About this Unit
The 7th Bomb Wing, activated in 1947, is a storied unit of the United States Air Force with a distinguished legacy in strategic bombardment. Initially flying B-29 Superfortresses, the wing played a significant role during the early Cold War, transitioning to B-36 Peacemakers and later to B-52 Stratofortresses. In 1993, the 7th Bomb Wing relocated to Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, where it became the first operational B-1B Lancer unit. Today, it remains an integral part of the Air Force Global Strike Command, providing long-range bombing capabilities and supporting global deterrence missions.
Historical Facts
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Origins in World War II: The 7th Bomb Wing traces its lineage to the 7th Bombardment Group, which was activated in 1919 and played a critical role in the Pacific Theater during WWII.
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Historic Raid: The 7th Bombardment Group was one of the first units to deploy to India in 1942, participating in the first American bombing raids against Japanese forces in Burma.
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Atomic Age Pioneer: The 7th Bomb Wing became part of Strategic Air Command (SAC) in 1946 and was among the first units to operate the B-36 Peacemaker, the world’s first intercontinental bomber.
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Record-Setting Bombers: The 7th Bomb Wing helped set aircraft endurance and distance records with the B-36 and later with the B-52 Stratofortress during the Cold War.
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B-52 Era: In 1958, the wing transitioned to the B-52 Stratofortress, which it operated for over 30 years, participating in key deterrence and combat missions.
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Vietnam War Service: Units and personnel from the 7th Bomb Wing were deployed to Southeast Asia, flying bombing missions over Vietnam as part of Operation Arc Light.
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Modernization with the B-1: In 1993, the 7th Bomb Wing became the first operational B-1B Lancer wing in the U.S. Air Force, marking a new era of supersonic, long-range bombing capability.
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Home at Dyess AFB: The wing has been based at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas since 1957, serving as a cornerstone of the base’s mission and community.
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Humanitarian and Disaster Relief: The 7th Bomb Wing has provided rapid response in humanitarian operations, including hurricane disaster relief and support for national emergencies.
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Ongoing Global Impact: The wing continues to deploy worldwide in support of operations such as Enduring Freedom and Inherent Resolve, demonstrating the USAF’s global reach and power.
