About this Unit
The 92nd Bomb Wing (92 BW) was established in 1947 and is currently based at Fairchild Air Force Base in Washington. Originally activated as the 92nd Bombardment Group during World War II, the unit flew B-17 Flying Fortress missions over Europe. During the Cold War, the 92nd transitioned to B-36 and later B-52 Stratofortress bombers, becoming a key component of Strategic Air Command’s nuclear deterrence mission. Today, the 92nd Bomb Wing operates KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft and plays a vital role in global aerial refueling and strategic airpower projection.
Historical Facts
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Formation and World War II Heritage: The 92nd Bomb Wing traces its roots back to the 92nd Bombardment Group, which was activated in 1942 and flew B-17 Flying Fortress missions in Europe during World War II.
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Cold War Reactivation: The 92nd Bomb Wing was activated in 1947 at Spokane Army Air Field (now Fairchild Air Force Base), becoming one of the first units in the newly established United States Air Force.
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First B-36 Peacemaker Unit: In 1947, the 92nd was the first unit to receive the Convair B-36 Peacemaker, the largest mass-produced piston-engined aircraft ever built.
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B-52 Stratofortress Era: The wing transitioned to the Boeing B-52 Stratofortress bomber in the 1950s, which it continues to operate in various capacities.
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Operation Chrome Dome: During the 1960s, the 92nd participated in Operation Chrome Dome, maintaining airborne nuclear alert missions with B-52s as part of strategic deterrence.
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Vietnam War Deployments: The wing supported the Vietnam War effort by deploying B-52s and crews for Arc Light bombing missions over Southeast Asia.
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Refueling Mission: Since the 1990s, the 92nd has focused on air refueling operations, operating the KC-135 Stratotanker and providing vital aerial refueling support worldwide.
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Fairchild Air Force Base: The 92nd BW has been headquartered at Fairchild AFB, Washington, since 1947, making it one of the oldest continuously active bomb wings at the same location.
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1994 Fairchild Tragedy: On June 24, 1994, a tragic B-52 crash at Fairchild AFB killed all four crew members and led to significant changes in Air Force safety culture.
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Ongoing Global Operations: The 92nd Bomb Wing (now the 92nd Air Refueling Wing) continues to play a key role in global U.S. Air Force operations, supporting missions in Iraq, Afghanistan, and beyond.
