11th Bomb Squadron

11th Bomb Squadron
Unit name	11th Bomb Squadron
Dates	1917–1919; 1921–1946; 1947–present
Country	United States
Branch	United States Air Force
Type	Squadron
Role	Strategic Bombing
Command structure	Air Combat Command
Garrison	Barksdale Air Force Base
Motto	"We Fear No Foe"
Battles	*World War I *World War II *Korean War *Vietnam War *Gulf War *War in Afghanistan *Iraq War
Decorations	*Distinguished Unit Citation *Air Force Outstanding Unit Award *Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation *Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm

11th Bomb Squadron is a long-standing unit of the United States Air Force with a distinguished history spanning over a century. Currently assigned to the 2d Bomb Wing at Barksdale Air Force Base, it operates the Boeing B-52 Stratofortress as part of Air Combat Command. The squadron has participated in every major conflict from World War I to the War on Terror, earning numerous honors including the Distinguished Unit Citation.

History

The squadron was originally constituted as the 11th Aero Squadron in 1917, serving as a training unit during World War I before being demobilized. It was reconstituted in 1921 as the 11th Bombardment Squadron, flying aircraft like the Martin B-10 and Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress in the interwar period. During World War II, the unit, then part of the Seventh Air Force, conducted critical long-range bombing missions across the Pacific Ocean from bases like Hickam Field and Midway Atoll, engaging Japanese forces in battles such as the Battle of the Philippine Sea and the Battle of Okinawa. Following the war, it transitioned through various aircraft and saw extensive combat in Southeast Asia, executing Operation Arc Light missions during the Vietnam War and later participating in Operation Desert Storm.

Mission and operations

As a strategic bomber squadron, its primary mission is to provide global strike capability, delivering massive ordnance payloads to support national security objectives. The unit maintains continuous alert status, ready to execute orders from the National Command Authority and United States Strategic Command. Its operations encompass nuclear deterrence, conventional precision strikes, and maritime interdiction, often integrating with allied forces during exercises like Red Flag and deployments to locations such as Andersen Air Force Base in Guam. The squadron also plays a key role in the Continuous Bomber Presence mission in the Indo-Pacific region.

Aircraft

Throughout its service, the squadron has operated a lineage of iconic heavy bombers. After early biplanes, it flew the Keystone B-3 and Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress before transitioning to the Consolidated B-24 Liberator during World War II. In the postwar era, it operated the Boeing B-29 Superfortress and later the Boeing B-47 Stratojet during the Cold War. Since the 1960s, it has been synonymous with the Boeing B-52 Stratofortress, utilizing upgraded models like the B-52H to remain a cornerstone of America's long-range bomber force.

Assignments and stations

The squadron has been assigned to numerous major commands and wings throughout its history. Key assignments have included the 5th Composite Group in the 1920s, the 5th Bombardment Wing during World War II, and the 2d Bomb Wing since 1993. Its historical stations reflect its Pacific and global focus, having been based at Luke Field in Hawaii, Clark Air Base in the Philippines, and Kadena Air Base on Okinawa. Since 1993, its home station has been Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana, under the operational control of Eighth Air Force.

Emblems and lineage

The squadron's official emblem, approved in 1931, features a black panther's head on a disc, symbolizing stealth and power. Its motto, "We Fear No Foe," is inscribed on a scroll below. The unit's lineage and honors were formally consolidated and recognized by the United States Air Force in 1985, incorporating the histories of several antecedent observation and bombardment squadrons. This consolidated lineage is maintained by the Air Force Historical Research Agency.

Notable personnel

Several distinguished aviators have served with the unit, including Medal of Honor recipient Colonel James H. Howard, a Flying Tigers ace who later flew P-51 Mustang escort missions. Renowned test pilot and Bendix Trophy winner Major Albert Boyd served with the squadron early in his career. Famed aviation pioneer and General Haywood S. Hansell, a key architect of the Combined Bomber Offensive, also commanded the unit during the 1930s.

Category:United States Air Force squadrons Category:Bombardment squadrons of the United States Air Force