General Billy Mitchell Field, Wisconsin

General Mitchell Air National Guard Base is a military installation located on the grounds of Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It serves as the home of the 128th Air Refueling Wing of the Wisconsin Air National Guard, supporting both state and federal missions with aerial refueling capabilities.

The base traces its origins to the early 1940s, when it was part of the larger Milwaukee County airport complex. Named in honor of General Billy Mitchell, a Milwaukee native and early advocate of air power, the installation has hosted Air National Guard operations since the post-World War II reorganization of U.S. air forces. Its dual-use status, military and civilian, reflects its integration into Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport.

The 128th Air Refueling Wing operates the KC-135R Stratotanker, providing global aerial refueling for U.S. and allied aircraft. The unit supports active-duty, reserve, and coalition air operations, as well as domestic missions such as emergency response, disaster relief, and homeland defense. The base's strategic location in the Upper Midwest allows for efficient regional and transcontinental support.

General Mitchell ANGB shares runways, air traffic control, and some support infrastructure with the adjacent civilian airport, while maintaining secure areas for military operations. It includes maintenance hangars, operations buildings, and training facilities. The installation also serves as a key employment and economic contributor to the Milwaukee area, with both full-time and part-time military personnel.

Beyond its federal missions, the base plays a significant role in Wisconsin's emergency management network. Airmen frequently assist during state emergencies, reflecting the Air National Guard's dual commitment to national security and community service.