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ABOUT 306 th SAC Bombardment Wing
- Origins in World War II: The 306th Bombardment Wing traces its lineage to the 306th Bombardment Group, one of the first operational B-17 Flying Fortress units in the Eighth Air Force, activated in 1942.
- Distinguished Unit Citation: The 306th earned a Distinguished Unit Citation for its bravery in the daylight bombing raid on the Schweinfurt ball bearing factories in Germany, a pivotal mission in WWII.
- Redesignated in the Cold War: In 1951, the 306th was reactivated as the 306th Bombardment Wing (Heavy) at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, as part of Strategic Air Command (SAC), operating B-29 and later B-47 bombers.
- Role in Strategic Air Command: As a unit of SAC, the 306th was a critical component of America’s nuclear deterrent, maintaining constant readiness during the height of the Cold War.
- B-52 Era: The wing transitioned to the iconic B-52 Stratofortress bomber in the early 1960s, greatly enhancing its long-range strike capability.
- Vietnam War Deployments: Elements and crews from the 306th participated in Arc Light missions over Southeast Asia, providing strategic bombing support during the Vietnam War.
- Refueling Operations: The 306th operated KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft, enabling aerial refueling for a variety of SAC and allied aircraft, thus increasing global reach.
- Stations and Moves: Over its history, the 306th was stationed at multiple bases including MacDill AFB (Florida), McCoy AFB (Florida), and later at U-Tapao Royal Thai Navy Airfield (Thailand).
- Deactivation and Legacy: The unit was inactivated in 1974 following the post-Vietnam drawdown, but its lineage continues in the 306th Flying Training Group, which focuses on pilot training.
- Inspiration for Pop Culture: The 306th Bombardment Group’s wartime exploits inspired the book and film “Twelve O’Clock High,” a classic about the air war over Europe.