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307th Bomb Wing
307th Bomb Wing
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307th Bomb Wing
Active1947–1948; 1948–1965; 1970–1975; 2011–present
Country United States
Branch United States Air Force
TypeWing
RoleStrategic bomber
Part ofAir Force Reserve Command
Garrison/HQBarksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana
DecorationsPresidential Unit Citation
Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation
Commanders
CommanderCol David M. Martinez
Deputy CommanderCol Aaron M. Hedrick
Command ChiefCMSgt Jonathan R. Alejandro
Insignia
307th Bomb Wing emblem
Tail codeBD
Aircraft flown
BomberB-52H Stratofortress and B-1B Lancer

The 307th Bomb Wing is an Air Reserve component of the United States Air Force. It is assigned to the Tenth Air Force of Air Force Reserve Command, stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana. If mobilized, the wing is gained by Air Force Global Strike Command.

The wing was first activated in 1947 as part of the test of the Wing Base Organization system as the 307th Bombardment Wing as the headquarters for the 307th Bombardment Group and its supporting organizations. It served in the Korean War, where it earned a Presidential Unit Citation. It served as a strategic bomber organization until inactivated in 1965.

The wing was again activated as the 307th Strategic Wing in 1970 at U-Tapao Royal Thai Navy Airfield, Thailand. It managed deployed Strategic Air Command tankers and bombers participating in combat operations in Southeast Asia until it was inactivated on 30 September 1975.

With the divestiture of Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft from Air Force Reserve Command's composite 917th Wing at Barksdale, the 917th was inactivated and its Boeing B-52 Stratofortress aircraft transferred to the reactivated 307th Bomb Wing on 8 January 2011.

On 17 October 2015 the Air Force reactivated the 489th Bomb Group under the wing. The 489 is a classic associate at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas flying the Rockwell B-1B Lancer.

Overview

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The wing is diverse, flying and maintaining 20 Boeing B-52H Stratofortress. The 307th Operations Group oversees three squadrons: the 93rd Bomb Squadron, which operates the B-52 Formal Training Unit and qualifies aircrew to operate the B-52 in active association with the 11th Bomb Squadron, the 343rd Bomb Squadron, which performs the nuclear enterprise and global strike missions in classic association with the 2nd Operations Group, the 307th Operations Support Squadron, which provides intelligence, aircrew life support and range operations services to the wing's full range of B-52 missions. The 489th Bomb Group, a geographically separated unit, operates in association with the 7th Operations Group at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas flying the Rockwell B-1 Lancer. In addition, the wing produces sorties for the 340th Weapons Squadron and the 49th Test and Evaluation Squadron to accomplish their mission.[1]

Units

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The 307th Bomb Wing consists of the following major units:

93d Bomb Squadron
343d Bomb Squadron
307th Operations Support Squadron
  • 489th Bomb Group
345th Bomb Squadron
489th Maintenance Squadron
489th Aerospace Medical Flight
  • 307th Maintenance Group
  • 307th Mission Support Group

History

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The 307th replaced the 94th Combat Bombardment Wing, Very Heavy Bomber (Provisional) and other organizations in August 1947. From then until 15 December 1948 the 307th Wing controlled, in addition to its own units, the 82d Fighter Wing at Grenier Field, New Hampshire. In September 1947 it began training other Strategic Air Command (SAC) combat units in anti-submarine warfare. In February, it began operating a Boeing B-29 Superfortress transition training school and standardized combat training for all SAC units.

Korean War

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A 307th BG B-29 bombing a target in Korea, 1950–51.

In August 1950, the 307th deployed to Okinawa. Detached from SAC, it began operations under Far East Air Forces Bomber Command, Provisional. The attached 306th Bombardment Group transferred to its parent wing on 1 September 1950 and until 10 February 1951 the 307th had no tactical mission. On that date, wing resources were used to form the 6th Air Division at MacDill and the wing deployed without personnel to Kadena Air Base, where it absorbed resources of the 307th Bombardment Group and began flying combat missions.

During the Korean War, the 307th Wing received a Presidential Unit Citation for its extraordinary heroism in action against an enemy of the United Nations during the period of 11 to 27 July 1953. During this time it flew 93 sorties and dropped 860 tons of bombs on targets at the North Korean Simanju Airfield, where, despite severe airframe icing, intense enemy anti-aircraft fire and coordinated searchlight and fighter opposition, it rendered the airfield unserviceable. The 307th also flew the last B-29 Superfortress combat mission on 23 July 1953.

By the end of the hostilities, the wing (including its tactical group) had flown 5,810 combat sorties in 573 combat missions. The wing remained in the Far East, required to maintain combat readiness, and on 15 August 1953 Kadena became its permanent base.

Cold War

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The 307th returned to the United States in November 1954 and left its B-29s at Davis–Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona. It proceeded to its new base, Lincoln Air Force Base, Nebraska. It replaced the propeller-driven B-29s with new Boeing B-47E Stratojet swept-wing medium bombers in 1955, capable of flying at high subsonic speeds and primarily designed for penetrating the airspace of the Soviet Union.

It conducted strategic bombardment training and air refueling operations to prepare, if necessary, for nuclear war. The 4362d Support Squadron (later the 4352d Post Attack Command and Control Squadron) was attached to the wing from 20 July 1962 until 24 December 1964. In January 1965 the wing began phasing down as Lincoln was being closed and the wing's B-47s were retired. It was inactivated on 25 March 1965.

Vietnam War

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Emblem of the 4258th Strategic Wing
B-52D approaching U-Tapao 1972

The wing was again activated in 1970 as the 307th Strategic Wing when it replaced the 4258th Strategic Wing at U-Tapao Royal Thai Navy Airfield, Thailand. SAC organized the 4258th at U-Tapao on 2 June 1966 and assigned it to the 3d Air Division[2] to supporting deployed Boeing KC-135 Stratotankers that engaged in combat operations over Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. The wing was assigned three maintenance squadrons and received administrative and logistics support from the 635th Combat Support Group of Pacific Air Forces. The wing was detached from the 3d Air Division from organization until 25 October 1965.[2] The following year, the wing added the 4258th Munitions Maintenance Squadron, which enabled it to support Boeing B-52 Stratofortress operations as well.

In 1970, in order to perpetuate the lineage of inactive bombardment units with illustrious World War II records, SAC received authority from Headquarters, USAF to discontinue its two Major Command controlled (MAJCON) strategic wings in the Pacific and replace them with Air Force controlled (AFCON) units, which could carry a lineage and history.[b] On 1 April 1970, the 4258th SW was discontinued and replaced by the 307th Strategic Wing which assumed its mission, personnel, and equipment on 1 February 1963.[c] The 4258th's maintenance squadrons were replaced by ones with the 307th numerical designation of the newly established wing. Each of the new units assumed the personnel, equipment, and mission of its predecessor. The 307th was the only regular Air Force SAC Wing stationed in Southeast Asia.

Using aircraft and crews deployed from the United States, the 307th conducted conventional bombardment operations and provided KC-135 aerial refueling (Young Tiger Tanker Task Force) of U.S. aircraft in Southeast Asia as directed through the Military Assistance Command, Vietnam. It ended all combat operations on 14 August 1973 as a result of the Congressionally mandated end of US Combat activities over Laos and Cambodia.

The final B-52 returned to its home unit in June 1975, but the wing continued some KC-135 and refueling operations supporting the USAF tactical units in Thailand until inactivated on 30 September 1975 as part of the USAF withdrawal from its Thai bases.

2011 – present

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The 307th Bomb Wing was reactivated at Barksdale AFB, Louisiana on 1 January 2011 with the 93rd and 343rd Bomb Squadrons. The Wing is assigned 18 B-52H Stratofortress aircraft.[1]

On 9 July 2011 the 707th Maintenance Squadron was activated to support the 343rd Bomb Squadron at Barksdale Air Force Base.[1]

During the Air Force Global Strike Challenge in November 2011, the 307th Bomb Wing was awarded the General Curtis LeMay Trophy for best bomber operations Wing in the Air Force.[1]

On 4 June 2012 the 707th Maintenance Squadron reached a milestone with the certification of their first nuclear and conventional load crew on the B-52H Stratofortress.  This certification made the 343rd Bomb Squadron and the 707th Maintenance Squadron the first Air Force Reserve Nuclear Squadron.[1]

The 489th Bombardment Group was reactivated and redesignated the 489th Bomb Group at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas on 17 October 2015 with the 345th Bomb Squadron, 489th Maintenance Squadron and the 489th Aerospace Medicine Flight under the 307th Wing flying the B-1 Lancer as a classic association with the 7th Bomb Wing.[1]

In April 2016, the 343rd Bomb Squadron deployed personnel to Al Udeid Air Base in support of Operation Inherent Resolve in support of the war on ISIS.[1]

In August and September 2016, the 307th Bomb Wing supported and participated in NATO Exercise AMPLE STRIKE. The exercise was under the auspices of Operation Atlantic Resolve which is the United States' assurance and deterrence operation in the European Command.[1]

In September 2016 the 307th Bomb Wing also participated in a multi-national community event called NATO Days.  This event provided a forum for outreach with civilian and military leadership from the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and populations from surrounding nations.[1]

The 307th continued to support the war against terrorism in 2017 with aircrew and maintainer deployed supporting the B-52 mission in Al Udeid Air Base for Operation Inherent Resolve and Operation Freedom's Sentinel.[1]

In August and September 2017, the 307th Bomb Wing supported and participated in Exercise Ample Srike, which was Czech Republic led with two B-52s and two B-1s. This was a critical, annual exercise meant to increase proficiency levels of all forward air controllers and joint terminal air controllers, as well as to improve standardization and interoperability across NATO Allies and partners that included multiple European countries. 

In March 2018, the 489th Bomb Group again led an integrated team that operated and maintained three B-1 Lancers in support of the Joint Interagency Task Force-South's Operation Titian.  This operation led to the seizure of $270 million in narcotics.

In May and June 2018, the 489th led an integrated Bomber Task Force in support of the joint, multinational maritime-focused Exercise BALTOPS in the Baltic Sea. The exercise enhances flexibility and interoperability, and demonstrate resolve among allied and partner forces in defending the Baltic region.

In mid-2018 the 307th deployed over 200 civil engineers, security forces, services, support, and logistics readiness personnel in support of Operation Spartan Shield and Freedom Sentinel to various locations in southwest Asia for a period of approximately six months.

In September 2018 the 307th Bomb Wing's 93rd Bomb Squadron and 343rd Bomb Squadron again supported the Czech Republic led exercise with one B-52. At the same time the Wing supported the Bomber Task Force in Europe with a B-52 flying missions over Romania, the Arctic Circle and other European locations.

From September 2018 to March 2019 the 489th deployed members from their 345th Bomb Squadron and 489th Maintenance Squadron in support of the 7 BW's active duty CENTCOM deployment.[1]

Lineage

[edit]
Emblem of the 307th Bombardment Wing
  • Designated as 307th Bombardment Wing, Very Heavy on 28 July 1947
  • Organized on 15 August 1947
  • Discontinued on 12 July 1948
  • Constituted as the 307th Bombardment Wing, Medium and activated on 12 July 1948
  • Discontinued, and inactivated, on 25 March 1965
  • Redesignated 307th Strategic Wing on 21 January 1970
  • Activated on 1 April 1970
  • Inactivated on 30 September 1975
  • Redesignated 307th Bomb Wing and activated on 8 January 2011

Assignments

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Attached to: Far East Air Forces Bomber Command, Provisional, 10 February – 11 August 1951
Attached to: Far East Air Forces Bomber Command, Provisional, ADVON, 12 August – 11 September 1951
Attached to: Far East Air Forces Bomber Command, Provisional, 12 September 1951 – 17 June 1954
Attached to: Twentieth Air Force, 18 June 1954
Remained attached to Twentieth Air Force to 19 November 1954
Attached to: 7th Air Division, 7 July – 5 October 1956
Attached to Air Division Provisional, 17th, 1 June 1972 – 31 December 1974

Components

[edit]
Wing
  • 82d Fighter: attached 15 August 1947 – 12 July 1948; attached 12 July – 15 December 1948
Groups
  • 306th Bombardment: attached 1 August 1948 – 31 August 1950 (not operational, 1–12 August 1948)
  • 307th Operations: 15 August 1947 – 12 July 1948; 12 July 1948 – 16 June 1952 (detached 16 July – 3 November 1948 and 8 August 1950 – 9 February 1951; not operational, 10 February 1951 – 16 June 1952.)
  • 489th Bomb Group, activated in the Air Force Reserve on 17 October 2015[3][4]
Squadrons
  • 99th Strategic Reconnaissance: attached 1 January – 30 September 1975
  • 307th Air Refueling Squadron: attached c. 1 August – 15 September 1950 (not operational); assigned 16 June 1952 – 1 July 1953 (detached); assigned 8 November 1954 – 1 June 1960 (detached 8 November 1954 – 31 January 1955, 8 April – 21 May 1955, 2 July – 3 October 1957, c. 1 October 1958 – 9 January 1959, and c. 4 July – 5 October 1969)
  • 364th Bombardment Squadron Provisional*: attached 1 July 1972 – 30 June 1975 (not operational, 1 July 1972 – c. 29 January 1973 and 9–30 June 1975)
  • 365th Bombardment Squadron Provisional*: attached 1 July 1972 – 1 July 1974 (not operational, 1 July 1972 – c. 29 January 1973)
  • 370th Bombardment Squadron: attached 10 February 1951 – 15 June 1952, assigned 16 June 1952 – 25 March 1965
  • 371st Bombardment Squadron: attached 10 February 1951 – 15 June 1952, assigned 16 June 1952 – 25 March 1965
  • 372d Bombardment Squadron: attached 10 February 1951 – 15 June 1952, assigned 16 June 1952 – 25 March 1965
  • 424th Bombardment Squadron: 1 September 1958 – 1 January 1962
  • 4180th: 1 October 1970 – 31 December 1971 (not operational)
  • 4181st: 1 April 1970 – 31 March 1972 (not operational)
  • 4362d Support (later, 4362d Post Attack Command Control): attached 20 July 1962 – 24 December 1964 (not operational, 20 – c. 31 July 1962)
  • Young Tiger Tanker Task Force: 1 April 1970 – 1 June 1972 (Detached: 1 June 1972 – 1 July 1974; 1 July 1974 – 30 September 1975)
  • Air Refueling Squadron Provisional, 901st: attached 1 July 1974 – 30 September 1975[d]

Stations

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Aircraft flown

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See also

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
The 307th Bomb Wing is the sole reserve component bomb wing of the , assigned to the under Air Force Reserve Command and stationed at , , where it operates the Boeing B-52H Stratofortress heavy bomber. With lineage tracing to the 307th Bombardment Group activated in 1942 during , the unit participated in Pacific Theater operations, the using B-29 Superfortresses, and missions from bases in . In its modern reserve role since 2008, the wing provides combat-ready B-52 aircrews and maintenance support to augment active-duty forces, achieving a milestone in 2013 as the first Air Force Reserve unit certified for nuclear operations. The wing's squadrons, including the 93rd and 343rd Bomb Squadrons, conduct strategic deterrence and global strike missions, maintaining readiness through exercises and deployments such as those supporting U.S. Strategic Command objectives.

Overview and Mission

Current Role and Strategic Importance

The 307th Bomb Wing, a component of the Air Force Reserve Command, operates and maintains approximately 20 Boeing B-52H Stratofortress strategic bombers at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, serving as the sole bomb wing within the reserve structure. Its primary mission focuses on delivering combat-ready reserve airmen capable of augmenting active-duty forces, with emphasis on training B-52 aircrews through the Formal Training Unit in coordination with the active 11th Bomb Squadron, ensuring initial qualification and operational proficiency for long-range strike operations. The wing's maintainers also handle critical tasks such as preparing aircraft for nuclear and conventional munitions loading, supporting broader U.S. Strategic Command requirements for deterrence and global response. Strategically, the 307th enhances U.S. bomber capabilities by providing surge capacity and depth to the active-duty fleet, enabling sustained operations in high-end conflicts against peer adversaries through the B-52's proven endurance, payload versatility, and standoff strike options. This reserve integration allows for cost-effective maintenance of expertise during peacetime while rapidly scaling for wartime demands, as demonstrated in deployments like Exercise Cobra Warrior 2025, where wing B-52s operated from , , to integrate with allies and validate long-range precision strikes over European training areas. The wing's role underscores the B-52's enduring relevance in national defense strategy, contributing to credibility and conventional amid rising tensions in the and Europe.

Organizational Structure

The 307th Bomb Wing, stationed at , , operates under the Air Force Reserve Command and is structured to provide combat-ready forces for missions, primarily using the B-52H Stratofortress. The wing comprises the 307th Operations Group, 307th Maintenance Group, 307th Mission Support Group, wing staff agencies, and the geographically separated 489th Bomb Group at , . This organization enables integrated operations with active-duty units, including classic associations with the for B-52 missions and the for B-1 Lancer support. The 307th Operations Group oversees flying operations and training, commanding three squadrons: the 93rd Bomb Squadron, which serves as the B-52 Formal Training Unit in association with the active-duty to qualify aircrews; the 343rd Bomb Squadron, focused on nuclear deterrence and global strike missions in classic association with the 2nd Operations Group; and the 307th Operations Support Squadron, which handles intelligence, aircrew life support, and range management. The group supports additional sorties for units like the 340th Weapons Squadron and 49th Test and Evaluation Squadron. The 307th Maintenance Group manages aircraft sustainment for the wing's 20 B-52H aircraft, including the 307th Maintenance Squadron for component repair, the 707th Maintenance Squadron for and electronics, the 307th Squadron for direct aircraft support, and the 307th Maintenance Operations Flight for and training oversight. The 307th Mission Support Group provides base-level sustainment and security, encompassing the 307th Squadron for facilities and infrastructure, the 307th Force Support Squadron for personnel services, the 307th Logistics Readiness Squadron for supply and deployment logistics, and the 307th Squadron for base defense and law enforcement. Wing staff agencies handle specialized functions, such as the Command Post for operational coordination, Public Affairs for communications, Judge Advocate's Office for legal support, and offices for chaplain services, financial management, history, safety, recruiting, and . The 489th Bomb Group, a subordinate unit, operates B-1 Lancers with the 345th Bomb Squadron for combat missions, supported by the 489th Maintenance Squadron and 489th Medical Squadron.

Historical Development

Origins in World War II

The 307th Bombardment Group (Heavy) was constituted on 28 January 1942 by the in response to the entry of the into following the . It was activated on 15 April 1942 at Geiger Field, Washington, initially equipped with bombers for training and antisubmarine patrols along the northwestern coast to counter potential Japanese threats. By mid-1942, the group transitioned to heavy bombers, reflecting the Army Air Forces' emphasis on long-range capabilities for Pacific operations, and conducted its first combat patrols in this role. In December 1942, the group deployed to the Pacific Theater, arriving in before assignment to the and relocation to Henderson Field on in the [Solomon Islands](/page/Solomon Islands) by February 1943. From bases in the Solomons, the 307th, nicknamed the "Long Rangers" for its extended mission ranges, conducted strategic bombing against Japanese shipping, airfields, and supply lines in the and , contributing to the Allied island-hopping campaign by neutralizing key enemy positions such as . Operations from continued until July 1944, involving the group's four squadrons—370th, 371st, 372d, and 424th Bombardment Squadrons—flying daylight high-altitude raids that inflicted significant attrition on Japanese naval and air forces despite heavy antiaircraft fire and fighter opposition. Redesignated as the 307th Bombardment Group, Heavy, on 20 August 1943, the unit shifted to the Thirteenth Air Force in August 1944, operating from Noemfoor in the Schouten Islands to target Japanese installations in the Netherlands East Indies, Islands, and the , supporting the broader Southwest Pacific advance. In March 1945, the group relocated to Okinawa, from where it flew missions against the Japanese home islands, including strikes on airfields and industrial sites, until the on 2 September 1945. These operations marked the group's transition to very long-range bombing, leveraging the B-24's endurance for raids extending over 1,000 miles from forward bases. The group returned to the continental United States between October and November 1945, staging through before inactivation on 1 December 1945 at Sioux Falls Army Air Field, , as part of the postwar demobilization of Army Air Forces heavy bombardment units. During its service, the 307th completed hundreds of sorties, earning recognition for its role in Pacific air superiority, though specific mission tallies varied by squadron and phase, with overall contributions emphasizing precision strikes on mobile targets over area bombing. The group's lineage, including its squadrons, later formed the basis for the 307th Bomb Wing upon reactivation in the postwar era.

Korean War Operations

The 307th Bombardment Group deployed its B-29 Superfortress-equipped squadrons from MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, to Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, in August 1950, following the North Korean invasion of South Korea on June 25, 1950. Assigned to Far East Air Forces, the group initiated combat operations on August 7, 1950, conducting strategic bombardment missions against North Korean airfields, rail yards, bridges, and industrial facilities. These early daylight, high-altitude precision strikes aimed to disrupt enemy logistics and command infrastructure, with the group's three squadrons—370th, 371st, and 372nd—rotating to maintain sortie rates. As Chinese MiG-15 fighters and intensified antiaircraft fire posed increasing threats, mission tactics evolved to include low-altitude night area bombing by late 1950, reducing vulnerability to intercepts while maximizing destructive effect on troop concentrations and supply routes. The 307th alternated deployment rotations with the 19th and 98th Bombardment Wings, ensuring at least one squadron of approximately 15 B-29s struck targets nightly throughout the conflict. From Kadena, the group supported ground offensives, including interdiction campaigns that severed key bridges and hindered Chinese People's Volunteer Army advances during major battles like those following the Inchon landing in September 1950. Over the course of the war, ending with the armistice on July 27, 1953, the 307th flew more than 5,800 combat sorties, dropping thousands of tons of conventional bombs on military targets while sustaining losses to enemy action, including at least one B-29 shot down by MiGs in 1951. Operations emphasized causal disruption of enemy sustainment, with empirical assessments confirming significant degradation of North Korean industrial output and mobility, though complete strategic paralysis proved elusive due to resilient repair efforts and Soviet aid. The group returned to the in late 1953, having earned campaign credits for UN Defensive, UN Offensive, CCF Intervention, First UN Counteroffensive, CCF Spring Offensive, UN Summer-Fall Offensive, Second Korean Winter, Third Korean Winter, and the Korean Summer-Fall 1952 campaigns.

Cold War Deterrence and Readiness

Following its return from combat operations in the , the 307th Bombardment Wing was reassigned to Lincoln Air Force Base, , in 1954, where it transitioned from B-29 Superfortresses to B-47 Stratojet medium bombers. This shift supported Strategic Air Command's (SAC) emphasis on rapid, long-range nuclear delivery capabilities amid escalating tensions. The wing's primary mission became strategic bombardment training and maintaining high states of alert to deter Soviet aggression through credible nuclear strike readiness. The 307th conducted intensive crew certification and exercises with its B-47 fleet starting in March 1955, achieving full operational capability for SAC's global commitments, including air refueling support via attached tanker units. It participated in specialized operations such as "Swan Dive," which honed semi-polar skills essential for transatlantic and transpacific strike profiles against potential Eurasian targets. In 1959, the wing earned the Fairchild Trophy, recognizing it as SAC's top unit for proficiency in bombing accuracy, , and overall deterrence posture. By 1962, the 307th incorporated EB-47L variants for the (PACCS), enhancing survivable communications for nuclear command authorities in post-strike scenarios. Throughout this period, the wing maintained continuous alert postures, contributing to SAC's dispersed bomber forces designed to ensure retaliatory strikes under the . Its operations exemplified SAC's doctrine of and assured destruction, with crews trained for low-level penetration tactics to evade Soviet air defenses. The wing's deterrence role concluded with the phaseout of B-47 operations; Lincoln AFB closed, and the 307th inactivated on March 25, 1965, as SAC realigned resources toward newer heavy bombers like the B-52. During its decade at Lincoln, the 307th flew thousands of training sorties, underscoring its pivotal contribution to U.S. nuclear readiness against communist expansionism.

Contributions

The 307th Strategic Wing was redesignated on 21 January 1970 and activated on 1 April 1970 at U-Tapao Royal Thai Air Base, , under to manage deployed bomber and tanker forces supporting combat operations in . Its mission focused on conventional bombardment missions executed by aircraft and aerial refueling provided by Boeing KC-135 Stratotankers, drawing on resources loaned from active-duty SAC wings in the continental . From U-Tapao, the wing oversaw Arc Light strategic bombing strikes targeting enemy positions, supply lines, and infrastructure in North and , , and . B-52D models assigned to the wing participated in major escalation campaigns, including in May–October 1972 and from 18–29 December 1972, during which they conducted heavy bombardment runs against military installations, rail yards, and industrial sites in the Hanoi-Haiphong area to compel North Vietnamese concessions in peace negotiations. The wing's B-52 operations contributed to the disruption of North Vietnamese logistics and air defenses, with missions involving saturation bombing tactics that delivered thousands of tons of ordnance despite intense surface-to-air missile threats. Combat sorties under its control ended on 14 August 1973 in accordance with the Paris Peace Accords, after which remaining assets shifted to training and refueling roles until the wing's inactivation on 30 September 1975. The 307th's provisional structure at U-Tapao exemplified SAC's flexible deployment model, enabling sustained heavy bomber presence without permanent overseas basing of full wings.

Inactivation and Reserve Transition

The 307th Bombardment Wing, equipped with medium bombers and stationed at Lincoln Air Force Base, , commenced deactivation procedures in January 1965 amid Strategic Air Command's (SAC) force structure realignments and the phaseout of the B-47 fleet. The wing's aircraft were ferried to storage at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, for retirement, while aircrews and support personnel were largely reassigned to the 98th Bombardment Wing, also at Lincoln AFB, until that unit's own closure in December 1965. Full inactivation occurred on 25 March 1965, marking the end of the wing's active-duty bomber role in SAC's continental alert forces. The 307th designation was subsequently repurposed for provisional overseas operations, redesignated as the 307th Strategic Wing and activated on 1 April 1970 at U-Tapao Royal Thai Naval Airfield, , to oversee deployed SAC B-52 Stratofortress bombers and KC-135 Stratotanker refuelers supporting combat missions in . Drawing on loaned aircraft and rotating crews from stateside SAC units, it facilitated Arc Light bombing campaigns until B-52 operations ceased in August 1973, with the final bombers departing by June 1975; the wing was inactivated on 30 September 1975 as U.S. forces withdrew from the region. After nearly 35 years of inactivation, the designation transitioned to the Reserve in a 2010–2011 realignment under the Total Force Initiative, which sought to integrate reserve components more deeply into missions alongside active-duty units. On 1 2011, the 307th Bomb Wing was activated at , , through the redesignation of the existing 917th Wing (a reserve unit previously focused on A-10 II fighters and KC-135s), thereby establishing the first reserve bomb wing dedicated to B-52H operations and nuclear deterrence training. This shift emphasized cost-effective reserve augmentation for global strike capabilities, with the wing assuming responsibility for 15 B-52Hs in an associate model supporting the active .

Reactivation and Modern Era

The 307th Bomb Wing was reactivated on 1 January 2011 at , , following the inactivation of the 917th Wing, which had previously managed reserve B-52 operations there. This reactivation aligned the unit under in a classic association with the active-duty , enabling integrated reserve-active duty operations for strategic deterrence. The wing assumed responsibility for training, maintaining, and deploying B-52H Stratofortress bombers, marking the Air Force Reserve's first dedicated heavy bomber unit since the era. In the modern era, the 307th Bomb Wing operates and sustains a fleet of 18 operational B-52H aircraft, providing long-range strike capabilities and serving as the sole reserve bomb wing in the U.S. Air Force. The unit supports global missions through task forces, contributing to deterrence against peer adversaries by demonstrating rapid deployment and precision strike options. Key components include the 489th Bomb Group, reactivated on 17 October 2015 as a geographically separated unit at Barksdale, which augments personnel for maintenance and operations, encompassing over 250 reservists. The wing participates in multinational exercises to hone joint and coalition interoperability, such as Cobra Warrior 2025 in the , where B-52s from the 93rd Bomb Squadron conducted large-force air operations, air-to-ground strikes, and electronic warfare training alongside allies. These activities emphasize the B-52's enduring role in strategic reach, with recent innovations including Link-16 integration for enhanced tactical coordination during simulated combat scenarios. Ongoing upgrades, such as engine modernization to Rolls-Royce F130 turbofans, aim to extend the platform's service life into the 2060s, ensuring reserve forces maintain parity with active-duty capabilities for nuclear and conventional missions.

Operations and Deployments

Post-2011 Combat and Support Missions

In April 2016, personnel from the 307th Bomb Wing's 343rd Bomb Squadron deployed to , , to support , the U.S.-led campaign against the and (ISIS). These reservists integrated with active-duty B-52 Stratofortress operations, contributing to and precision strikes that degraded ISIS territorial control in and , with B-52s dropping munitions on high-value targets during the offensive. Beyond direct combat support, the wing has conducted Bomber Task Force (BTF) missions to enhance global strike readiness and deterrence, deploying B-52s from Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, to forward locations including Europe and the Indo-Pacific. In one such operation, a 307th Bomb Wing B-52 flew missions over Romania, the Arctic Circle, and other European theaters to demonstrate rapid power projection and interoperability with NATO allies, supporting U.S. European Command objectives amid Russian aggression in Ukraine. These non-combat deployments, often CONUS-to-CONUS with aerial refueling, maintained the wing's combat proficiency while providing on-call strategic airpower, with crews logging thousands of flight hours in simulated and real-world threat environments. The 307th Bomb Wing's post-2011 efforts emphasize reserve integration with active forces, enabling sustained operations without full-unit mobilizations; for instance, in 2024's Bomber Task Force Europe 24-4, wing aircrews from the 93rd and 343rd Bomb Squadrons participated alongside the , executing takeoff and integration drills from multiple bases to counter peer adversaries. This model has supported U.S. Central Command and other theaters by augmenting bomber availability, with the wing's B-52s certified for both conventional and nuclear roles following 2013 surety inspections, ensuring reliable deterrence amid evolving global threats.

Key Exercises and International Engagements (2011–2025)

In 2019, the 307th Bomb Wing prepared for and participated in Exercise Cobra Warrior, a Royal Air Force-led multinational training event in the , providing the sole bomber presence among primarily fighter aircraft to enhance joint tactical integration and mission planning. The wing's Reserve Airmen supported U.S. Strategic Command's Global Thunder 21 exercise in October 2020, an annual field training event focused on nuclear command, control, and execution procedures, validating deterrence capabilities through simulated operations. As part of Bomber Task Force 24-4 in 2024, 307th Bomb Wing aircrew integrated with active-duty forces for B-52H Stratofortress departures supporting allied in the European theater, emphasizing interoperability with partners amid contested environments. In Bomber Task Force operations during 2025, the wing contributed to ally-led missions involving high-end , joint planning, and rapid response integration across locations, including demonstrations of agile combat employment. The 307th Bomb Wing returned to Exercise Cobra Warrior 25-2 in September 2025 at , , deploying B-52H aircraft for bi-annual multinational training with RAF and allied forces, focusing on strategic strike, tactical skills, and the first operational use of Link-16 data links on B-52s during the exercise to improve real-time coordination. These engagements underscored the wing's role in total force bomber operations, supporting U.S. commitments to collective defense and deterrence through repeated demonstrations of long-range strike with European allies.

Equipment and Capabilities

Aircraft Inventory and Evolution

The 307th Bombardment Group, precursor to the wing, operated heavy bombers during , conducting missions in the Pacific Theater from bases in and the starting in 1943. These four-engine propeller-driven aircraft, capable of carrying up to 20,000 pounds of bombs, formed the core of the unit's inventory until the war's end in 1945. During the , the reactivated 307th Bomb Wing continued employing B-29s for high-altitude daylight bombing campaigns against North Korean and Chinese targets, including notable engagements like the 1951 Namsi airfield strike where wing aircraft faced MiG-15 intercepts. The B-29's payload and range enabled sustained operations from bases in and Okinawa, with the wing logging thousands of sorties until in 1953. In the mid-1950s, as emphasized jet propulsion for deterrence, the 307th transitioned to the medium bomber, receiving authorization for reorganization as a B-47 unit on November 20, 1954, at Lincoln Air Force Base, . Equipped with six turbojet engines, the B-47E variant assigned to the wing offered supersonic dash speeds exceeding Mach 0.9 and a combat radius of approximately 2,000 miles, enhancing rapid response capabilities during alert postures. The wing maintained a fleet of over 40 B-47s alongside KC-97 tankers until inactivation on June 25, 1965, amid SAC's phaseout of the type in favor of intercontinental bombers. Following a period of inactivation, the 307th Bomb Wing reactivated on January 1, 2011, at , , as the Air Force Reserve's sole bomb wing, inheriting operational responsibility for 18 B-52H Stratofortress heavy bombers in an associate unit role supporting the active-duty . The B-52H, powered by eight TF33 turbofans and upgraded with modern , , and conventional munitions integration, represents the culmination of the wing's evolution from propeller-era heavies to nuclear-capable strategic platforms, with service life extended to 2050 through engine and systems modernizations. This inventory sustains the wing's dual training and combat readiness mission as of May 2025.
EraPrimary AircraftKey CharacteristicsAssignment Period
World War II & Korean WarBoeing B-29 SuperfortressFour piston engines; 20,000 lb bomb load; 5,000+ mile range1943–1953
Cold WarBoeing B-47E StratojetSix turbojets; Mach 0.9 dash; 2,000 mile radius1954–1965
Modern EraBoeing B-52H StratofortressEight turbofans; 70,000 lb payload; global strike capability2011–present (18 aircraft)

Maintenance and Operational Innovations

The 307th Bomb Wing's maintenance operations emphasize practical, Airmen-driven solutions to sustain aging B-52H Stratofortress aircraft shared with active-duty units, addressing challenges like limited access during inspections and the need for rapid turnaround in a reserve context. In June 2025, a 307th Squadron developed the Pylon Loading Adapter, a custom fixture that secures pylons during loading and unloading, reducing physical strain on crews and cutting attachment time from hours to minutes while minimizing risk of misalignment or damage. This innovation directly supports the wing's high operational tempo, where pylons carry munitions and external stores critical to the B-52's conventional strike role. Similarly, in September 2024, a squadron invented the Pod Stand to resolve a 30-year issue with conventional , which restricted simultaneous access during weeks-long phase inspections involving dozens of personnel; the stand elevates engine pods for safer, more efficient multi-team work on hydraulics, wiring, and components. Integration of commercial technologies has further advanced inspection protocols, with maintainers conducting physical scans every 180 days and 450 flight hours to detect and structural wear in hard-to-reach areas like wing roots and engine nacelles. In July 2024, collaborations with , , , and Near Earth Autonomy tested drone-based imaging and AI analytics on 307th B-52s, yielding a 44% increase in accuracy compared to unaided visual checks and enabling to extend life beyond 60 years of service. These efforts align with broader sustainment goals but are tailored to the wing's reserve model, where part-time Guardians must achieve active-duty-equivalent readiness through streamlined processes that compensate for fewer full-time personnel. Throughout 2024, the 307th Group pioneered new concepts, including modular tooling and digital twins for virtual troubleshooting, contributing to award-winning performance in Air Force Reserve Command competitions. Operationally, the wing has innovated in Agile Combat Employment (ACE) tactics, dispersing B-52s to austere locations for rapid strikes while minimizing vulnerability to peer adversaries. In August 2024, 307th crews partnered with the at to test ACE in unfamiliar terrain, practicing hot-pit refueling, quick-launch procedures, and integration with forward-deployed tankers and fighters to simulate contested environments. This reserve-active synergy enhances deterrence by enabling surge capacity without full mobilization, with exercises validating B-52 employment from dispersed bases using GPS-guided munitions like JDAMs at realistic combat profiles. Such adaptations underscore causal links between maintenance reliability and operational flexibility, as sustained aircraft availability directly enables the wing's contributions to global bomber task forces.

Bases, Assignments, and Lineage

Primary Stations

The 307th Bombardment Wing was organized and stationed at , , from 15 August 1947 to 12 July 1948, as part of Strategic Air Command's early implementation of the wing base organization concept. It continued at until 14 August 1953, during which time it deployed to , Okinawa, from 10 February 1951 to 14 August 1952, to support combat operations in the with B-29 Superfortress bombers. On 15 August 1953, the wing relocated to Lincoln Air Force Base, Nebraska, where it operated B-47 Stratojet medium bombers under until 25 June 1966, realigning to on 1 July 1963. From Lincoln, it temporarily operated from , , between 24 October 1965 and 25 June 1966, in support of Southeast Asia bombing campaigns. The wing transferred to U-Tapao Royal Thai Air Force Base, , on 1 July 1966, under , managing B-52 Stratofortress deployments for Arc Light missions until its inactivation on 30 September 1975. After nearly 36 years of inactivation, the 307th Bomb Wing reactivated as an Air Force Reserve Command unit at , , effective 1 January 2011, assuming control of B-52H Stratofortress operations alongside active-duty partners. It has remained at Barksdale as its primary station since, supporting global strategic deterrence and bomber task force missions.

Command Lineage and Components

The 307th Bomb Wing falls under the command of the , a reserve within the Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC), which serves as its major command. Operationally, it aligns with the under (AFGSC), supporting strategic deterrence and global strike missions in a total force integration with the active-duty at , . The wing's primary components include the 307th Operations Group, responsible for flying operations and training; the 307th Maintenance Group, handling aircraft sustainment; the 307th Mission Support Group, providing base services and infrastructure; and wing staff agencies for administration and logistics. The 307th Operations Group oversees the 93rd Bomb Squadron, which conducts B-52 Stratofortress formal training for aircrew qualification; the , focused on mission planning and scheduling; and the 307th Operations Support Squadron, delivering intelligence, weather, and airfield management support. Additionally, the 489th Bomb Group operates as a geographically separated unit of the 307th Bomb Wing, based at , , in classic association with the active-duty , contributing reserve personnel and capabilities to B-52 operations there.

Achievements and Challenges

Notable Awards and Operational Successes

The 307th Bomb Wing has earned multiple unit-level awards for operational performance, including four Outstanding Unit Awards with Combat "V" Device for distinguished service in combat operations, primarily during the era, and two Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Crosses with Palm for valorous actions in support of South Vietnamese forces. These honors reflect the wing's historical contributions to campaigns, where its B-52 units logged thousands of sorties, achieving precise targeting despite challenging conditions. In the post-Cold War period, the wing's reserve components have demonstrated sustained excellence in maintenance, readiness, and support roles. Maintenance personnel from the 307th Bomb Wing, in collaboration with the active-duty , secured 8 of 18 maintenance awards for superior aircraft sustainment and weapons loading proficiency, enabling high sortie generation rates during exercises. The 307th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron further distinguished itself by winning the Air Force Reserve Command Outstanding Weapons Load Crew Award in 2025, recognizing precision in arming B-52H Stratofortresses for simulated and real-world missions. Additionally, the wing's legal office received the Air Force Reserve Command Outstanding Legal Office of the Year for 2023, highlighting effective operational law support during deployments and training. Operationally, the wing has achieved notable successes in nuclear surety and global power projection. It conducted four Nuclear Surety Exercises in 2012 and two in 2013 without discrepancies, affirming its reliability in the nuclear deterrence mission shared with the at . Reserve Airmen have supported Bomber Task Force deployments, contributing to extended deterrence operations in the and , with B-52s from the wing's squadrons maintaining mission-capable rates exceeding standards during high-tempo phases. Innovations, such as a pylon adapter developed by wing maintainers, have enhanced weapons integration efficiency, earning recognition in innovation competitions and improving operational flexibility for precision strikes.

Resource Constraints and Adaptations

The 307th Bomb Wing, as the sole bomb wing in the Air Force Reserve Command, operates under fiscal constraints typical of reserve components, including persistent funding shortfalls that have been highlighted by reserve leadership as threats to overall readiness. In testimony to on May 28, 2025, the Air Force Reserve chief emphasized that inadequate budgeting jeopardizes , , and personnel retention for units like the 307th, which relies on a mix of federal appropriations and operational tempo demands shared with active-duty partners. These limitations are compounded by the wing's dependence on aging B-52H Stratofortress aircraft, with the fleet's final production occurring in 1962, necessitating extensive adaptations in sustainment to maintain combat viability amid parts scarcity and evolving mission requirements. Manpower challenges further strain resources, as reserve Airmen balance civilian careers with military obligations, leading to potential gaps in surge capacity during high-tempo operations; for instance, the wing's traditional unit advisory councils have addressed facility and training shortfalls through incremental projects, such as a 2013 initiative to enhance advisory support infrastructure after two years of advocacy. To counter these, the 307th has pursued total force integration, embedding reserve personnel within active-duty workflows at alongside the , enabling shared resources for missions like Exercise Cobra Warrior in 2025, where reserve crews contributed to joint planning and strike capabilities without dedicated full-time funding. Adaptations include innovations to extend life and , exemplified by a 2024 maintainer-developed stand resolving a 30-year pylon issue, reducing downtime for B-52 inspections and earning recognition in innovation programs. Similarly, the wing's participation in the Spark Tank competition advanced a pylon adapter prototype in 2025 semifinals, optimizing weapon system integration under constrained budgets by leveraging Airmen-initiated designs for . The Commander's Innovation Initiative (CI2), implemented in 2025, further institutionalizes such adaptations by solutions for readiness gaps, ensuring combat-ready Airmen through agile despite fiscal pressures. These measures reflect a broader reserve of resilience, prioritizing empirical fixes over expanded funding requests while maintaining strategic deterrence contributions.

References

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