319th Bomb Wing

• Origins in World War II: The 319th Bomb Wing traces its lineage to the 319th Bombardment Group, which was activated in 1942 and flew B-26 Marauders and B-25 Mitchells in the Mediterranean Theater during WWII. • Distinguished Unit Citation: The 319th Bombardment Group was awarded a Distinguished Unit Citation for its daring low-level attack on enemy airfields on Pantelleria and Sicily in 1943. • Strategic Air Command Era: Reactivated as the 319th Bombardment Wing in 1951, the unit became part of Strategic Air Command (SAC) and operated B-47 Stratojets during the Cold War. • KC-135 Tankers: In 1963, the 319th transitioned to flying the KC-135 Stratotanker, supporting aerial refueling missions critical to SAC’s global reach. • Grand Forks AFB Assignment: The 319th Bomb Wing was stationed at Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota, from 1963, becoming a key strategic base for U.S. nuclear deterrence. • B-52H Stratofortress Introduction: In 1983, the wing began flying the B-52H, the Air Force’s long-range heavy bomber, further enhancing its strategic capabilities. • Operation Desert Storm: The 319th Bomb Wing contributed personnel and aircraft to support operations during the 1991 Gulf War. • Transition to Air Refueling Wing: In 1994, the wing was redesignated the 319th Air Refueling Wing, focusing primarily on global aerial refueling missions with the KC-135. • Post-9/11 Operations: The wing played a critical role in refueling operations supporting Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom after the terrorist attacks in 2001. • Modern Era and RPA Missions: In 2019, the 319th was redesignated the 319th Reconnaissance Wing, becoming one of the Air Force’s leading units for operating RQ-4 Global Hawk remotely piloted aircraft.