15th Wing

• The 15th Wing was first activated on February 18, 1918 as the 2nd Observation Group, making it one of the oldest wings in the United States Air Force. • During World War II, the 15th Wing served in the Pacific Theater, conducting long-range reconnaissance missions to gather intelligence on enemy movements. • In 1944, the 15th Wing played a crucial role in the Battle of Leyte Gulf, providing reconnaissance and target spotting for US Navy ships during the largest naval battle of the war. • After the war, the 15th Wing was stationed in Japan as part of the occupation forces, where it conducted reconnaissance missions along the Chinese coast during the early days of the Cold War. • In the 1960s, the 15th Wing transitioned to flying jet aircraft, and played a key role in the Vietnam War, conducting aerial reconnaissance missions over enemy territory. • In the 1980s, the 15th Wing was equipped with the RF-4C Phantom II, an advanced reconnaissance aircraft that could fly at high speeds and altitudes to gather intelligence on enemy forces. • During Desert Storm in 1991, the 15th Wing deployed to Saudi Arabia and flew missions over Iraq, providing crucial intelligence to coalition forces during the conflict. • In the early 2000s, the 15th Wing transitioned to flying the RC-135 Rivet Joint, a modified Boeing 707 aircraft that specializes in electronic surveillance and reconnaissance missions. • In recent years, the 15th Wing has been involved in surveillance missions over the Korean Peninsula, monitoring North Korean military activities and providing intelligence to US and allied forces in the region. • The 15th Wing is currently based at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii, where it continues to support US military operations in the Pacific region.