56 Air Refueling Squadron, AETC (U.S. Air Force) The 56 Air Refueling Squadron is a unit within the Air Education and Training Command (AETC) of the United States Air Force. This squadron’s primary function is air refueling, a critical operation that enables continuous, extended flight for other aircraft by transferring fuel mid-flight via a boom or drogue system. The 56 ARS operates KC-135 Stratotankers, which are strategic military airlifters capable of aerial refueling, and serve as the backbone of the U.S. Air Force’s global tanker fleet. The squadron is stationed at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas. The 56 ARS plays a crucial role in maintaining airborne combat capabilities for the U.S. military by providing vital air refueling support during training missions and operations around the world.