About this Unit
The 97th Bomb Wing was activated in 1947 as part of the United States Air Force's Strategic Air Command. Initially stationed at Biggs Air Force Base, Texas, the wing operated B-29 and later B-47 and B-52 bombers, playing a key role in America's nuclear deterrence during the Cold War. Over the decades, the 97th participated in various strategic missions and training exercises, adapting to evolving technologies and aircraft. In 1992, the wing transitioned to Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, where it shifted focus to air mobility and training missions as the 97th Air Mobility Wing.
Historical Facts
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Origins in WWII: The 97th Bomb Wing traces its lineage to the 97th Bombardment Group, which was among the first USAAF units to bomb occupied Europe during World War II.
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First US Bombing Raid in Europe: The 97th Bombardment Group, later part of the 97th Bomb Wing, conducted the first all-American B-17 bombing mission over Nazi-occupied Europe on August 17, 1942, targeting railroad yards in Rouen, France.
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Historic Commanders: The future actor Jimmy Stewart served as operations officer for the 97th Bomb Group, flying combat missions during WWII.
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Cold War Role: Reactivated during the Cold War, the 97th Bomb Wing became a key component of Strategic Air Command (SAC), operating B-29, B-50, and later B-52 bombers.
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Global Reach: The wing participated in numerous deployments and exercises around the world, including Operation Reflex, which maintained bomber alert status in Europe and North Africa during the 1950s.
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Cuban Missile Crisis: During the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, the 97th Bomb Wing maintained heightened alert status, with aircraft armed and ready to respond to potential hostilities.
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Transition to Air Mobility: In 1992, the 97th was redesignated as the 97th Air Mobility Wing and shifted from bombers to aerial refueling and airlift, operating KC-135 and KC-10 tankers and C-5 and C-141 transports.
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Altus Air Force Base: Since 1992, the wing has been stationed at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, serving as the Air Force's primary training base for air mobility missions.
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Training Mission: The 97th is now responsible for training all Air Force C-17 Globemaster III, KC-135 Stratotanker, and KC-46 Pegasus aircrew members.
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Decorations and Honors: The wing and its predecessors have earned numerous awards, including Distinguished Unit Citations and the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for their valor and excellence in both combat and peacetime operations.
