Col. Adam Carlson assumes command of the 185th Air Refueling Wing

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Olivia Monk and Staff Sgt. John Johnson
  • 185th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
SIOUX CITY, Iowa --  

Col. Adam Carlson assumes command of the 185th Air Refueling Wing during a formal change of command ceremony on June 8, 2025, in Sioux City, Iowa.

Airmen of the 185th, friends, family and distinguished guests all gathered for the ceremony in an aircraft hangar that afternoon to listen to Carlson speak on how honored he felt to be the new Wing Commander.

“Our mission is clear", said Col. Adam Carlson. "We are here to be ready for today and keep building for tomorrow, that begins with developing empowered airmen who are ready to innovate and adapt and deliver agile air power.”

The 185th ARW has just been awarded both a national maintenance award and the Air and Space Outstanding Unit Award this year.

Carlson is returning to the 185th to assume command after having been the Director of the National Guard Bureau’s Joint Action Control Office at the Pentagon.

The proceeding Wing Commander, Col. Sonya Morrison, spoke about the future of the unit.

Col. Sonya Morrison said that even though she is departing today, the 185th is not shifting focus immediately. The unit is still looking to the future to make sure that it is strategically prepared.

The 185th was originally formed from the Army Air Corps in 1946 as a squadron. Later, it became a group in September, 1962 and finally a wing in May of 1992.

The 185th currently operates KC-135 Stratotankers to provide aerial refueling around the world.

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