95th Bomb Wing

95th Bomb Wing. The 95th Bomb Wing is a strategic bombardment unit of the United States Air Force, currently assigned to Air Force Global Strike Command and stationed at Edwards AFB in California. It operates the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber, providing the nation with a critical component of its nuclear triad and global strike capability. The wing's history spans multiple conflicts and aircraft, reflecting the evolution of American airpower from the Cold War to the modern era.

History

The wing was first activated as the 95th Bombardment Wing, Light, in 1947 at Biggs AFB, Texas, as part of the post-World War II Strategic Air Command. It was inactivated in 1949 during a force reduction but was reactivated in 1952 at March AFB, California, flying the B-29 Superfortress during the Korean War. Transitioning to jet aircraft, the wing operated the B-47 Stratojet throughout the 1950s, maintaining nuclear alert during the height of the Cold War. Inactivated again in 1968, the unit was reborn in 1982 as the 95th Strategic Wing, a B-52 Stratofortress and KC-135 Stratotanker unit at Griffiss AFB, New York. Following the end of the Cold War and base realignments, it moved to Edwards AFB in 1994, where it transitioned to its current mission with the B-2 Spirit, seeing combat in Operation Allied Force, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Lineage and honors

The wing was constituted as the 95th Bombardment Wing, Light, on 28 July 1947. It has been redesignated several times: as the 95th Bombardment Wing, Medium (1952); 95th Strategic Aerospace Wing (1962); 95th Strategic Wing (1982); and finally, the 95th Bomb Wing in 1991. Its campaign streamers include service in the Korean War, Vietnam War, and the Gulf War. The wing has earned a Distinguished Unit Citation, multiple Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards, the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm.

Assignments and components

The wing is currently under Air Force Global Strike Command, reporting through Eighth Air Force. Its primary subordinate group is the 95th Operations Group, which includes the 394th Combat Training Squadron and the 13th and 325th Bomb Squadrons. Throughout its history, it has been assigned to major commands including Strategic Air Command, Air Combat Command, and Air Force Materiel Command. Past assignments have included the 15th Air Force, 21st Air Division, and 47th Air Division. Key support groups have included the 95th Maintenance Group and the 95th Mission Support Group.

Aircraft operated

The wing's aircraft have defined American strategic airpower for decades. It began with the B-29 Superfortress before transitioning to the B-47 Stratojet jet bomber. During its tenure as a strategic wing, it operated the B-52G Stratofortress and the KC-135A Stratotanker. Since the mid-1990s, its primary aircraft has been the B-2 Spirit, the world's only stealth strategic bomber. It has also operated various trainer and support aircraft, including the T-38 Talon and the C-12 Huron.

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 in California