JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- The 78th Air Refueling Squadron was inactivated during a ceremony at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst on September 7, 2024.
The ceremony began with an emotional invocation from Col. Robert “Preach” McAllister, the squadron’s commander from 2018-2020, before transitioning to remarks from Col. Edward Yeash, 514th Operations Group Commander.
“I was here to close down the 76th Air Refueling Squadron a year ago, and now I’m honored—I won’t say happy—to participate in this ceremony,” said Yeash. “Thank you all for your service and dedication; it will not be forgotten. Godspeed and steam on.”
The 78th ARS was first activated on January 30, 1943. Shortly after its activation the unit made its mark on history by dropping paratroopers on the beaches of Normandy on D-Day and participating in airborne assaults in the South of France, the Netherlands, and Germany. On September 11, 2001, the 78th ARS had two crews airborne, flying the first missions of Operation Noble Eagle. Additionally, the unit recently sent four jets to the Ukraine-Belarus border, to refuel NATO forces patrolling the region.
Throughout the decades, the 78th ARS would participate in dozens of operations and campaigns, living up to the enduring legacy it forged during its first combat missions, 80 years ago.
Col. Brian Huster, the squadron’s final commander, took his time to recount some of the squadron’s storied history and share his personal connections and gratitude with dozens of squadron and wing members, by name, for their commitment, support, and partnership.
Huster shared that his grandfather had been enlisted in the Army and used to give the Air Force a hard time for their cushy accommodations until he found himself squarely in the middle of the Battle of Bulge, relying on aerial support from above. Now, having commanded a squadron that provided that very support, Huster is connected through history to his grandfather, just as all members of the 78th ARS are connected to each other through their patriotism and the sacrifices they’ve made to “hack the mish.”
“This ceremony is a little different than any of our other squadron ceremonies,” Huster said. “There is no change of command. Rather, this is the end of one.”
The squadron’s furled guidon was carried away by Chief Master Sgt. Alan Crosby, who has served the unity proudly for 29 years.