2012 – Present

Aircraft

[edit]

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

163rd Attack Wing

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The 163rd Attack Wing (163 ATKW) is a unit of the California Air National Guard stationed as a tenant organization at March Air Reserve Base in Riverside, California, where it operates the MQ-9 Reaper remotely piloted aircraft to provide intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and precision strike capabilities in support of federal, state, and domestic missions. Comprising approximately 950 personnel as of 2023, including dual-status technicians and traditional guardsmen, the wing maintains a dual federal-state role under the U.S. Constitution, contributing to global combat operations, national emergencies, and civil support such as disaster relief for floods, earthquakes, and wildfires. The wing's lineage traces back to the Army Air Corps' 411th Fighter Squadron during World War II, but it was formally established as the 163rd unit on November 9, 1946, when the 196th Fighter Squadron was activated at Norton Air Force Base in San Bernardino, California, and equipped with F-80C Shooting Star jets in 1948 as one of the first Air National Guard units to receive jet aircraft. Over the decades, it underwent numerous redesignations and mission shifts, including activation for the Korean War in 1950 with F-84E Thunderjets, transition to fighter-interceptor roles under NORAD in 1958 and adopting F-102 Delta Daggers in 1965, and tactical air support duties in 1975 using O-2A/B Super Skymasters. By 1982, it had moved to March Air Force Base and adopted F-4 Phantom aircraft, later shifting to reconnaissance with RF-4Cs in 1990 and air refueling with KC-135 Stratotankers in 1993, before becoming the first Air National Guard unit to operate the MQ-1 Predator unmanned aerial vehicle in 2006 and redesignating as the 163rd Attack Wing in 2015 to focus on MQ-9 Reaper operations. The wing has earned multiple Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards, including for periods ending in 1964 and 1974. Today, the 163rd Attack Wing is organized into four primary groups: the Operations Group, which includes the 196th and 160th Attack Squadrons for MQ-9 flight operations, the 163rd Operational Support Squadron, and the 210th Weather Flight; the Maintenance Group for 24/7 aircraft sustainment; the Medical Group for health and fitness support; and the Mission Support Group, encompassing security forces, civil engineering, logistics, communications, and services squadrons to sustain over 900 personnel. Under the command of Colonel Amee C. Howard, the wing emphasizes core Air Force values of integrity, service, and excellence while adapting to emerging challenges, such as the launch of a first-of-its-kind command-and-control (C2) relay site by the Hap Arnold Innovation Center (HAIC) to advance multi-domain operations and homeland defense, and supporting domestic operations like wildfire response with MQ-9 assets.

Overview

Role and Mission

The 163rd Attack Wing (163 ATKW) is a unit of the (CA ANG), active since and headquartered at (ARB) in . Known as the "Grizzlies," the wing specializes in remotely piloted (RPA) operations, providing ground attack capabilities through the MQ-9 Reaper. As one of five CA ANG units, it contributes to national defense by delivering persistent intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) while integrating with joint and coalition forces for global combat support. The wing's primary role involves executing RPA ground attack missions, emphasizing precision and persistence in contested environments. Its specific mission sets include ISR to gather real-time intelligence for battlefield awareness, close air support (CAS) to protect ground troops under threat, and precision strikes to neutralize high-value targets with minimal collateral damage using the MQ-9 Reaper's advanced sensors and weaponry. These operations enable the wing to support commanders in combat zones worldwide, often in coordination with active-duty Air Force components under Air Combat Command (ACC). Following its redesignation as an attack wing on July 1, 2015, the 163rd ATKW has enhanced its focus on offensive RPA capabilities, building on a transition from manned to unmanned aircraft in the mid-2000s to meet evolving national security demands. This shift has positioned the wing as a key provider of agile combat airpower, homeland defense, and emergency response support to civil authorities during state activations. As of 2025, the wing continues to innovate in MQ-9 operations, including hosting Exercise Reaper Smoke 2025 in May, where more than 200 MQ-9 Reaper Airmen from across the country trained in maritime domain operations for Pacific stability.

Base and Organization

The 163rd Attack Wing is headquartered at March Air Reserve Base in Riverside County, California, a facility established in 1918 as March Field during World War I to train aviators and support military aviation expansion. Originally named Alessandro Flying Training Field and renamed in honor of Second Lieutenant Peyton C. March Jr., son of Army Chief of Staff Peyton C. March, who was killed in a training accident, the base evolved through closures and reopenings, serving as a Strategic Air Command installation during the Cold War before its 1996 realignment to reserve status under the Air Force Reserve Command. As a shared facility, March Air Reserve Base hosts the active 452nd Air Mobility Wing of the Air Force Reserve while accommodating tenant units like the 163rd Attack Wing from the California Air National Guard, functioning as a key logistics hub in Southern California for air mobility, deployments, and regional support operations. The wing's follows the standard U.S. wing model, consisting of a element and four primary groups: the 163rd Operations Group, 163rd Maintenance Group, 163rd Group, and 163rd Mission . The oversees command functions, including affairs, , and plans, while the groups provide specialized support in operations, , services for approximately personnel, and mission sustainment through , , and communications. Comprising around 950 dual-status technicians and traditional guardsmen, the wing maintains a lean yet capable force tailored for its remotely piloted aircraft mission. The wing's insignia, known by the nickname "Grizzlies," features an emblem with a grizzly bear in the lower section, symbolizing California heritage and state mission ties, set against elements representing the coastline, Pacific Ocean, and aviation gridlines on a light blue and silver field bordered in yellow. Aircraft assigned to the unit bear the tail code "CA" and a distinctive blue stripe with four white stars, approved in 1968.

Units

Operations Group

The 163rd Operations Group serves as the core operational command element of the 163rd Attack Wing, overseeing all flying activities and mission execution involving MQ-9 Reaper remotely piloted aircraft (RPA). Headquartered at March Air Reserve Base, California, the group is typically led by a colonel who directs the integration of combat, training, and support functions to deliver global intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and precision strike capabilities. It ensures the wing's Airmen maintain high levels of readiness for federal deployments, state emergency responses, and humanitarian missions, emphasizing agile combat support and homeland defense. The group's oversight extends to coordinating 24/7 operations, real-world scenario training, and total force partnerships with active-duty and reserve units. The 196th Attack Squadron functions as the wing's primary combat unit, executing MQ-9 Reaper missions focused on time-sensitive targeting, battlefield damage assessment, and persistent ISR in support of joint and coalition forces. Squadron personnel operate from ground control stations to conduct strikes and provide real-time video feeds for tactical decision-making, contributing to operations across multiple theaters. Deployment history includes forward basing in the Indo-Pacific, such as a 2023 mission to the Philippines and a 2025 month-long joint training exercise with South Korean forces, where MQ-9 Reapers provided intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance support. Training emphasizes advanced tactics development, with participation in exercises like Reaper Smoke 2025, which simulated multi-domain operations to refine crew proficiency and interoperability. As the dedicated Formal Training Unit (FTU) within the Air National Guard, the 160th Attack Squadron specializes in initial qualification and advanced instruction for MQ-9 Reaper pilots and sensor operators, producing combat-ready crews for the total Air Force enterprise. This unique role involves delivering structured curricula on RPA flight operations, sensor employment, and mission tactics, training both Guard members and partner units from active-duty squadrons like the 492nd Attack Squadron. The squadron's programs emphasize simulator-based and live-flight scenarios to build expertise in ISR collection, target prosecution, and multi-aircraft coordination, ensuring a steady pipeline of qualified personnel for global missions. Its contributions extend to joint exercises that integrate new trainees into operational environments, fostering seamless total-force integration. The 163rd Operations Support Squadron delivers critical enablers for RPA mission success, managing airspace deconfliction, intelligence fusion, and operational planning to synchronize flying activities with broader wing objectives. Its functions include developing weapons and tactics guidance, conducting flight scheduling, and providing mobility support, while intelligence specialists analyze threats and disseminate actionable data to aircrews. In practice, the squadron supports dynamic environments by integrating real-time intelligence into mission briefs, ensuring compliance with rules of engagement and airspace restrictions during high-tempo operations. Weather integration and life support preparations further enhance operational tempo, allowing seamless transitions from training to deployed scenarios. The 210th Weather Flight offers specialized meteorological services tailored to RPA operations, providing forecasts, advisories, and climatological data essential for mission planning and execution in variable conditions. Flight meteorologists monitor atmospheric impacts on MQ-9 endurance, sensor performance, and launch/recovery windows, delivering briefings that mitigate risks from turbulence, icing, or visibility issues during ISR and strike sorties. This support is vital for state missions like wildfire monitoring, where precise weather insights enable safe overflights and accurate hotspot detection, and for federal tasks requiring persistent aerial presence in austere environments. The flight collaborates closely with operations squadrons to embed weather data into daily planning cycles.

Support Groups

The 163rd Attack Wing's support groups provide essential non-flying functions to ensure operational readiness and sustainability of MQ-9 Reaper missions, encompassing maintenance, mission support, and medical services for over 900 personnel. These groups enable the wing's 24/7 intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and attack capabilities by handling aircraft sustainment, base infrastructure, and personnel health. The 163rd Maintenance Group is responsible for providing continuous 24/7 aircraft maintenance support for reconnaissance and flight training operations, sustaining a fleet of eight MQ-9 Reapers with approximately 200 personnel. Key elements include the 163rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, which manages crew chief duties such as recovery and upkeep of remotely piloted aircraft, along with functions for munitions handling and propulsion systems to support mission execution. The 163rd Mission Support Group serves as the primary support entity for the wing's personnel, comprising squadrons and flights dedicated to security, engineering, logistics, and services. Its subunits include the Security Forces Squadron for base defense, Civil Engineering Squadron for infrastructure maintenance, Logistics Readiness Squadron for supply and deployment support, Communications Flight for network operations, Mission Support Flight for administrative coordination, Services Flight for morale and welfare programs, and the Base Contracting Office for procurement needs. These elements facilitate rapid response to domestic operations, such as wildfire support and emergency housing setups. The 163rd Medical Group delivers bio-environmental engineering, public health, and clinical medical services to monitor and maintain the health and wellness of wing members, ensuring they remain fit-to-fight for California Air National Guard and joint missions. It supports activities like periodic health assessments, emergency medical training, and crisis response, including deployments for real-world health operations. These support groups coordinate closely to achieve base-wide readiness, addressing unique demands of continuous remotely piloted aircraft operations such as shift work management and integrated logistics for sustained missions. This collaboration underpins the Operations Group's execution of attack and reconnaissance tasks by providing seamless enabling functions.

History

Air Defense Era (1958-1975)

The 163d Fighter Interceptor Group was constituted as the 163d Fighter Group (Air Defense) and allotted to the California Air National Guard in 1958, receiving federal recognition and activation on 17 May 1958 at Ontario International Airport, California. This expansion built upon the existing 196th Fighter Interceptor Squadron, assigning it to the North American Air Defense Command for continental air defense responsibilities during the Cold War. The group's primary mission involved protecting Southern California's airspace from potential aerial threats, maintaining a state of constant readiness through runway alert commitments under Air Defense Command. Initially equipped with North American F-86 Sabre fighters, including A and D variants, the group operated these day interceptors from 1958 until early 1961, with upgrades to F-86L models extending service through 1965. In February 1965, the unit transitioned to the Convair F-102 Delta Dagger, a supersonic all-weather interceptor that enhanced its capability for rapid response to bomber incursions. Throughout this era, the group participated in numerous training exercises to simulate enemy attacks, honing interception tactics and integration with radar networks across the western United States. These operations underscored its role in the broader Air Defense Command network, providing 24-hour alert status by the late 1960s. The group's performance earned it two Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards: one for the period from 1 July 1962 to 31 May 1964, recognizing exemplary air defense readiness, and another for service culminating in 1974. In the early 1970s, amid evolving strategic priorities, plans emerged to relocate the unit to Norton Air Force Base and convert it to a Military Airlift Command role with C-141 Starlifter transports, but these were canceled in October 1969, allowing the group to retain its F-102 air defense mission. The era concluded with the progressive retirement of the F-102 fleet, leading to the group's redesignation as the 163d Tactical Air Support Group on 8 March 1975.

Tactical and Reconnaissance Era (1975-1993)

In 1975, the 163rd Fighter Interceptor Group underwent a significant realignment under Tactical Air Command, being redesignated the 163rd Tactical Air Support Group on March 8 to focus on forward air control missions in support of ground forces. The unit received the O-2A/B Skymaster aircraft, a twin-engine observation platform equipped for visual reconnaissance and coordination of close air support, marking the first such assignment to an Air National Guard unit. This shift emphasized tactical responsiveness, building on the wing's prior air defense experience without ground support roles. By October 1982, the group transitioned to a tactical fighter mission and was redesignated the 163rd Tactical Fighter Group, concurrently relocating from Ontario International Airport to March Air Force Base for enhanced facilities previously used by the active-duty 22nd Bomb Wing. It adopted the F-4C Phantom II, a versatile multirole fighter capable of air-to-air combat and ground attack, enabling the unit to conduct training exercises and maintain combat readiness across state and federal commitments. On April 1, 1987, the fleet upgraded to the more advanced F-4E Phantom II variant, which featured improved avionics, slatted wings for better low-speed handling, and enhanced weaponry for precision strikes. A tragic event during this fighter era occurred on March 21, 1987, when Captain Dean Paul Martin Jr. and his weapons systems officer, Captain Ramon Ortiz, both of the 196th Tactical Fighter Squadron, perished in an F-4C crash into Mount San Gorgonio amid poor weather during a training flight from March AFB. The wing's evolution continued into reconnaissance operations with its redesignation as the 163rd Tactical Reconnaissance Group on July 1, 1990, aligning with the drawdown of fighter roles in the post-Cold War era. Equipped with the RF-4C Phantom II, a specialized unarmed variant optimized for high-speed tactical photographic and electronic reconnaissance with forward- and side-looking cameras, the group amassed over 30,000 flight hours while supporting missions across the Pacific and Atlantic theaters. This configuration maintained a dual state-federal mission, providing imagery intelligence for contingency operations and disaster response, until the broader Air National Guard restructuring in 1993.

Air Refueling Era (1993-2007)

In 1993, the 163rd transitioned from its reconnaissance role to aerial refueling operations, receiving KC-135E Stratotanker aircraft and being redesignated as the 163rd Air Refueling Group on October 1 under Air Mobility Command. This shift enabled the unit to provide global air refueling support, drawing briefly on its prior reconnaissance expertise for enhanced mission coordination in theater logistics. The group was elevated to full wing status as the 163rd Air Refueling Wing on October 1, 1995, comprising operations, maintenance, support, and medical groups to sustain KC-135 missions. The wing upgraded its fleet to the more efficient KC-135R model in the late 1990s, incorporating Pacer CRAG avionics modernization by 1999 to extend aircraft service life and improve navigation precision for extended-range refueling. This capability proved critical during Operation Allied Force in 1999, when the 163rd deployed approximately 100 personnel and three KC-135R aircraft to RAF Mildenhall, England, conducting around-the-clock combat refueling for NATO fighters, including night missions supporting F-117A stealth bombers over Kosovo. The effort earned the wing the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for its role in sustaining allied air operations. Continuing its NATO commitments, the 163rd supported Operation Joint Forge in the Balkans by deploying three KC-135R tankers and about 210 personnel to Istres Air Base, France, from October 31 to December 3, 2000, delivering over 1,200 flight hours and offloading 3.5 million pounds of fuel to coalition aircraft enforcing peacekeeping. The wing also contributed to Operation Decisive Endeavor that year, sending 300 personnel and three aircraft to Pisa, Italy, to lead refueling flights over Bosnia. These deployments highlighted the unit's growing expertise in expeditionary air mobility, with additional rotations to locations including Kuwait, Germany, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey as part of Air Expeditionary Force 9. Post-9/11, the 163rd provided sustained tanker support for Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom through multiple deployments from 2001 to 2006, enabling long-range strikes and troop movements across Southwest Asia by refueling fighters, bombers, and transport aircraft in high-threat environments. The wing's KC-135R operations facilitated rapid global reach, including missions to Asia, Australia, England, and Italy, while maintaining readiness for state-level emergencies in California. The air refueling era concluded in 2006 with the retirement of the KC-135 fleet, as the wing prepared for a new reconnaissance mission, marking the end of its manned tanker role after over a decade contributing to major contingency operations.

Unmanned and Attack Operations (2007-present)

In 2007, the 163rd Wing transitioned from its air refueling mission to reconnaissance operations, receiving its first MQ-1 Predator unmanned aerial vehicles and becoming the inaugural Air National Guard unit to operate the armed reconnaissance platform. This redesignation to the 163rd Reconnaissance Wing on November 28, 2006, marked a pivotal shift toward remotely piloted aircraft capabilities, enabling persistent intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. The unit's integration of the MQ-1 Predator allowed for extended endurance flights, supporting both federal combat operations and state emergency responses. A notable domestic application occurred in 2013 during the Rim Fire, California's third-largest wildfire in recorded history, where the 163rd Reconnaissance Wing deployed MQ-1 Predators to provide real-time infrared video feeds to incident commanders. These overflights, launched 11 days after the fire ignited, captured thermal imagery of hotspots and flare-ups, aiding firefighters in resource allocation and perimeter monitoring without risking manned aircraft in hazardous conditions. This mission represented the first use of a Predator for wildfire suppression support, demonstrating the platform's versatility in civil-military partnerships. By 2015, the wing completed its upgrade to the more advanced MQ-9 Reaper, enhancing strike and ISR capacities with greater payload and endurance, leading to its redesignation as the 163rd Attack Wing on July 1, 2015. This transition expanded the unit's role to include precision strikes alongside reconnaissance, aligning with Air National Guard priorities for multi-domain operations. The Reaper's integration solidified the wing's position as a key provider of remotely piloted attack capabilities within the Total Force structure. Post-2020 operations have emphasized joint interoperability and regional deterrence, with the wing participating in Exercise Steel Knight 2024 to integrate MQ-9 Reapers with U.S. Marine Corps forces for enhanced air-ground task force coordination. In 2025, the unit hosted Reaper Smoke, a multinational training event focused on maritime MQ-9 operations in the Indo-Pacific, involving over 200 personnel to refine tactics for naval integration and anti-surface warfare. That same year, during Exercise Resolute Forces Pacific—the U.S. Air Force's largest contingency response drill in the region—the 163rd Attack Wing led joint MQ-9 missions across multiple bases, simulating distributed operations and total force partnerships. Additionally, in July-August 2025, wing personnel conducted bilateral training with the Republic of Korea Air Force at Gwangju Air Base, marking the first such collaboration and focusing on shared ISR tactics amid rising regional tensions. To bolster homeland defense, the wing established a novel command and control (C2) relay site at March Air Reserve Base in May 2025, leveraging upgraded network infrastructure for secure, resilient communications during domestic crises. The 163rd Attack Wing has sustained global deployments, delivering ISR and precision strike support in the Middle East and Pacific theaters to counter threats from violent extremist organizations and near-peer adversaries. These rotations, often in support of U.S. Central Command and Indo-Pacific Command, have accumulated tens of thousands of flight hours, contributing to theater-wide situational awareness and kinetic operations while maintaining readiness for rapid mobilization.

Lineage and Stations

Lineage

The 163rd Attack Wing traces its roots to the 411th Fighter Squadron of the United States Army Air Corps, which served during World War II as part of the 350th Fighter Group in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations, conducting fighter and reconnaissance missions. The unit's modern lineage in the Air National Guard began on November 9, 1946, with the federal recognition of the 196th Fighter Squadron at Norton Air Force Base, California, equipped initially with F-51D Mustang fighters and later receiving F-80C Shooting Star jet fighters in 1948. This squadron was activated for federal service on October 10, 1950, during the Korean War, operating F-84E Thunderjets from bases in Japan until its return to state control in 1954. On May 17, 1958, the 163rd Fighter-Interceptor Group was established and allotted to the California Air National Guard, assuming command of the 196th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron under North American Air Defense Command (NORAD) to provide air defense for Southern California with F-86L Sabre interceptors. The group was redesignated as the 163rd Fighter Group (Air Defense) shortly thereafter, maintaining its interceptor role until 1975. In response to shifting Air Force priorities toward tactical support missions, the unit was redesignated the 163rd Tactical Air Support Group on March 8, 1975, and transitioned to O-2A/B Skymaster observation aircraft for forward air control duties. It reverted to fighter operations as the 163rd Tactical Fighter Group in October 1982, relocating to March Air Force Base and receiving F-4C Phantom II aircraft. This designation continued until July 1990, when, following a transition to F-4E Phantom II fighters in 1987, it became the 163rd Tactical Reconnaissance Group to emphasize intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, equipped with RF-4C reconnaissance variants. On October 1, 1993, amid post-Cold War force reductions and the Air Force's emphasis on strategic mobility, the group was expanded and redesignated the 163rd Air Refueling Wing, operating KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft for aerial refueling until 2007. The wing shifted to unmanned operations in November 2006, becoming the 163rd Reconnaissance Wing and pioneering Air National Guard use of the MQ-1 Predator unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for ISR missions. Finally, on July 1, 2015, reflecting the integration of armed strike capabilities with the MQ-9 Reaper UAV, the unit was redesignated the 163rd Attack Wing to align with evolving multi-role remotely piloted aircraft requirements.

Assignments and Stations

The 163rd Attack Wing was initially assigned to Air Defense Command on May 12, 1958, as part of its reorganization into the 163d Fighter Interceptor Group, focusing on air defense missions. In 1959, it fell under the 144th Air Defense Wing at Fresno, California, continuing interceptor operations. On March 8, 1975, the wing transitioned to Tactical Air Command as the 163d Tactical Air Support Group, shifting to tactical reconnaissance and support roles. From October 1, 1993, the wing was assigned to Air Mobility Command following its redesignation as the 163d Air Refueling Wing, emphasizing aerial refueling operations with KC-135 aircraft. In November 2006, upon becoming the 163d Reconnaissance Wing, it gained assignment to Air Combat Command for its remotely piloted aircraft missions, while its Formal Training Unit detachment operated under Air Education and Training Command. This dual assignment structure persists under the current 163d Attack Wing designation, effective July 1, 2015, supporting combat and training operations. The wing's primary station from 1958 to October 1982 was Ontario International Airport, California, where it conducted fighter interceptor and early tactical missions. In October 1982, it relocated to March Air Force Base (now March Air Reserve Base), California, to accommodate F-4C Phantom tactical fighter operations in expanded facilities, enhancing its integration with active-duty forces. The wing has remained based at March Air Reserve Base since, serving as its tenant unit for ongoing attack and reconnaissance activities. In 2012, the wing established elements at Southern California Logistics Airport in Victorville, California, including a new hangar for its Formal Training Unit to support MQ-9 Reaper training and remotely piloted aircraft operations. These elements facilitated UAV expansion until flight operations transitioned back to March Air Reserve Base by 2017, consolidating missions at the primary station while retaining logistical support ties.

Aircraft

Historical Aircraft

The 163rd Attack Wing, originally established as part of the California Air National Guard's air defense mission, operated a series of manned aircraft from 1953 to 2006, evolving with shifts in national defense priorities from interception to tactical operations and aerial refueling. These aircraft supported both state emergency responses and federal deployments, with transitions driven by Air Force realignments and technological advancements. The unit transitioned to the North American F-86 Sabre in 1953, serving in the interceptor role until 1965. The squadron focused on air defense of Southern California, conducting alert duties and training exercises. These were retired in February 1965 due to the need for more advanced supersonic capabilities amid evolving Cold War threats. In February 1965, the 163rd transitioned to the Convair F-102 Delta Dagger for continued air defense, operating the F-102A until 1975. This supersonic interceptor enhanced the unit's ability to intercept potential intruders, including deployments such as to Alaska in 1968 for NORAD exercises. Retirement occurred as the Air Force shifted Air National Guard units from pure air defense to tactical roles, aligning with broader post-Vietnam force restructuring. From March 1975 to October 1982, the wing flew the Cessna O-2 Skymaster in a tactical air support capacity, providing forward air control and observation for ground operations. This twin-engine observation aircraft supported state missions like disaster relief and federal training, with a small fleet suited to low-altitude, short-field operations. It was phased out in 1982 to adopt a more capable fighter platform as the unit realigned to tactical fighter duties under Tactical Air Command. The McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II entered service in October 1982, with the F-4C variant initially numbering 18 aircraft for the tactical fighter mission, followed by upgrades to the F-4E in 1987 and the RF-4C reconnaissance variant in 1990. These multirole jets enabled air-to-air and air-to-ground operations, including deployments for exercises and reconnaissance overflights, until 1993. The Phantoms were retired as part of a 1993 Air Force initiative to consolidate reconnaissance assets and transition select Guard units to air refueling to support global power projection. From October 1993 to 2006, the Boeing KC-135E/R Stratotanker served as the wing's primary asset, with a fleet of nine KC-135R aircraft conducting aerial refueling to extend the range of combat forces worldwide, including missions to Europe, Asia, and Australia. This tanker supported operations like Enduring Freedom and state wildfire responses, accumulating thousands of flight hours. Retirement in 2006 stemmed from the Air Force's post-9/11 emphasis on intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, leading the unit to adopt unmanned systems.

Current Aircraft

The 163rd Attack Wing introduced the MQ-1 Predator in 2006 as the first Air National Guard unit to operate an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), marking a shift to remotely piloted intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. The MQ-1, a medium-altitude, long-endurance platform, provided over 24 hours of endurance per sortie and featured advanced sensor suites, including electro-optical/infrared cameras and synthetic aperture radar, enabling persistent ISR over combat areas. These capabilities supported real-time intelligence gathering and interdiction, accumulating over 50,000 flight hours by 2010 in combat operations. The wing operated the MQ-1 until 2015, when it handed back its fleet after nearly a decade of daily patrols. In 2015, the wing transitioned to the MQ-9 Reaper, completing the upgrade from the MQ-1 by July of that year and redesignating as an attack unit. The MQ-9 offers significant enhancements, including a top speed of 240 knots and a 3,850-pound payload capacity, allowing it to carry up to eight AGM-114 Hellfire missiles or GBU-12 Paveway II laser-guided bombs for precision strikes. This multi-role platform excels in ISR, close air support, and armed overwatch, with endurance exceeding 27 hours and operations up to 50,000 feet altitude. Its versatility extends to maritime domains, as demonstrated in the 2025 Reaper Smoke exercise hosted by the wing, which integrated MQ-9s into Pacific theater tactics for over 200 personnel from multiple components. The wing's 160th Attack Squadron serves as the formal training unit (FTU) for MQ-9 operations, conducting initial qualification training for pilots and sensor operators at March Air Reserve Base using dedicated ground control stations. This program equips crews for global missions, emphasizing real-world scenarios to maintain operational readiness. Recent adaptations highlight the MQ-9's domestic utility, including infrared sensor integration for wildfire monitoring pioneered in 2013 during the Rim Fire, where the wing's UAVs provided real-time thermal imagery to CAL FIRE for over 20 hours daily. The platform has since supported more than 20 wildfires, delivering persistent overhead surveillance. Innovations in command and control (C2) include a first-of-its-kind relay site at March ARB, established in 2025 to enhance MQ-9 communications for homeland defense and tested in exercises like Whiskey Fury for multi-agency coordination.

References

  1. https://www.163atkw.ang.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/452904/163d-attack-wing/
  2. https://www.163atkw.ang.af.mil/About-Us/History/
  3. https://www.163atkw.ang.af.mil/Units/
  4. https://www.dvidshub.net/news/498238/california-air-national-guard-innovation-center-strengthens-homeland-defense-with-new-relay-site
  5. https://www.163atkw.ang.af.mil/About-Us/Biographies/Display/Article/3483397/amee-c-howard/
  6. https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/163DAW
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  10. http://usafunithistory.com/PDF/0100/150-174/163%20ATTACK%20WG.pdf
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  16. https://www.163atkw.ang.af.mil/News/
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  25. https://www.dvidshub.net/news/177807/california-air-national-guards-163rd-reconnaissance-wing-re-designation-ceremony
  26. https://www.163atkw.ang.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/4050826/163d-attack-wing-participates-in-exercise-steel-knight-2024/
  27. https://www.ang.af.mil/Media/Article-Display/Article/4283204/california-air-guard-spearheads-joint-mq-9-operations-in-exercise-resolute-forc/
  28. https://www.dvidshub.net/news/546453/california-air-guard-mq-9-trains-with-republic-korea-air-force-and-usmc
  29. https://www.ang.af.mil/Media/Article-Display/Article/435624/163rd-reconnaissance-wing-unveils-new-rpa-hangar/
  30. https://www.nationalguard.mil/News/Article/1347026/163rd-attack-wing-converts-reapers-into-hunter-killers-of-wildfire/
  31. https://military-history.fandom.com/wiki/163d_Attack_Wing
  32. https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104469/mq-1b-predator/
  33. https://www.ang.af.mil/News/Features/Article/863850/the-cal-guards-mq-1-predators-are-handed-back-for-the-last-time-after-a-series/
  34. https://www.ga-asi.com/remotely-piloted-aircraft/mq-9a
  35. https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104470/mq-9-reaper/
  36. https://www.squadronposters.com/product/march-field-mq-9/
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  38. https://verticalmag.com/news/predator-aircraft-makes-history-on-rim-fire/
  39. https://www.dvidshub.net/image/4624480/cal-guards-remotely-piloted-aircraft-become-mainstay-wildland-firefighting-operations
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