About this Unit
The 376th Bombardment Wing was established in 1951 as part of the United States Air Force Strategic Air Command during the early years of the Cold War. Originally stationed at Forbes Air Force Base, Kansas, the wing flew B-29 Superfortress bombers before transitioning to the B-47 Stratojet, focusing on strategic deterrence and global strike missions. Throughout its service, the 376th participated in various training exercises and alert duties to maintain readiness against potential Soviet threats. The wing was inactivated in 1965, but its lineage and honors were later consolidated with the 376th Air Expeditionary Wing, which served in Southwest Asia during the Global War on Terror.
Historical Facts
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Origins in World War II: The 376th traces its lineage to the 376th Bombardment Group (Heavy), formed in 1942 and known as "The Liberandos." It was the first B-24 Liberator unit to bomb targets in Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.
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Ploesti Raid Participation: The group played a major role in the famous low-level attack on the Ploesti oil refineries in Romania on August 1, 1943—Operation Tidal Wave—which earned it a Distinguished Unit Citation.
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Strategic Air Command Era: The 376th Bombardment Wing (Medium) was activated in 1951 as part of the Strategic Air Command (SAC), flying B-47 Stratojets from Barksdale AFB, Louisiana, and later Lockbourne AFB, Ohio.
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Cuban Missile Crisis Involvement: During the Cuban Missile Crisis in October 1962, the wing was placed on high alert, with its B-47s ready for possible nuclear strikes.
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Air Refueling Transition: The 376th was later redesignated as the 376th Air Refueling Wing, operating KC-135 Stratotankers and supporting American and allied aircraft worldwide.
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“Can-Do” Motto: The 376th’s longstanding motto is "Can Do," reflecting its reputation for accomplishing tough missions under challenging conditions.
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Longest Deployed U.S. Wing: In the post-9/11 era, the 376th Air Expeditionary Wing was based at the Transit Center at Manas, Kyrgyzstan, becoming the longest continuously deployed U.S. Air Force wing in Central Asia.
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Operation Enduring Freedom: The 376th played a key logistics and refueling role in support of operations in Afghanistan, providing a critical “air bridge” for coalition forces.
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Decorated Legacy: The wing and its predecessors have earned multiple Distinguished Unit Citations, campaign streamers, and foreign awards for their service in WWII and later conflicts.
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Inactivation and Legacy: The 376th Air Expeditionary Wing was inactivated in 2014 following the closure of the Transit Center at Manas, but its legacy is preserved in Air Force heritage and historical records.
