22nd Bomb Wing

The 22nd Bomb Wing, originally established in 1948, is a prominent unit of the United States Air Force. It was first activated at Smoky Hill Air Force Base, Kansas, and played a vital role in Strategic Air Command, operating B-29 Superfortress bombers during the early years of the Cold War. Over the decades, the wing transitioned to more advanced aircraft, including the B-47 Stratojet and later the B-52 Stratofortress, participating in key missions such as Operation Linebacker II during the Vietnam War. Today, based at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, the 22nd Bomb Wing operates as the 22nd Air Refueling Wing, supporting global operations with KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft.