42nd Bombardment Wing

• Origins in World War II: The 42nd Bombardment Wing traces its lineage to the 42nd Bombardment Group, which was activated in 1941 and flew B-25 Mitchell bombers in the Pacific Theater during World War II. • Cold War Re-activation: The 42nd Bombardment Wing (Heavy) was activated on 25 February 1953 at Limestone Air Force Base (later Loring AFB), Maine, as part of the Strategic Air Command (SAC). • B-36 Peacemaker Era: Initially, the wing operated the Convair B-36 Peacemaker, one of the largest and most powerful piston-engined aircraft ever built. • Transition to B-52 Stratofortress: In 1956, the wing transitioned to the Boeing B-52 Stratofortress, which became its primary weapon system for the next several decades. • Air Refueling Missions: The 42nd operated KC-135 Stratotankers for aerial refueling missions, providing critical global reach and support for U.S. bomber operations. • Cuban Missile Crisis: During the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, the 42nd Bombardment Wing was placed on high alert, with its bombers and tankers ready for possible combat missions. • Vietnam War Deployments: Aircrews and aircraft from the wing were deployed to Southeast Asia as part of Operation Arc Light, conducting bombing missions over Vietnam. • Strategic Air Command Competitions: The 42nd Bombardment Wing participated in—and often excelled at—SAC’s annual bombing and navigation competitions, earning several awards for excellence. • Loring AFB Closure: The wing remained at Loring AFB until the base’s closure in 1994, a result of the post-Cold War reduction in U.S. strategic forces. • Legacy and Honors: The 42nd Bombardment Wing and its predecessors earned numerous campaign and unit awards, and its history is preserved through various memorials and associations of former members.