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B-52BStratofortressAtWingsMuseum

May 2007 photo of the Boeing RB-52B-5-BO Stratofortress 52-005 with tail colour for the Yellowtails Squadron - 330th BS/93rd BW. Initially retired to Davis-Monthan AFB in February 1966, was used as a maintenance trainer at Lowry Technical Training Center until April 1982. Put on static display in 1984 and now part of the Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum, Denver, Colorado.

SAC Shield
Strategic Air Command (1955–1992)
ACC Shield
Air Combat Command (1992–2010)

The Boeing B-52 Stratofortress has been operational with the United States Air Force since 1955. This list is of the units it was assigned to, and the bases it was stationed.

In addition to the USAF, A single RB-52B (52-008) was flown by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) until it was retired on 17 December 2004. It now is on static display at the west gate of Edwards AFB, California. One other B-52H (61-0025) was flown for many years by the Air Force Flight Test Center at Edwards, and was transferred to NASA on 30 July 2001 as a replacement for the RB-52B. On 9 May 2008, that aircraft was flown for the last time to Sheppard AFB, Texas where it became a GB-52H maintenance trainer, never to fly again.

Current USAF B-52 units[]

The only active operational model of the B-52 is the B-52H. It is currently stationed at two USAF bases, flown by three wings:[1]

11th Bomb Squadron (B-52H, Tail Code: LA, Gold Tail Stripe)
20th Bomb Squadron (B-52H, Tail Code: LA, Blue Tail Stripe)
96th Bomb Squadron (B-52H, Tail Code: LA, Red Tail Stripe)
23d Bomb Squadron (B-52H, Tail Code: MT, Red Tail Stripe)
69th Bomb Squadron (B-52H, Tail Code: MT, Black Tail Stripe)
93d Bomb Squadron (B-52H, Tail Code: BD, Blue/Gold Chex Tail Stripe)
343d Bomb Squadron

Historical USAF B-52 units[]

Activated by re-designation of: 4238th Strategic Wing
B-52F, 1963–1965; B-52G, 1965–1992; B-52H, 1992–Present
11th Bombardment Squadron (B-52H)
20th Bombardment Squadron (B-52F/H) (to 7th BW 6/65 - from 7th BW 12/92)
62d Bombardment Squadron (B-52G) (from 39th BW 6/65, inactivated 12/92)
96th Bombardment Squadron (B-52H)
596th Bombardment Squadron (B-52G) (from 397th BW 4/68)
Currently flying B-52Hs at Barksdale AFB
Travis AFB, California (1959–1968)
Minot AFB, North Dakota, (1968–Current)
B-52B, 1959; B-52G, 1959–1968; B-52H, 1968-Current
23d Bombardment Squadron
31st Bombardment Squadron (to 4126th SW 1/60)
72d Bombardment Squadron (B-52H)
Currently flying B-52Hs at Minot AFB.
B-52E, 1957–1967
24th Bombardment Squadron
39th Bombardment Squadron
40th Bombardment Squadron
4129th Combat Crew Training Squadron (1959–1963)
Moved to Eielson AFB, AK after closure of Walker in 1967; 24th BS began flying RC-135s.
B-52F, 1958–1969; B-52D, 1969–1983; B-52H, 1982–1992
Moved to Dyess AFB, TX after closure of Carswell; became B-1B Wing (9th BS)
9th Bombardment Squadron
20th Bombardment Squadron (from 2d BW 6/65 to 2d BW 12/92)
492d Bombardment Squadron (to 4228th SW at Columbus AFB)
B-52E, 1958–1968
26th Bombardment Squadron
98th Bombardment Squadron (Reassigned to 4123 SW at Carswell AFB 1958-1958 and relocated to Clinton-Sherman AFB in 1959)
42d Bombardment Squadron (Reassigned to 4043 SW in 1960)
Became KC-135 Air Refueling Wing in 1968
Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio (1963–1975)
Beale AFB, California, (1975–1976)
Activated to replace: 4043d Strategic Wing
B-52E, 1963–1968; B-52H, 1968–1975; B-52G, 1975–1976
34th Bombardment Squadron (B-52E a/c from 42 BS, B-52G a/c from 744 BS)
Inactivated in 1976; Beale became Strategic Recon base.
Homestead AFB, Florida (1962–1968)
Robins AFB, Georgia (1968–1983)
B-52H, 1962–1968; B-52G, 1968–1983
28th Bombardment Squadron (B-52G a/c from 781st BS, 7/68)
Became 19th Air Refueling Wing in 1983
B-52B, 1963–1966; B-52D, 1966–1982
2d Bombardment Squadron
486th Bombardment Squadron (B-52D a/c from 781st BS)
The 22d Bombardment Squadron became 22d Air Refueling Wing in 1982,
and the 2d Bombardment Squadron became the 2d Strategic Squadron in 1988,
B-52D, 1957–1971; B-52G, 1971–1977; 1977–1985
77th Bombardment Squadron
717th Bombardment Squadron (Reassigned to 4245 SW in 1960)
718th Bombardment Squadron (Reassigned to 4128 SW in 1960)
Equipped with B-1B Lancer in 1986
Activated to replace: 4135th Strategic Wing
B-52G, 1963–1965
62d Bombardment Squadron (a/c from 301st BS; to 2d BW 6/65)
Inactivated in 1965; Eglin transferred to TAC
B-52C, 1956–1957; B-52D, 1957–1959; B-52G, 1959–1994
69th Bombardment Squadron
70th Bombardment Squadron (inactivated 6/66; a/c to 528 BS/380 SAW)
75th Bombardment Squadron (Reassigned to 4039 SW in 1959)
Inactivated in 1994; Loring closed
B-52D, 1972–1983; B-52G, 1983–1990
60th Bombardment Squadron
63d Bombardment Squadron (Provisional), 1972–1973
Inactivated in 1990; Andersen transferred to PACAF
Activated to replace: 4241st Strategic Wing
B-52G, 1963–1982
51st Bombardment Squadron (a/c from 73d BS)
Became 68th Air Refueling Wing in 1982
Activated to replace: 4123d Strategic Wing
B-52E, 1963–1968; B-52D, 1968–1969
6th Bombardment Squadron (a/c from 98 BS)
Inactivated in 1969; Clinton-Sherman closed.
Ramey AFB, Puerto Rico (1959–1971)
Andersen AFB, Guam (1972–1973)
B-52G, 1959–1971, 1972–1973
60th Bombardment Squadron (transferred to 43d SW in 1971
Inactivated in 1971; Ramey closed
Provisional wing at Andersen for Linebacker I, II 1972–1973 (Vietnam War)
Activated to replace: 4141st Strategic Wing
B-52D, 1963–1968
322d Bombardment Squadron
Inactivated in 1968; Glasgow closed; Became 91st Strategic Missile Wing in 1968 at Minot AFB
B-52D, 1957–1971; B-52G, 1970–1986; B-52H, 1986–1994
325th Bombardment Squadron
326th Bombardment Squadron (B-52D) (Reassigned to 4141 SW in 1961)
327th Bombardment Squadron (B-52D) (Reassigned to 4170 SW in 1961)
Became 92d Air Refueling Wing in 1994
B-52B, 1955–1965; B-52D, 1956–1958; B-52E, 1957–1958, 1967–1970; B-52F, 1958–1974; B-52G, 1966–1967, 1974–1994; B-52H, 1974–1993
328th Bombardment Squadron
329th Bombardment Squadron
330th Bombardment Squadron (1955–1963) (1998–1991)
4017th Combat Crew Training Squadron (1955–1956)
Inactivated in 1995; Castle closed.
B-52B, 1959–1966
334th Bombardment Squadron (1959–1966)
Inactivated in 1966; Biggs closed.
B-52E, 1963–1970; B-52D, 1969–1982; B-52H, 1982–1985
337th Bombardment Squadron
Inactivated in 1993; Dyess became B-1B base Jun 1985

B-52G, 1960–1992
340th Bombardment Squadron
Inactivated in 1992; Eaker closed; became 97th Airlift Wing at Altus in 1992
B-52C, 1956–1966; B-52B, 1958–1959; B-52D, 1957–1961, 1966–1974
346th Bombardment Squadron
347th Bombardment Squadron (Reassigned to 4047 SW in 1961)
348th Bombardment Squadron
Inactivated in 1974; Westover became reserve base.
Activated to replace: 4047th Strategic Wing
B-52D, 1963–1973
367th Bombardment Squadron (a/c from 347 BS)
Inactivated in 1974; McCoy closed.
B-52D, 1973–1975
364th Bombardment Squadron (Provisional)
365th Bombardment Squadron (Provisional)
Inactivated in 1975; U-Tapao closed.
Activated to replace: 4133d Strategic Wing
B-52H, 1963–1982; B-52G, 1982–1986
46th Bombardment Squadron (a/c from 30th BS)
Equipped with B-1B Lancer 1987-88
Became 319th Air Refueling Wing in 1994
Activated to replace: 4134th Strategic Wing
B-52F, 1963–1968; B-52G, 1968–1989
441st Bombardment Squadron (a/c from 72d BS)
Inactivated in 1989; Mather transferred to ATC
Activated to replace: 4130th Strategic Wing
B-52D, 1963–1966
486th Bombardment Squadron (a/c from 335 BS)
Inactivated in 1966; reactivated and equipped with FB-111s in 1968
B-52G, 1992–1994
34th Bombardment Squadron
34 BS equipped with B-1B Lancers in 1994
4180th Bombardment Squadron (Provisional) (never made operational)
Equipped with RC-135s in 1970 when B-52s withdrawn from Kadena.
B-52H, 1961–1977; B-52G, 1977–1992
524th Bombardment Squadron
Inactivated in 1993; Wurtsmith closed
B-52G, 1966–1971
528th Bombardment Squadron (a/c from 70th BS)
Re-equipped with FB-111s in 1971
Activated to replace: 4038th Strategic Wing
B-52G, 1963–1968
596th Bombardment Squadron (a/c from 341st BS)
Inactivated in 1968; Dow closed.
Activated to replace 4042d Strategic Wing
B-52H, 1963–1994
644th Bombardment Squadron (a/c from 526th BS)
Inactivated in 1995; K I Sawyer closed
Activated to replace 4039th Strategic Wing
B-52G, 1963–1992; B-52H, 1992–1995
668th Bombardment Squadron (a/c from 75th BS)
Inactivated in 1995; Griffiss closed.
Activated to replace 4239th Strategic Wing
B-52H, 1963–1977
716th Bombardment Squadron (a/c from 93d BS)
Inactivated in 1977; Kincheloe closed
Activated to replace 4136th Strategic Wing
B-52H, 1963–1968
720th Bombardment Squadron (a/c from 525th BS)
Inactivated in 1968
Activated to replace 4228th Strategic Wing
B-52F, 1963–1966; B-52D, 1966–1969
736th Bombardment Squadron (a/c from 492d BS)
Inactivated in 1969; Columbus transferred to ATC
B-52G, 1963–1975
Activated to replace 4126th Strategic Wing
744th Bombardment Squadron (a/c from 31st BS, a/c to 34th BS)
Wing Inactivated in 1975, replaced by 17th Bombardment Wing
B-52D, 1963–1968
Activated to replace4128th Strategic Wing
764th Bombardment Squadron (a/c from 718 BS)
Inactivated in 1968; Amarillo closed.
Activated to replace 4170th Strategic Wing
B-52D, 1963–1966
768th Bombardment Squadron (a/c from 327 BS)
Inactivated in 1966; Larson closed.
Activated to replace 4137th Strategic Wing
B-52G, 1963–1968
781st Bombardment Squadron (a/c from 342d BS)
Inactivated in 1968; Robins transferred to AFLC
Activated to replace 4138th Strategic Wing
B-52D, 1963–1967
824th Bombardment Squadron (a/c from 336 BS)
Inactivated in 1967; Turner closed.
Activated to replace 4245th Strategic Wing
B-52D, 1963–1966
864th Bombardment Squadron (a/c from 717 BS)
Inactivated in 1966; Sheppard transferred to ATC
B-52D, 1966–1969
393d Bombardment Squadron
Re-equipped with FB-111s in 1970

Historical Strategic Air Command MAJCOM B-52 units[]

Strategic Wings wings were established by Strategic Air Command in the late 1950s to disburse its B-52 bombers over a larger number of bases, thus making it more difficult for the Soviet Union to knock out the entire fleet with a surprise first strike. A 4-Digit MAJCOM wing, they were considered as temporary, provisional units.

Beginning in 1962, in order to retain the lineage of the Strategic Wings as combat units and to perpetuate the lineage of many currently inactive bombardment units with illustrious World War II records, Headquarters SAC received authority from Headquarters USAF to discontinue its MAJCOM strategic wings that were equipped with combat aircraft and to activate AFCON units, most of which were inactive at the time which could carry a lineage and history. Component units were also redesignated to historically-linked units of the newly-established wing. Therefore the history, lineage and honors of the World War II historical units were bestowed upon the newly established wing upon activation.

B-52G, 1960–1963
341st Bombardment Squadron Inactivated on 1 February 1963, assets to 596th BS/397th BW
B-52G, 1960–1963
75th Bombardment Squadron Inactivated on 1 February 1963, assets to 668th BS/416th BW
B-52H, 1961–1963
526th Bombardment Squadron Inactivated on 1 February 1963, assets to 644th BS/410th BW
B-52E, 1960–1963
42d Bombardment Squadron Inactivated on 1 February 1963, assets to 34th BS/17th BW
B-52D, 1961–1963
347th Bombardment Squadron Inactivated on 1 February 1963, assets to 367th BS/306th BW
B-52E, 1959–1963
98th Bombardment Squadron Inactivated on 1 February 1963, assets to 6th BS/70th BW
B-52G, 1960–1963
31st Bombardment Squadron Inactivated on 1 February 1963, assets to 744th BS/456th SAW
B-52D, 1960–1963
718th Bombardment Squadron Inactivated on 1 February 1963, assets to 764th BS/461st BW
B-52D, 1959–1963
335th Bombardment Squadron Inactivated on 1 September 1963, assets to 486th BS/340th BW
B-52H, 1962–1963
30th Bombardment Squadron Inactivated on 1 February 1963, assets to 46th BS/319th BW
B-52F, 1958–1963
72d Bombardment Squadron Inactivated on 1 September 1963, assets to 441st BS/320th BW

B-52G, 1959–1963
301st Bombardment Squadron Inactivated on 1 February 1963, assets to 62d BS/39th BW
B-52H, 1961–1963
525th Bombardment Squadron Inactivated on 1 February 1963, assets to 720th BS/450th BW
B-52G, 1960–1963
342d Bombardment Squadron Inactivated on 1 February 1963, assets to 781st BS/465th BW
B-52D, 1959–1963
336th Bombardment Squadron Inactivated on 1 February 1963, assets to 824th BS/484th BW
B-52D, 1959–1963
326th Bombardment Squadron Inactivated on 1 February 1963, assets to 322d BS/91st BW
B-52D, 1960–1963
327th Bombardment Squadron Inactivated on 1 February 1963, assets to 768th BS/462d BW
B-52H, 1 Apr 1965– 25 Jun 1966
(Special Unit with 2 Modified B-52H for Air Sampling & D-21 operations
4201st Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron
Wing Inactivated in 1966, replaced by 9th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing with the B-52H's Demodified
B-52F, 1959–1963
492d Bombardment Squadron Inactivated on 1 February 1963, assets to 736th BS/454th BW
B-52F, 1958–1963
436th Bombardment Squadron Inactivated on 1 February 1963, assets to 20th BS/2d BW
B-52H, 1961–1963
93d Bombardment Squadron Inactivated on 1 February 1963, assets to 716th BS/449th BW
B-52G, 1959–1963
73d Bombardment Squadron Inactivated on 1 February 1963, assets to 51st BS/68th BW
B-52D, 1960–1963
717th Bombardment Squadron Inactivated on 1 February 1963, assets to 864th BS/494th BW

Provisional B-52 units[]

Strategic Wing (Provisional), 72 Andersen AFB, Guam
Provisional SAC MAJCOM unit, June 1972 – November 1973
Bombardment Wing (Provisional), 4133 Andersen AFB, Guam
Provisional SAC MAJCOM unit, February 1966 – July 1970 (Replaced by 43d Strategic Wing)
4525d Strategic Wing Kadena AB, Okinawa
SAC MAJCOM unit, April 1967 – April 1970 (Replaced by 376th Strategic Wing) Note: The 376th Strategic Wing operated B-52D's until Aug 1970.
4258th Strategic Wing, U-Tapao RTNAF, Thailand
SAC MAJCOM unit, April 1967 – April 1970 (Replaced by 307th Strategic Wing)

Andersen AFB & Kadena AB started primarily with B-52F's and later B-52D's aircraft; aircrew and support personnel deployed from CONUS B-52 wings on a rotational basis / U-TAPAO AB started operation after the B-52D became the primary mission aircraft; SW(P)72 at Andersen AFB was only equipped with B-52G's

801st Provision Bombardment Wing, Moron AFB, Spain
Activated in January 1991. Inactivated March 1991.
Composed of B-52G aircraft and personnel
806th Provisional Bombardment Wing, RAF Fairford, England
Activated in January 1991. Inactivated March 1991.
Composed of B-52G aircraft and personnel from the 62d, 340th, 524th, and 668th Bombardment Squadrons
1500 Provisional Strategic Wing, Anderson Air Force Base Guam
Activated in August 1990. Inactivated?
Supported heavy maintenance and crew training for the 4300 Provisional Bomb Wing, Diego Garcia. Normally had 2 B52Gs on station

Had 6 B-52Gs from 60th Bombardment Squadron (January–March 1991)1703d Provisional Air Refueling Wing, King Khalid Military City, Saudi Arabia
Activated in August 1990. Inactivated March 1991.
Air refueling wing of KC-135s. Had 7 B-52Gs from 69th Bombardment Squadron (October 1990 – March 1991)
1708th Provisional Bombardment Wing, Prince Abdulla AB, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Activated in August 1990. Inactivated March 1991.
Composed of B-52G aircraft and personnel from the 69th and 524th Bombardment Squadrons (August 1990 – March 1991)
Additional B-52G aircraft and personnel from the 69th, 524th, 596th, 328th and 668th Bombardment Squadrons (December 1990 – March 1991)
4300th Provisional Bombardment Wing, Diego Garcia AB, British Indian Ocean Territories
Activated in January 1991. Inactivated March 1991
Composed of B-52G aircraft and personnel from the 69th and 328th Bombardment Squadrons
20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron
23d Expeditionary Bomb Squadron
40th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron
96th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron

References[]

  1. Mehuron, Tamar A., Assoc. Editor. 2009 USAF Almanac, Fact and Figures, Air Force Magazine, May 2009.
  • Strategic Air Command.com article source.
  • Donald, David, Ed. US Air Force Air Power Directory, AIRtime Publishing Inc., Westport, CT, 1992

External links[]

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The original article can be found at List of B-52 Units of the United States Air Force and the edit history here.