307th Bomb Wing

307th Bomb Wing
Unit name	307th Bomb Wing
Dates	1947–present
Country	United States
Branch	United States Air Force
Type	Strategic Bombardment
Size	Wing
Command structure	Air Force Global Strike Command
Garrison	Barksdale Air Force Base
Battles	Korean War, Vietnam War, Gulf War, War in Afghanistan, Iraq War
Decorations	Distinguished Unit Citation, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award

307th Bomb Wing. The 307th Bomb Wing is a strategic bombardment unit of the United States Air Force and a key component of Air Force Global Strike Command. Currently stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana, it operates the B-52H Stratofortress. The wing has a distinguished history of global power projection, participating in major conflicts from the Korean War to recent operations in the Middle East.

History

The wing was established in 1947 as part of the post-World War II reorganization of the United States Army Air Forces. It was initially assigned to Strategic Air Command (SAC), where it trained for long-range bombardment missions during the early Cold War. During the Korean War, elements of the wing deployed to the Pacific Theater of Operations, conducting strategic bombing campaigns. In the 1960s, the wing transitioned to the B-52D model and played a significant role in Operation Arc Light and other operations throughout the Vietnam War, executing missions from bases like Anderson Air Force Base on Guam. Following the dissolution of Strategic Air Command in 1992, the wing was reassigned to Air Combat Command and later to Air Force Global Strike Command. It has since been continuously engaged, providing combat power in the Gulf War, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and operations against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.

Assignments

The wing's major command assignments have shaped its operational focus. It was a cornerstone unit of Strategic Air Command from its inception until 1992, aligning with the national nuclear deterrence strategy. Following the end of the Cold War, it was realigned under Air Combat Command to focus on conventional global strike capabilities. In 2009, as part of a reorganization of the nuclear and long-range strike forces, it was transferred to the newly established Air Force Global Strike Command. The wing has been operationally controlled by various Numbered Air Forces throughout its history, including the Eighth Air Force and the Twelfth Air Force. Its current garrison and primary station is Barksdale Air Force Base.

Components

The wing's operational groups and squadrons have executed its mission across decades. The primary operational component is the **307th Operations Group**, which oversees all flying squadrons. These include the **93rd Bomb Squadron** and the **343rd Bomb Squadron**, both with lineages tracing to World War II and extensive combat histories. The **307th Maintenance Group** provides critical aircraft generation and sustainment support for the B-52H fleet. The **307th Mission Support Group** and the **307th Medical Group handle installation support, security, logistics, and medical readiness for personnel. These groups work in concert to maintain the wing's readiness for global taskings from the United States Strategic Command.

Aircraft

The wing has operated several iconic United States Air Force bombers. Initially, it flew the Boeing B-29 Superfortress during the early Cold War. It later transitioned to the Boeing B-50 Superfortress, an improved variant. For the majority of its service, however, it has been associated with the Boeing B-52 Stratofortress, operating models including the B-52D, B-52G, and the current B-52H. This aircraft has been the platform for its missions in Southeast Asia, the Persian Gulf, and Central Asia. The wing's aircraft are maintained to execute both conventional and nuclear strike missions as directed by national command authorities.

Decorations

The wing and its subordinate units have received numerous awards recognizing combat performance and peacetime excellence. It has been awarded the Distinguished Unit Citation (now the Presidential Unit Citation) for extraordinary heroism in action during the Vietnam War. Personnel have also earned the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor device for meritorious service in combat zones, including during the Gulf War and operations in Afghanistan. Individual members have been recognized with high-level decorations such as the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal for aerial combat achievements. These honors reflect the unit's sustained contributions to national defense objectives across multiple conflicts.

Emblem

The wing's official emblem, approved by the United States Air Force Heraldic Institute, is rich in symbolism. The shield features a bend in Air Force blue and Air Force yellow, representing the unit's aviation mission. A stylized bomb in black and red signifies its bombardment heritage. The crest includes a cloud formation and a star, denoting the global reach and high ideals of the organization. The motto, displayed on a scroll below the shield, is "Libertas Per Veritatem," which translates from Latin to "Freedom Through Truth." This emblem is displayed on unit patches, guidons, and official correspondence, embodying the wing's identity and history.

Category:Military units and formations of the United States in the Korean War Category:Strategic bomber wings of the United States Air Force Category:Military units and formations established in 1947