About this Unit
The 320th Bomb Wing was established in 1947 as part of the United States Air Force’s Strategic Air Command. Initially activated at March Air Force Base, California, the wing operated bombers such as the B-29 Superfortress and later transitioned to the B-47 Stratojet. Throughout the Cold War, the unit played a crucial deterrent role, maintaining nuclear alert status and participating in numerous training and readiness exercises. The 320th Bomb Wing was inactivated in 1960, briefly reactivated in the 1960s and 1980s, and ultimately redesignated before its final inactivation, reflecting shifting Air Force strategies and organizational changes.
Historical Facts
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World War II Origins: The 320th Bomb Wing traces its lineage to the 320th Bombardment Group, activated in June 1942 and serving with distinction in the Mediterranean Theater during World War II.
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Distinguished Unit Honors: The 320th Bombardment Group earned two Distinguished Unit Citations for its bravery and effectiveness during missions over Italy and France in WWII.
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Reactivation in the Cold War: The 320th Bomb Wing was reactivated on December 1, 1952, at March Air Force Base, California, as part of Strategic Air Command, flying the B-47 Stratojet.
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Transition to B-52s: In 1963, the wing transitioned from B-47 bombers to the iconic B-52 Stratofortress, greatly increasing its strategic bombing capability.
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Vietnam War Support: While not directly deployed to Vietnam, crews and aircraft from the 320th Bomb Wing rotated to support Operation Arc Light, conducting bombing missions over Southeast Asia.
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Operation Chrome Dome: The 320th participated in Operation Chrome Dome, maintaining airborne nuclear alert missions to deter Soviet aggression during the height of the Cold War.
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Air Refueling Component: The 320th included the 320th Air Refueling Squadron, operating KC-135 Stratotankers to extend the range of U.S. bombers and support global operations.
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Deactivation and Reactivation: The wing was inactivated in 1989 following the end of the Cold War, but its lineage was later reactivated as the 320th Air Expeditionary Wing for contingency operations.
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Humanitarian Missions: The 320th Air Expeditionary Wing provided crucial humanitarian and combat support during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom in the early 2000s.
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Legacy of Valor: Throughout its history, the 320th has received numerous campaign streamers and unit awards, cementing its reputation as one of the Air Force’s most storied bomber units.
