319 BW

• Origins: The 319th Bomb Wing (319 BW) was first activated in 1942 as the 319th Bombardment Group, flying B-26 Marauder bombers during World War II. • World War II Service: The unit saw combat in North Africa, Sicily, Italy, France, and Corsica, earning two Distinguished Unit Citations for its performance. • Postwar Reorganizations: After World War II, the unit was inactivated and reactivated multiple times, reflecting the shifting needs of the U.S. Air Force. • Cold War Era: Reactivated in 1955 as the 319th Bombardment Wing, it transitioned to flying the B-47 Stratojet and later the B-52 Stratofortress, serving as part of Strategic Air Command. • Grand Forks AFB: The 319th moved to Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota in 1963, becoming a key component of America’s nuclear deterrent force during the Cold War. • Tanker Operations: In the 1990s, the wing transitioned from bombers to air refueling, flying the KC-135 Stratotanker and becoming the 319th Air Refueling Wing. • Global Reach: The unit supported numerous operations, including Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom, highlighting its global mobility and refueling capabilities. • Intelligence Mission: In 2010, the wing’s mission shifted again, becoming the 319th Air Base Wing, supporting intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations, notably with the RQ-4 Global Hawk. • Awards and Honors: Over its history, the 319 BW earned numerous awards, including Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards and Campaign Streamers for its participation in major conflicts. • Modern Role: Today, the 319th Reconnaissance Wing continues to provide vital support for ISR missions, ensuring U.S. and allied forces have critical real-time intelligence worldwide.