About this Unit
The 38th Combat Support Wing (38 CSW) traces its origins to World War II, when it was first activated as the 38th Bombardment Group in 1940. The unit participated in combat operations in the Pacific Theater, earning numerous campaign streamers before inactivation after the war. Reactivated and redesignated several times during the Cold War, the wing took on roles ranging from missile operations to base support across Europe. In its more recent history, the 38th Combat Support Wing provided vital support functions for U.S. Air Force installations throughout Europe, ensuring mission readiness before its inactivation in 2007.
Historical Facts
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Origins in World War II: The 38th Combat Support Wing traces its roots to the activation of the 38th Bombardment Group (Medium) in January 1941, which served with distinction in the Pacific Theater during World War II.
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Role in the Pacific: The 38th Bombardment Group flew B-25 Mitchell bombers and participated in numerous campaigns, including Guadalcanal, New Guinea, and the Philippines, earning multiple Distinguished Unit Citations.
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Reactivation in Europe: The unit was reactivated as the 38th Tactical Missile Wing in 1952 during the Cold War, with a mission to operate tactical missiles in Europe, primarily in West Germany.
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Matador and Mace Missiles: The 38th Tactical Missile Wing operated TM-61 Matador and later TM-76 Mace cruise missiles, which were among the first U.S. operational surface-to-surface missiles in Europe, forming a key part of NATO's deterrence strategy.
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Inactivation and Reactivation: The unit experienced several inactivations and reactivations, reflecting evolving U.S. Air Force missions and technological changes throughout the Cold War and post-Cold War eras.
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Transition to Support Roles: In 2004, the unit was redesignated as the 38th Combat Support Wing and assigned to Ramstein Air Base, Germany, providing support for geographically separated units across Europe.
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Expansive Area of Responsibility: At its peak, the 38th CSW supported more than 70 geographically separated units in 21 countries, making it one of the most widely dispersed Air Force wings.
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Support to Airmen and Families: The wing was responsible for a range of support services, including security, medical, logistics, and quality of life improvements for thousands of Airmen and their families stationed in remote European locations.
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Deactivation in 2007: The 38th Combat Support Wing was inactivated in 2007 as part of a reorganization of U.S. Air Force support services in Europe, with its missions transferred to other units.
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Legacy of Excellence: Despite its relatively short recent existence, the 38th CSW and its predecessor units are remembered for adaptability and excellence, earning numerous unit awards and campaign streamers over decades of service.
