42nd Bombardment Wing

The 42nd Bombardment Wing was a prominent unit of the United States Air Force, activated in 1953 at Limestone (later Loring) Air Force Base, Maine. As part of Strategic Air Command, the wing operated B-36 Peacemaker and later B-52 Stratofortress bombers, playing a crucial role in America’s nuclear deterrence during the Cold War. The wing regularly participated in alert duties and global exercises, maintaining a high state of readiness. The unit was inactivated in 1994 following the closure of Loring AFB, capping over four decades of distinguished service.