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5th Bomb Wing

U.S. Air Force•99 members

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About this Unit

5th Bomb Wing

U.S. Air Force

The 5th Bomb Wing, activated in 1947, is a United States Air Force unit based at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota. Originally flying B-29 Superfortresses, the wing participated in numerous strategic bombing missions and played a vital role during the early years of the Cold War. Over the decades, the wing transitioned to operating B-52 Stratofortress bombers, enhancing America’s nuclear deterrence capabilities. Today, the 5th Bomb Wing remains a key component of the nation’s strategic bomber force, maintaining readiness for global strike missions.

About 5th Bomb Wing

About this Unit

Historical Facts

Origins in World War II: The 5th Bomb Wing traces its lineage to the 5th Bombardment Group, activated in 1919 and later distinguished for its role in the Pacific theater during World War II.
Historic Aircraft: The unit has operated a wide range of iconic bombers, including the B-17 Flying Fortress, B-24 Liberator, B-29 Superfortress, B-47 Stratojet, and currently the B-52 Stratofortress.
Guadalcanal Campaign: The 5th Bombardment Group played a vital role in the Guadalcanal Campaign, conducting long-range bombing and reconnaissance missions against Japanese forces.
Nickname “The Bomber Barons”: During WWII, the group earned the nickname "The Bomber Barons" due to their effectiveness and daring raids in the South Pacific.
Atomic Era Transition: After WWII, the unit transitioned to Strategic Air Command and flew the B-29 Superfortress, part of the early U.S. nuclear deterrent force.
Cold War Deployments: As part of the Cold War posture, the 5th Bomb Wing maintained a constant alert status and participated in numerous airborne alert missions, including Operation Chrome Dome.
Minot AFB Assignment: The 5th Bomb Wing has been stationed at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota since 1968, making it one of only two B-52 wings in the Air Force.
Operation Desert Storm: Aircrew and aircraft from the 5th Bomb Wing participated in Operation Desert Storm, flying long-range strike missions against targets in Iraq.
Distinguished Unit Awards: The wing and its predecessor groups have earned multiple Distinguished Unit Citations and Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards for valor and excellence in combat.
Modern Day Role: Today, the 5th Bomb Wing provides global strike and combat support capabilities, maintaining readiness to deliver conventional or nuclear weapons anywhere in the world at a moment’s notice.

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5th Bomb Wing

U.S. Air Force•99 members

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About this Unit

5th Bomb Wing

U.S. Air Force

Unit members

Scott "BITT" Bitterolf

U.S. Air Force Veteran · 2006 - 2015

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Richard Gallagher

U.S. Air Force Veteran

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Lee Harper

U.S. Air Force Veteran · 1982 - 1984

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Terrence Marr

U.S. Air Force · 1977 - 1984

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About 5th Bomb Wing

About this Unit

Historical Facts

Origins in World War II: The 5th Bomb Wing traces its lineage to the 5th Bombardment Group, activated in 1919 and later distinguished for its role in the Pacific theater during World War II.
Historic Aircraft: The unit has operated a wide range of iconic bombers, including the B-17 Flying Fortress, B-24 Liberator, B-29 Superfortress, B-47 Stratojet, and currently the B-52 Stratofortress.
Guadalcanal Campaign: The 5th Bombardment Group played a vital role in the Guadalcanal Campaign, conducting long-range bombing and reconnaissance missions against Japanese forces.
Nickname “The Bomber Barons”: During WWII, the group earned the nickname "The Bomber Barons" due to their effectiveness and daring raids in the South Pacific.
Atomic Era Transition: After WWII, the unit transitioned to Strategic Air Command and flew the B-29 Superfortress, part of the early U.S. nuclear deterrent force.
Cold War Deployments: As part of the Cold War posture, the 5th Bomb Wing maintained a constant alert status and participated in numerous airborne alert missions, including Operation Chrome Dome.
Minot AFB Assignment: The 5th Bomb Wing has been stationed at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota since 1968, making it one of only two B-52 wings in the Air Force.
Operation Desert Storm: Aircrew and aircraft from the 5th Bomb Wing participated in Operation Desert Storm, flying long-range strike missions against targets in Iraq.
Distinguished Unit Awards: The wing and its predecessor groups have earned multiple Distinguished Unit Citations and Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards for valor and excellence in combat.
Modern Day Role: Today, the 5th Bomb Wing provides global strike and combat support capabilities, maintaining readiness to deliver conventional or nuclear weapons anywhere in the world at a moment’s notice.