Ninth Air Force

Ninth Air Force
Unit name	Ninth Air Force
Caption	Emblem of the Ninth Air Force
Dates	1942–1945; 1946–present
Country	United States
Branch	United States Air Force
Type	Numbered Air Force
Role	Provides combat-ready air component for United States Central Command
Command structure	Air Combat Command
Garrison	Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina
Battles	World War II, Cold War, Vietnam War, Gulf War, War in Afghanistan (2001–2021), Iraq War
Decorations	Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross

Ninth Air Force is a Numbered Air Force of the United States Air Force headquartered at Shaw Air Force Base in South Carolina. It serves as the air component for United States Central Command, providing combat-ready forces across a vast area of responsibility. With a lineage tracing to its activation during World War II, it has played pivotal roles in numerous conflicts from the Normandy landings to the Gulf War.

History

The unit was originally constituted and activated on 8 April 1942 at Bolling Field in the District of Columbia. During World War II, it operated as a tactical air force, first under the United States Army Air Forces in the Middle East and Mediterranean Theater of Operations, supporting campaigns like the Western Desert campaign and the Allied invasion of Sicily. Redeployed to the United Kingdom in late 1943, it became a key component of the Allied Expeditionary Air Force for the invasion of Normandy, providing crucial close air support and air interdiction. After Victory in Europe Day, it was slated for redeployment to the Pacific Theater but was inactivated in December 1945 following the Surrender of Japan. Reactivated in 1946 under the new United States Air Force, it served stateside during the Cold War and later provided support during the Vietnam War. Since 2009, its primary mission has been as the air component for United States Central Command, overseeing operations in areas including the Persian Gulf and Horn of Africa.

Organization

As a Numbered Air Force, it is assigned to Air Combat Command. Its headquarters at Shaw Air Force Base exercises command over several subordinate wings and direct reporting units across the globe. Key components include the 363rd Air Expeditionary Wing and the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing, which are often forward-deployed. The organization is structured to provide a flexible and rapid response capability, integrating forces from various Major Commands including Air Mobility Command and United States Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa. It works closely with allied air forces through entities like the Combined Air Operations Centre.

Aircraft

Throughout its history, it has operated a wide array of aircraft tailored for tactical air power. During World War II, its fleet included the P-47 Thunderbolt, P-51 Mustang, B-26 Marauder, and A-20 Havoc. In the postwar and Cold War era, it transitioned to jet aircraft such as the F-84 Thunderjet, F-100 Super Sabre, and F-105 Thunderchief. In its modern role, it commands and controls diverse aircraft including the F-15E Strike Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon, A-10 Thunderbolt II, KC-135 Stratotanker, E-3 Sentry, and MQ-9 Reaper, which are operated by its assigned and attached units.

Operations and campaigns

Its operational history is extensive, beginning with support for the British Eighth Army at the Second Battle of El Alamein. It played a decisive role in the Normandy campaign, the breakout at Saint-Lô, and the Falaise pocket battle. Later, it supported the airborne operations in the Netherlands and the Battle of the Bulge. In the postwar era, it conducted air defense missions over the United States and supported Strategic Air Command. During the Gulf War, it executed intense air campaigns over Kuwait and Iraq. Since 2001, it has been central to air operations in the War in Afghanistan (2001–2021) and the Iraq War, including Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Inherent Resolve.

Commanders

Notable commanders have included several officers who reached high rank and distinction. Early wartime leadership was provided by Major General Lewis H. Brereton. Later, Lieutenant General Hoyt S. Vandenberg commanded during critical phases of the Normandy landings. In the modern era, commanders have often been three-star generals, such as Lieutenant General Joseph T. Anderson and Lieutenant General Gregory M. Guillot, who have overseen its CENTCOM responsibilities. Many former commanders have gone on to lead major organizations like United States Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa and North American Aerospace Defense Command.

Legacy and honors

Its legacy is marked by a profound impact on the development of tactical aviation doctrine and joint warfare. The unit earned campaign streamers for every major conflict from World War II onward and has been awarded the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award multiple times. It also received the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross for service during the Vietnam War. The historical lineage and honors of its World War II groups and squadrons are perpetuated by current United States Air Force units, ensuring its storied past remains part of modern airpower tradition.

Category:Numbered Air Forces of the United States Air Force Category:Military units and formations established in 1942