About this Unit
The 379th Bomb Wing was first activated in 1955 at Homestead Air Force Base, Florida, as part of the Strategic Air Command, equipped initially with B-47 Stratojet bombers. During the Cold War, the wing played a key role in the United States' nuclear deterrence strategy, later transitioning to B-52 Stratofortress bombers. In the 1990s, the unit was inactivated but reactivated in 2003 at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, where it became a cornerstone of U.S. Air Force operations in the Middle East, conducting strategic bombing, air refueling, and reconnaissance missions in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. Today, the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing (as it is now known) remains a vital component of U.S. airpower projection in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.
Historical Facts
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World War II Origins: The 379th Bomb Wing traces its lineage to the 379th Bombardment Group, which flew B-17 Flying Fortresses in the Eighth Air Force during World War II and became one of the most decorated USAAF units in the European Theater.
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Distinguished Unit Citation: The 379th Bombardment Group earned two Distinguished Unit Citations for its actions over Europe, notably for a mission to bomb the Focke-Wulf factory at Marienburg and another for attacking aircraft factories in Germany despite heavy enemy opposition.
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Cold War Reactivation: The 379th Bomb Wing was activated in 1955 at Homestead Air Force Base, Florida, flying the B-47 Stratojet and later the B-52H Stratofortress as part of Strategic Air Command's deterrence mission.
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Operation Linebacker II: Elements of the 379th participated in the intensive bombing campaign against North Vietnam in December 1972, known as Operation Linebacker II or the "Christmas Bombings."
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Longest Serving B-52 Wing: Before its inactivation in 1993, the 379th Bomb Wing was recognized as the longest continuously operational B-52 wing in the Air Force.
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Reactivation in the Middle East: The 379th was reactivated as the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, in 2002, supporting Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.
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Multi-National Base: The 379th AEW has hosted not only US Air Force personnel but also coalition forces from over 10 nations, making it one of the largest and most diverse air expeditionary wings.
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Nickname "Grand Slam": The 379th Bomb Wing adopted the nickname “Grand Slam Wing” due to its record-setting bombing accuracy and tonnage dropped during WWII.
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Aircraft Variety: Over its history, the 379th has operated a range of aircraft including the B-17, B-47, B-52, KC-135 Stratotanker, RC-135 Rivet Joint, E-8 JSTARS, and C-130 Hercules.
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Historic Records: The 379th Bomb Group dropped more bomb tonnage and flew more sorties than any other B-17 group in the Eighth Air Force during WWII, cementing its legacy in Air Force history.
