303rd bomb wing

The 303rd Bomb Wing traces its origins to World War II as the 303rd Bombardment Group, renowned for its B-17 Flying Fortress missions over Europe, including the first U.S. bombing raid on Germany. Reactivated during the Cold War as the 303rd Bomb Wing, it became part of Strategic Air Command, operating B-29 and later B-47 bombers as a deterrent force. The wing was stationed at various bases, including Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, and participated in key training and alert missions during the height of nuclear tensions. The unit was inactivated in the early 1960s as part of the Air Force's transition to more advanced strategic bombers and intercontinental ballistic missiles.