**319th Operations Group**
The 319th Operations Group is a unit of the United States Air Force responsible for conducting air refueling, airlift, and other operational missions. It operates under the 319th Air Refueling Wing and plays a critical role in global mobility and aerial refueling operations.
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## 319th Operations Group
The 319th Operations Group (319 OG) is a key operational component of the United States Air Force, primarily tasked with providing air refueling and airlift capabilities. It is assigned to the 319th Air Refueling Wing and is stationed at Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota. The group supports a wide range of missions, including strategic airlift, air refueling, and aeromedical evacuation, contributing significantly to the Air Force’s global reach and rapid mobility objectives.
### History
#### World War II Origins
The 319th Operations Group traces its lineage back to World War II, originally activated as the 319th Bombardment Group (Medium) in 1942. During the war, the group was equipped with B-26 Marauder medium bombers and participated in numerous combat operations in the European Theater. The group played a vital role in tactical bombing missions, targeting enemy infrastructure, supply lines, and troop concentrations in support of Allied ground forces.
Following the end of World War II, the group was inactivated but later reactivated and redesignated several times to meet evolving Air Force requirements.
#### Cold War and Postwar Era
During the Cold War, the 319th was reactivated as a bombardment and later as an air refueling unit, reflecting the changing strategic priorities of the U.S. Air Force. The group transitioned through various aircraft, including the KC-135 Stratotanker, which became central to its air refueling mission. The 319th Operations Group was officially established in its current form in the early 1990s as part of the Air Force’s Objective Wing reorganization.
### Mission and Role
The primary mission of the 319th Operations Group is to provide rapid global mobility through air refueling and airlift operations. The group’s aircraft extend the range and endurance of U.S. and allied aircraft by refueling them in flight, enabling sustained air operations worldwide. Additionally, the group supports airlift missions, transporting personnel, equipment, and supplies to various theaters of operation.
The group also plays a critical role in aeromedical evacuation, providing medical transport for injured or ill personnel. This capability ensures timely and effective medical care during military operations and humanitarian missions.
### Organizational Structure
The 319th Operations Group is composed of several squadrons, each specializing in different aspects of the group’s mission:
– **The 319th Air Refueling Squadron:** Operates the KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft, conducting air refueling missions to support combat and training operations.
– **The 46th Air Refueling Squadron:** Also equipped with KC-135 aircraft, this squadron complements the group’s refueling capabilities.
– **The 905th Air Refueling Squadron:** A reserve associate unit that works alongside active-duty squadrons to enhance mission readiness and capacity.
– **Operations Support Squadron:** Provides essential support functions including aircrew training, intelligence, weather services, and mission planning.
### Aircraft
The 319th Operations Group primarily operates the Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker, a long-serving aerial refueling aircraft that has been a backbone of the U.S. Air Force’s air mobility capabilities since the late 1950s. The KC-135 enables the group to refuel a wide variety of U.S. and allied aircraft, including fighters, bombers, and cargo planes.
In addition to the KC-135, the group has historically operated other aircraft types during its evolution, including the B-26 Marauder during World War II and various airlift platforms in support roles.
### Notable Operations and Deployments
The 319th Operations Group has participated in numerous operations and deployments, supporting U.S. military efforts worldwide. Its air refueling capabilities have been critical in operations such as:
– **Operation Desert Storm (1991):** Providing essential aerial refueling to coalition aircraft during the Gulf War.
– **Operation Enduring Freedom (2001–2014):** Supporting combat and humanitarian missions in Afghanistan.
– **Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003–2011):** Enabling sustained air operations over Iraq.
– **Global humanitarian missions:** Assisting in disaster relief and medical evacuation efforts worldwide.
The group’s ability to rapidly deploy and sustain air operations has made it a vital asset in both combat and peacetime missions.
### Training and Readiness
Maintaining high levels of training and readiness is a core focus of the 319th Operations Group. Aircrews undergo rigorous training programs to ensure proficiency in air refueling techniques, mission planning, and emergency procedures. The group regularly participates in exercises and joint operations with other U.S. and allied forces to enhance interoperability and operational effectiveness.
### Awards and Honors
Throughout its history, the 319th Operations Group and its predecessor units have received numerous awards and commendations for their outstanding performance. These include Distinguished Unit Citations for combat operations during World War II and various Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards recognizing excellence in mission accomplishment and readiness.
### Current Status and Future Outlook
Today, the 319th Operations Group continues to fulfill its mission as a critical component of the U.S. Air Force’s global mobility enterprise. With ongoing modernization efforts, including upgrades to the KC-135 fleet and integration of new technologies, the group is positioned to meet future challenges in air refueling and airlift operations.
The group remains committed to supporting national defense objectives, humanitarian assistance, and coalition operations, ensuring that the United States maintains its strategic reach and rapid response capabilities.
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## See Also
– 319th Air Refueling Wing
– KC-135 Stratotanker
– United States Air Force Air Mobility Command
– Air refueling in the United States Air Force
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## References
*Note: This article is based on publicly available information and historical records of the 319th Operations Group.*
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**Meta Description:**
The 319th Operations Group is a United States Air Force unit specializing in air refueling and airlift missions, operating primarily from Grand Forks Air Force Base. It has a distinguished history dating back to World War II and continues to support global mobility and rapid response operations.