92nd Bomb Wing

• 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • Vietnam War Deployments: The wing supported the Vietnam War effort by deploying B-52s and crews for Arc Light bombing missions over Southeast Asia. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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.