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20th Bomb Squadron

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Article Genealogy
Parent: 2nd Bomb Wing Hop 4
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20th Bomb Squadron
Unit name20th Bomb Squadron
Dates1917–1919; 1921–1946; 1947–1962; 1962–1971; 1972–present
CountryUnited States
BranchUnited States
TypeSquadron
RoleStrategic Bombing
Command structure2d Operations Group
GarrisonBarksdale Air Force Base
MottoDucimus (Latin for 'We Lead')
Battles*World War I *World War II *Korean War *Vietnam War *Gulf War *Operation Enduring Freedom *Operation Iraqi Freedom *Operation Inherent Resolve
Decorations*Distinguished Unit Citation *Air Force Outstanding Unit Award *Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation *Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm
Aircraft bomberB-52 Stratofortress

20th Bomb Squadron. The 20th Bomb Squadron is a long-standing and distinguished unit of the United States Air Force, currently operating the B-52 Stratofortress as part of the 2d Operations Group at Barksdale Air Force Base. With origins tracing to the American Expeditionary Forces in World War I, the squadron has participated in every major conflict involving the United States for over a century. It is renowned for its strategic bombing missions and has been awarded honors including the Distinguished Unit Citation and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm.

History

The squadron was first organized as the 20th Aero Squadron in 1917 at Camp Kelly, Texas, deploying to France for service with the American Expeditionary Forces during World War I. Following the Armistice of 11 November 1918, it returned to the United States and was inactivated. Reactivated in 1921, it served through the interwar period at locations like Langley Field. During World War II, the squadron flew combat missions in the Pacific Theater of Operations with the B-29 Superfortress, participating in the strategic bombing campaign against the Empire of Japan, including incendiary raids on cities like Tokyo and the mining of Japanese harbors. The unit was again inactivated after the war but was reactivated during the Cold War, flying the B-47 Stratojet from bases like Hunter Air Force Base. It later transitioned to the B-52 Stratofortress, conducting critical missions during the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, and more recent conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Mission

The primary mission is to provide the nation with a flexible, long-range global strike capability using the B-52 Stratofortress. This involves maintaining readiness for nuclear deterrence as part of the United States Strategic Command and executing conventional precision strikes anywhere in the world. The squadron's aircrews are trained for complex missions including close air support, air interdiction, maritime operations, and information operations. It supports Combined Forces Air Component Commander objectives and is a key element of the Air Force Global Strike Command, ensuring a credible and ready bomber force for the President of the United States and United States Department of Defense.

Assignments

The squadron has been assigned to numerous groups and wings throughout its history. Its major assignments include the 2d Operations Group of the 2d Bomb Wing since 1991. During World War II, it was part of the XXI Bomber Command under the Twentieth Air Force. In the postwar era, it was assigned to units like the 7th Bomb Wing and the 4137th Strategic Wing. It has also been operationally gained by United States Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa and Pacific Air Forces during various global deployments. The squadron's current assignment under the 2d Bomb Wing places it within the organizational structure of Air Force Global Strike Command.

Aircraft

The squadron has operated a variety of aircraft reflecting the evolution of American airpower. Early aircraft included the De Havilland DH-4 and the Martin NBS-1. In the 1930s, it flew the Keystone B-3A and the Martin B-10. Its primary World War II aircraft was the B-29 Superfortress. During the Cold War, it transitioned to jet bombers, operating the B-47 Stratojet and then the B-52 Stratofortress, which remains its current platform. The squadron has also operated trainer aircraft such as the T-38 Talon and the KC-135 Stratotanker for proficiency and support.

Emblems

The squadron's emblem, approved in 1924, features a winged death's head in black and white, symbolizing the unit's lethal bombing mission. The original motto "Ducimus" (Latin for 'We Lead') is displayed on a scroll beneath the emblem. Over the decades, the emblem has undergone minor stylistic revisions but has retained its core heraldic elements. The design reflects the squadron's identity and heritage, and it is displayed on aircraft, unit patches, and official documents.

Bases

The squadron has been stationed at numerous air bases throughout its history. Its first base was Camp Kelly, Texas. Significant interwar stations included Langley Field, Virginia. During World War II, it operated from bases such as North Field, Guam in the Mariana Islands. Post-war bases include Smoky Hill Air Force Base, Kansas, and Hunter Air Force Base, Georgia. Since 1993, its home station has been Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana. The squadron has also deployed to forward operating locations like Andersen Air Force Base, RAF Fairford, and Al Udeid Air Base for combat operations.

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