17th bombwing Wright Patterson AFB

• Origins in World War II: The 17th Bombardment Wing traces its lineage back to the 17th Bombardment Group, which was activated in 1940 and played a key role in the famous Doolittle Raid on Tokyo in 1942. • Doolittle Raid Connection: Crews from the original 17th Bombardment Group formed the core of the B-25 units that launched off the USS Hornet for the Doolittle Raid—the first U.S. air attack on Japan during World War II. • Korean War Service: The 17th Bomb Wing was reactivated during the Korean War, flying B-26 Invader light bombers and conducting night intruder missions against enemy logistics and supply lines. • Cold War Transition: After the Korean War, the 17th Bomb Wing was equipped with B-47 Stratojet bombers, marking its transition into the jet age as part of Strategic Air Command. • Stationed at Wright-Patterson: The wing was briefly stationed at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio from 1950 to 1952, serving as a key component of the Air Force's growing strategic bomber force. • Training Mission: While at Wright-Patterson, the 17th Bomb Wing was responsible for training aircrews and supporting the rapid expansion of the Air Force during the early years of the Cold War. • Decorations and Honors: The 17th Bomb Wing and its predecessor units have earned multiple Distinguished Unit Citations for their outstanding combat performance during World War II and the Korean War. • Aircraft Flown: Over its history, the unit operated a variety of aircraft, including the B-25 Mitchell, B-26 Invader, B-47 Stratojet, and KC-97 Stratofreighter tanker aircraft. • Reorganization and Inactivation: The wing underwent several re-designations and inactivations over the decades, reflecting changes in Air Force structure and mission requirements. • Legacy: The heritage of the 17th Bomb Wing lives on through subsequent units, including the 17th Training Wing at Goodfellow AFB, Texas, which carries forward the unit's proud tradition of excellence.