23rd Bomb Squadron

23rd Bomb Squadron. The 23rd 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 Fifth Air Force within Pacific Air Forces. With a lineage tracing back to World War I, the squadron has participated in major conflicts including World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, earning numerous campaign streamers and unit citations. Based at Andersen Air Force Base on Guam, it serves as a critical component of the U.S. strategic bomber force in the Indo-Pacific region.

History

The squadron was originally constituted as the 23rd Aero Squadron on 16 June 1917, shortly after the United States entry into World War I. It served stateside during the war, primarily at Kelly Field in Texas, training personnel and maintaining aircraft. Following the Armistice of 11 November 1918, it was demobilized in 1919. The unit was reconstituted in 1921 and redesignated the 23rd Bombardment Squadron in 1935, flying aircraft like the Keystone B-6 and later the Douglas B-18 Bolo. On 7 December 1941, the squadron, then equipped with B-17 Flying Fortress aircraft and assigned to the 41st Bombardment Group at Hickam Field, Hawaii, suffered severe losses during the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Assignments

Throughout its history, the squadron has been assigned to various higher echelons. During World War II, it was a key component of the 11th Bombardment Group and later the 307th Bombardment Group, conducting operations across the Pacific Ocean. In the postwar era, it was assigned to the Strategic Air Command, operating under wings such as the 92nd Bombardment Wing at Fairchild Air Force Base in Washington. Following periods of inactivation, its most recent assignments have been to the 36th Wing and subsequently the 5th Bomb Wing, both headquartered at Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota, before its current assignment to the 5th Bomb Wing (provisional) at Andersen Air Force Base.

Aircraft

The squadron has operated a wide array of bomber aircraft, reflecting the evolution of United States airpower. Early aircraft included the Martin B-10 and the B-17 Flying Fortress. During the Pacific War, it transitioned to the Consolidated B-24 Liberator for long-range missions. In the Cold War, it flew the Boeing B-29 Superfortress, the Convair B-36 Peacemaker, and the Boeing B-52 Stratofortress. For a period in the 1960s, it was equipped with the supersonic Convair B-58 Hustler. Since the 1970s, its primary aircraft has been the enduring B-52 Stratofortress, which it continues to operate today.

Operations and decorations

The squadron has a extensive combat record. In World War II, it participated in the Battle of Midway, the Guadalcanal Campaign, and the strategic bombing campaign against the Japanese Empire, including raids on Rabaul and Truk Lagoon. During the Korean War, it conducted bombing missions from bases in Japan. In the Vietnam War, it flew Arc Light missions over Southeast Asia. These operations have earned the squadron honors including the Distinguished Unit Citation, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor, and multiple campaign streamers for service in the American Theater, Asiatic-Pacific Theater, and Korean War.

Lineage, honors and emblems

The squadron's official lineage begins with its constitution as the 23rd Aero Squadron. It has been redesignated multiple times: as the 23rd Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) in 1935, the 23rd Bombardment Squadron (Very Heavy) in 1944, the 23rd Bombardment Squadron (Medium) in 1948, and finally the 23rd Bomb Squadron in 1991. Its emblem, approved in 1937, features a black panther's head on a disc, symbolizing stealth and power. The squadron's motto, "Ducemus" (Latin for "We Lead"), reflects its pioneering role in long-range bombardment. Its battle honors are displayed on the squadron guidon.