About this Unit
The **100th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing** was a unit of the United States Air Force, originally activated as the 100th Bombardment Group during World War II, where it earned distinction flying B-17 Flying Fortress missions over Europe. Reactivated during the Cold War, the wing was redesignated the 100th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing in 1966 at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona. Its primary mission was to conduct high-altitude reconnaissance using Lockheed U-2 and drone aircraft to gather intelligence on adversaries, particularly during the tense periods of the Cold War. The unit was inactivated in 1976, but its legacy continues through its contributions to U.S. strategic intelligence capabilities.
Historical Facts
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Origins as a Bombardment Group: The 100th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing traces its lineage to the famous 100th Bombardment Group of World War II, known as the "Bloody Hundredth" for its heavy casualties during bombing missions over Europe.
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Cold War Reactivation: The 100th was reactivated as the 100th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing (SRW) at Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona, in 1966, assuming a new role focused on reconnaissance and intelligence gathering.
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KC-135 and U-2 Operations: The wing operated both Boeing KC-135 Stratotankers for air refueling and Lockheed U-2 "Dragon Lady" high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft, supporting global intelligence operations.
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Vietnam War Involvement: The 100th SRW played a pivotal role in Southeast Asia, providing aerial refueling and reconnaissance support during the Vietnam War, greatly enhancing U.S. air operations.
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Operation GIANT SCALE: The 100th SRW participated in "Operation GIANT SCALE," a large-scale reconnaissance mission during the late 1960s, gathering vital intelligence on Soviet and Warsaw Pact activities.
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Transition to RAF Mildenhall: In 1976, the 100th SRW was inactivated at Davis-Monthan but its numerical designation was later transferred to RAF Mildenhall, UK, where it continues as the 100th Air Refueling Wing today.
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Decorations and Honors: The wing and its antecedent units have received numerous unit citations and awards for their outstanding performance, including multiple Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards.
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Distinctive Emblem: The 100th SRW's emblem features a black shield with a white "Square D," a legacy from its World War II heritage.
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Spy Plane Operations: The wing operated the U-2, a legendary reconnaissance aircraft capable of flying at altitudes above 70,000 feet, making it a key asset for strategic intelligence during the Cold War.
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Legacy of Adaptation: The 100th has transformed from a bomb group to a reconnaissance and then to a refueling wing, reflecting the Air Force’s adaptability to changing strategic needs over decades.
