320th Bomb Wing

• 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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.