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68th Bomb Wing

U.S. Air Force•33 members

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About this Unit

68th Bomb Wing

U.S. Air Force

The 68th Bomb Wing was a United States Air Force unit activated in 1951 during the early years of the Cold War. Initially based at Lake Charles Air Force Base, Louisiana, the wing operated B-29 and later B-47 Stratojet bombers as part of Strategic Air Command's nuclear deterrent force. In 1963, the wing transitioned to Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, where it was equipped with B-52 Stratofortress bombers and KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft, supporting both strategic bombing and aerial refueling missions. The 68th Bomb Wing remained active until 1982, when it was inactivated as part of a broader reorganization of SAC units.

About 68th Bomb Wing

About this Unit

Historical Facts

Origins: The 68th Bomb Wing was originally activated as the 68th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing on 10 November 1951, at Lake Charles Air Force Base, Louisiana.
Cold War Role: The wing primarily operated Boeing B-47 Stratojet bombers and was part of the United States’ strategic nuclear deterrent during the early Cold War.
Redesignation: In 1963, the 68th was redesignated as the 68th Bombardment Wing, Heavy, and transitioned to the B-52 Stratofortress, one of the most iconic American bombers.
Vietnam War Support: Although not deployed directly to Vietnam, the 68th Bomb Wing supported operations such as Arc Light by providing aircrews and aircraft for rotations to Southeast Asia.
Refueling Operations: The wing also operated the KC-135 Stratotanker, providing vital aerial refueling support to both bombers and tactical aircraft.
Seymour Johnson Air Force Base: The unit moved to Seymour Johnson AFB, North Carolina, in 1957, which became its principal home for nearly three decades.
Cuban Missile Crisis: During the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, the 68th Bomb Wing maintained heightened alert status, with bombers ready for immediate launch.
Strategic Air Command: The wing was a key component of Strategic Air Command (SAC), responsible for maintaining a continuous nuclear deterrent during the tense years of the Cold War.
Inactivation: The 68th Bomb Wing was inactivated on 30 September 1982, as part of the Air Force’s reorganization and modernization efforts.
Legacy: The 68th’s heritage lives on through its successor units and through the accomplishments of its personnel, who contributed to American airpower and strategic deterrence.

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68th Bomb Wing

U.S. Air Force•33 members

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About this Unit

68th Bomb Wing

U.S. Air Force

Unit members

Kendall Lunsford

U.S. Air Force Military Retiree · 1977 - 1982

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Gerald Lachner

U.S. Air Force · 1974 - 1979

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Johnnie Norris

U.S. Air Force · 1924 - 2024

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David Thomas

U.S. Air Force · 1978 - 2010

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Photos

Andrew Bass bomb/nav tech school, Lowery afb

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About 68th Bomb Wing

About this Unit

Historical Facts

Origins: The 68th Bomb Wing was originally activated as the 68th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing on 10 November 1951, at Lake Charles Air Force Base, Louisiana.
Cold War Role: The wing primarily operated Boeing B-47 Stratojet bombers and was part of the United States’ strategic nuclear deterrent during the early Cold War.
Redesignation: In 1963, the 68th was redesignated as the 68th Bombardment Wing, Heavy, and transitioned to the B-52 Stratofortress, one of the most iconic American bombers.
Vietnam War Support: Although not deployed directly to Vietnam, the 68th Bomb Wing supported operations such as Arc Light by providing aircrews and aircraft for rotations to Southeast Asia.
Refueling Operations: The wing also operated the KC-135 Stratotanker, providing vital aerial refueling support to both bombers and tactical aircraft.
Seymour Johnson Air Force Base: The unit moved to Seymour Johnson AFB, North Carolina, in 1957, which became its principal home for nearly three decades.
Cuban Missile Crisis: During the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, the 68th Bomb Wing maintained heightened alert status, with bombers ready for immediate launch.
Strategic Air Command: The wing was a key component of Strategic Air Command (SAC), responsible for maintaining a continuous nuclear deterrent during the tense years of the Cold War.
Inactivation: The 68th Bomb Wing was inactivated on 30 September 1982, as part of the Air Force’s reorganization and modernization efforts.
Legacy: The 68th’s heritage lives on through its successor units and through the accomplishments of its personnel, who contributed to American airpower and strategic deterrence.