55th Wing

• The 55th Wing is a United States Air Force unit based at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska. • It was originally activated as the 55th Reconnaissance Group in 1941 and has since undergone several reorganizations. • In 1994, the 55th Wing became the first Air Combat Command unit to receive the Secretary of Defense Maintenance Award for Maintenance Excellence. • The 55th Wing is responsible for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare missions. • During the Cold War, the 55th Wing operated the RC-135 reconnaissance aircraft, which collected electronic and signals intelligence from the Soviet Union. • The wing has deployed personnel to support operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other parts of the world. • In 2001, a 55th Wing RC-135 aircraft was involved in a collision with a Chinese fighter jet off the coast of Hainan Island, leading to a tense diplomatic standoff between the United States and China. • The 55th Wing has received numerous awards and decorations for its contributions to national security and global operations. • In addition to its reconnaissance missions, the 55th Wing also provides support for nuclear command and control operations. • The wing has a long and storied history of excellence in intelligence gathering and operational effectiveness.