8th Bomb Squadron

The 8th Bomb Squadron, known as the "Blackbirds," was activated in 1917 and is one of the oldest U.S. Air Force bomb squadrons. The unit saw action in World War I, flying combat missions in France, and later participated in significant campaigns during World War II, including operations in the Pacific Theater. During the Vietnam War, the squadron conducted bombing missions with B-57 Canberra and later B-52 Stratofortress aircraft. Today, the 8th Bomb Squadron is stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, operating the B-52H Stratofortress as part of the 2nd Bomb Wing, maintaining global strike capabilities.