2nd Bomb Wing

2nd Bomb Wing
Unit name	2nd Bomb Wing
Caption	Emblem of the 2nd Bomb Wing
Dates	1922–present
Country	United States
Branch	United States Air Force
Type	Bombardment
Role	Strategic Attack
Size	Wing
Current commander	Colonel [Name]
Garrison	Barksdale Air Force Base
Equipment	B-52H Stratofortress
Battles	*World War II *Korean War *Vietnam War *Gulf War *War in Afghanistan (2001–2021) *Iraq War
Decorations	Presidential Unit Citation Air Force Outstanding Unit Award

2nd Bomb Wing. A premier bombardment unit of the United States Air Force and the host wing at Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana. As the oldest bomb wing in the Air Force Global Strike Command, it operates the B-52H Stratofortress, providing the nation with a formidable global strike capability. The wing's lineage traces back to the World War I era, with a distinguished combat history spanning multiple conflicts across the 20th and 21st centuries.

History

The wing's origins lie in the 2nd Bombardment Group, constituted in 1922 and activated at Langley Field in Virginia. During World War II, the group flew B-17 Flying Fortresses from bases in England as part of the Eighth Air Force, participating in critical campaigns like the Combined Bomber Offensive and the Battle of the Ruhr. Redesignated as the 2nd Bomb Wing in 1951, it transitioned to jet-powered B-47 Stratojets during the Cold War, maintaining nuclear alert status. The wing moved to its current home at Barksdale Air Force Base in 1963, later flying B-52 Stratofortresses in combat during the Vietnam War, Operation Desert Storm, and more recent operations over Afghanistan and Iraq.

Organization

The wing is composed of several subordinate groups and squadrons. The 2nd Operations Group controls all flying operations, including the 11th Bomb Squadron and the 20th Bomb Squadron, which are the primary B-52 units. The 2nd Maintenance Group provides comprehensive aircraft maintenance and munitions support, while the 2nd Mission Support Group handles base infrastructure, security, and personnel services. The 2nd Medical Group offers full-spectrum healthcare to the wing's personnel and their families. This structure ensures the wing's readiness for its global mission under Air Force Global Strike Command.

Aircraft

Throughout its history, the wing has operated several iconic American bomber aircraft. Its early years featured biplanes like the Martin NBS-1, followed by the Keystone B-3A and B-17 Flying Fortress. In the post-war era, it transitioned to the B-29 Superfortress and then the B-47 Stratojet. Since the 1960s, its primary aircraft has been the B-52 Stratofortress, specifically the modernized B-52H model, which remains a cornerstone of the United States strategic bomber fleet.

Operations

The wing has executed critical combat and deterrence missions for decades. In World War II, its B-17s conducted strategic bombing raids over Nazi Germany, targeting industrial and military infrastructure. During the Cold War, it stood nuclear alert as part of Strategic Air Command's deterrent posture. In the Vietnam War, B-52s from the wing flew Operation Arc Light missions, providing massive air support. More recently, it has been integral to operations such as Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Inherent Resolve, delivering precision ordnance against targets worldwide.

Emblems and heritage

The wing's official emblem, approved in 1952, features a bendlet charged with a bomb in front of a star, symbolizing its bombardment mission and lineage. Its heritage is preserved through the 2nd Bomb Wing History Office and displays at the Barksdale Global Power Museum. The wing also maintains traditions from its predecessor 2nd Bombardment Group, including unit insignia and historical records archived by the Air Force Historical Research Agency. These elements honor a legacy that includes multiple Presidential Unit Citations and Outstanding Unit Awards.

Notable personnel

Several distinguished aviators have served with the wing and its predecessor units. General Curtis LeMay, architect of Strategic Air Command, once commanded the 2nd Bombardment Group. Medal of Honor recipient Major John L. Jerstad flew B-24s with the group during World War II. Renowned test pilot and Brigadier General Albert Boyd served with the group in its early years. Other notable figures include General Russell Dougherty, a former Commander of Strategic Air Command, who was once assigned to the wing.

Category:Military units and formations of the United States in the Vietnam War Category:Strategic Air Command wings Category:Military units and formations established in 1922