379th Air Expeditionary Wing

379th Air Expeditionary Wing
US Government · Public domain · source
Unit name	379th Air Expeditionary Wing
Caption	Emblem of the unit
Dates	1942–1945; 1947–1952; 1955–1992; 2003–present
Country	United States
Branch	United States Air Force
Type	Expeditionary wing
Role	Aerial refueling and air mobility
Command structure	United States Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa
Garrison	Prince Sultan Air Base
Notable commanders	Gen. John P. Jumper
Identification symbol	Emblem

379th Air Expeditionary Wing The unit is a provisional United States Air Force expeditionary wing currently operating from Prince Sultan Air Base in Al Kharj, Saudi Arabia and assigned to United States Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa. It traces lineage to a World War II United States Army Air Forces heavy bombardment group that served in the European Theater of Operations and later Cold War eras including the Berlin Airlift and operations during the Gulf War. The wing's contemporary activities support contingency operations in the Middle East, liaise with regional partners such as the Royal Saudi Air Force, and integrate with coalition commands including United States Central Command and NATO force elements.

Overview

The organization provides air mobility, aerial refueling, and theater support linking strategic assets such as Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker, McDonnell Douglas KC-10 Extender, and tactical lift platforms like the Lockheed C-130 Hercules to combatant commanders in areas including Iraq War, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Inherent Resolve, and regional exercises with United Arab Emirates Air Force and Royal Jordanian Air Force. It operates under expeditionary constructs used by Air Mobility Command, works alongside U.S. Central Command Air Forces, and supports multinational logistics frameworks involving International Security Assistance Force-era partners.

History

The unit was constituted during World War II as a heavy bombardment group flying Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress aircraft in strategic bombing campaigns against targets in Nazi Germany, participating in operations connected to the Combined Bomber Offensive and cooperating with formations like the Eighth Air Force and commands including the Air Transport Command. Postwar reactivation saw roles in early Cold War crises, linking to airlift efforts similar to the Berlin Airlift and engaging NATO-related deployments across bases in United Kingdom and West Germany. During the late 20th century the wing transitioned through aircraft modernization programs tied to contractors such as Boeing and Lockheed Martin, participated in Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm, and later converted to an expeditionary posture supporting the Global War on Terrorism after September 11 attacks.

Mission and Operations

Primary missions include theater aerial refueling, strategic and tactical airlift, airlift of personnel and cargo, aeromedical evacuation, and command-and-control support for contingency operations. The wing’s operations synchronize with headquarters such as United States Central Command, Air Force Special Operations Command when required, and coordinate airtasking through the Combined Air Operations Center. It provides en route support for strategic airlifters like the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III and integrates with tanker tracks used by coalition partners including the Royal Air Force and French Air and Space Force during multinational campaigns.

Units and Organization

The provisional wing comprises expeditionary groups and squadrons that rotate under tasking from Air Combat Command and Air Mobility Command. Typical subordinate units include expeditionary operations groups, maintenance squadrons, medical squadrons, mission support groups, and security forces squadrons which link to organizations such as U.S. Army Central and theater sustainment commands. Command relationships often include liaison with the Combined Joint Task Force headquarters and coordination with host-nation agencies like the Ministry of Defense (Saudi Arabia).

Aircraft and Equipment

Historically equipped with types including the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress, Boeing B-29 Superfortress, and later jet-era platforms such as the Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker and McDonnell Douglas KC-10 Extender. Contemporary equipment emphasizes aerial refueling platforms, tactical airlift aircraft like the Lockheed C-130 Hercules, and support systems including airborne refueling drogues, receiver receptacles, and command-and-control suites produced by defense contractors such as Raytheon and Northrop Grumman. Maintenance and logistics workflow align with Defense Logistics Agency distribution and interoperability standards set by NATO Standardization Office.

Bases and Stations

The wing’s lineage includes stations across the United States, United Kingdom, and continental Europe during World War II and the Cold War, with significant wartime basing in England under Eighth Air Force. Recent forward operating basing is centered at Prince Sultan Air Base near Riyadh, with operational interactions at regional hubs like Al Udeid Air Base, Al Dhafra Air Base, and logistical links to Diego Garcia and Shaikh Isa Air Base during multinational deployments.

Honors and Notable Deployments

The organization has earned campaign streamers and unit awards for participation in the European strategic bombing campaign, Cold War readiness operations, and operations during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, as well as contributions to Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. Notable deployments include sustained aerial refueling and airlift support during the Fallujah campaigns, integration with coalition air tasking in Syria against extremist groups, and multinational exercises with partners such as the Royal Air Force, French Air and Space Force, and Turkish Air Force.

Category:United States Air Force wings Category:Military units and formations established in 1942