2d Bomb Wing

2d Bomb Wing
Unit name	2d Bomb Wing
Dates	1918–1919; 1922–1924; 1929–1945; 1947–present
Country	United States
Branch	United States Air Force
Type	Bomb wing
Role	Strategic bombing
Command structure	Eighth Air Force / Air Force Global Strike Command
Garrison	Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana

2d Bomb Wing. The 2d Bomb Wing is a premier United States Air Force Bomb wing assigned to Air Force Global Strike Command and headquartered at Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana. It operates the Boeing B-52 Stratofortress, providing the nation with a formidable, long-range, heavy Strategic bombing capability. The wing's lineage traces back to the World War I era, and it has played pivotal roles in conflicts from World War II to modern-day operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.

History

The wing's origins lie in the 2d Bombardment Group, constituted in 1922 and activated at Langley Field, Virginia, though its earliest predecessor units saw service in France during World War I. During World War II, the group flew B-17 Flying Fortress and B-24 Liberator aircraft in the European Theater of Operations, participating in major campaigns like the Combined Bomber Offensive and earning two Distinguished Unit Citations for missions over Ploesti and Berlin. Following the war, the unit was inactivated but was redesignated the 2d Bombardment Wing and reactivated in 1947 under the new United States Air Force, transitioning to Strategic Air Command and the jet age. It moved to its current home at Barksdale Air Force Base in 1963 and has since been a cornerstone of America's nuclear and conventional Strategic bombing triad, participating in operations from Vietnam War to Operation Desert Storm and the post-9/11 War on Terror.

Organization

The 2d Bomb Wing is a Major Command-level unit under Air Force Global Strike Command. Its primary operational component is the 2d Operations Group, which includes the 11th Bomb Squadron and the 20th Bomb Squadron, both of which are B-52 Stratofortress squadrons. The wing is supported by the 2d Maintenance Group, responsible for aircraft upkeep, and the 2d Mission Support Group, which handles base infrastructure and personnel services. Additional subordinate units include the 2d Medical Group and the 307th Bomb Wing, an Air Force Reserve Command Associate unit that shares the B-52 mission at Barksdale Air Force Base.

Aircraft

Throughout its history, the wing has operated a succession of iconic American bombers. Its early service featured biplanes like the Martin NBS-1 and the Keystone B-3A. In World War II, it transitioned to heavy bombers, primarily the B-17 Flying Fortress and the B-24 Liberator. During the Cold War, it flew Strategic Air Command's first operational jet bomber, the B-47 Stratojet, followed by the massive B-52 Stratofortress in the 1960s. The wing has operated various models of the B-52, from the B-52G to the current B-52H, which has been extensively modernized and remains a key platform for both nuclear deterrence and conventional strike missions.

Operations

The wing's operational history is extensive, beginning with patrols along the Mexican border in the 1920s. Its most intense period was during World War II, where it conducted hundreds of combat sorties over Nazi Germany and occupied Europe. Throughout the Cold War, it maintained continuous nuclear alert as part of Strategic Air Command's deterrent posture. In the Vietnam War, B-52s from the wing conducted Arc Light missions. More recently, it has been integral to American power projection, with its aircraft launching AGM-86 ALCMs in Operation Desert Storm and delivering precision-guided munitions in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. It continues to deploy globally for Bomber Task Force missions.

Notable Commanders

Several distinguished officers have led the wing, including Brigadier General Ira C. Eaker, a pioneer of American Strategic bombing doctrine who later commanded the Eighth Air Force. Major General Curtis LeMay, who later led Strategic Air Command and served as Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force, commanded the wing's predecessor group during its transition to the B-29 Superfortress. Other notable commanders are Lieutenant General James V. Hartinger, a key figure in the establishment of the United States Space Command, and Major General Thomas A. Schwartz, who later commanded United States Army Forces Command.

Honors and Awards

The wing and its subordinate units have received numerous accolades reflecting their service. These include two Distinguished Unit Citations (now the Presidential Unit Citation) for valor in World War II, and an Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with multiple devices for peacetime excellence and combat service. Campaign streamers adorn its flag for participation in major conflicts such as World War II, Vietnam War, and the Gulf War. Individual members have earned high honors including the Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, and Silver Star for extraordinary heroism in combat.

Category:Military units and formations of the United States Air Force Category:Bomb wings of the United States Air Force