53d Electronic Warfare Group
Encyclopedia
The 53d Electronic Warfare Group (53 EWG) is a component unit of the United States Air Force
53d Wing
, stationed at Eglin Air Force Base
, Florida.
The 53 EWG is a non-flying unit responsible for providing operational, technical and maintenance electronic warfare expertise for the CAF and for systems engineering, testing, evaluation, tactics development, employment, capability and technology assessment. This includes the wartime responsibility for emergency reprogramming and dissemination of EW system mission data software for CAF aircraft. The group manages the COMBAT SHIELD Electronic Warfare Assessment Program for CAF aircraft EW systems. COMBAT SHIELD provides operational units a system-specific capability assessment for their radar warning receivers, electronic attack pods, and integrated EW systems.
Established in 1941, the unit traces its lineage and heritage the 68th Strategic Reconnaissance Group; the 68th Air Refueling Group; the 68th Bombardment Wing, Heavy, and the 68th Electronic Combat Group
, Texas, on 1 September 1941. Its primary mission was observation aircraft training and antisubmarine patrols. The group moved to several different U.S. locations in preparation for overseas deployment in 1942.
Moved to the Mediterranean Theater of Operations
(MTO), October–November 1942, and assigned to Twelfth Air Force. Shortly after the group began operations most of its squadrons were detached for separate duty in order to carry out diverse activities over a wide area. Operating from bases in North Africa until November 1943, the group, or elements of the group, engaged in patrolling the Mediterranean; strafing trucks, tanks, gun positions, and supply dumps to support ground troops in Tunisia; training fighter pilots and replacement crews; and flying photographic and visual reconnaissance missions in Tunisia, Sicily, and Italy to provide information needed to adjust artillery fire.
Moved to Italy and assigned to Fifteenth Air Force
, in November 1943. Continued visual and photographic reconnaissance and began flying weather reconnaissance missions in Italy, France, Germany, Austria, Hungary, and the Balkans
. Also engaged in electronic-countermeasure activities, investigating radar equipment captured from the enemy, flying ferret missions along the coasts of Italy and southern France, and accompanying bomber formations to detect approaching enemy fighters. Inactivated in 1944,
, California between, 1947–1949, when it was inactivated as a result of budget reductions.
The 68th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing was established by Strategic Air Command
on 4 October 1951, with an initial cadre of 16 people from 44th Bombardment Wing. The group was assigned as a subordinate unit to the new wing at Lake Charles AFB, Louisiana
. Assigned to Second Air Force
, the organization was a paper unit, with token personnel assigned on additional duty to keep it active and with its flying squadrons controlled by the wing.
It was not until May 1952 that the unit received RB-29 Superfortress aircraft. Its primary mission was gathering intelligence on the Soviet Union. It added a KC-97 refueling mission in November 1953.
. Becoming operationally ready with the B-47 in May 1954, the wing conducted strategic bombardment training and air refueling to meet SAC's global commitments. Performed REFLEX deployments to Fairford RAF Station
, England, 14 June – 7 August 1954 and at Brize Norton AB
, England, 27 September 1957 – 8 January 1958. The B-47s were reaching the end of their operational lifetime in the late 1950s, and the wing's aircraft were sent to Davis-Monthan AFB in April 1963 with the closure of Chennault AFB.
With the closing of Chennault, the unit was reassigned without personnel or equipment to Seymour Johnson AFB, North Carolina
on 15 April where it replaced the 4241st Strategic Wing. On 1 October 1958, Strategic Air Command
established the 4241st SW at Seymour Johnson as part of SAC's plan to disburse its B-52 Stratofortress
heavy 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. The wing consisted of the 73d Bombardment Squadron
, consisting of 15 B-52Gs Half of the aircraft were maintained on fifteen minute alert, fully fueled, armed, and ready for combat. SAC Strategic Wings were considered a provisional unit by HQ, USAF and could not carry a permanent history or lineage.
In 1962, in order to retain the lineage of its MAJCOM 4-digit 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.
As part of the reactivation, the 73d BS was redesignated the 51st Bombardment Squadron
, one of the unit's historical bomb squadrons and component support units were also redesignated to the 68th numerical designation of the newly-established wing. As under the Tri-Deputate organization, all flying components were directly assigned to the wing, no operational group element was activated.
The wing continued to conduct strategic bombardment training and global refueling operations to meet SAC commitments. Wing aircraft, most aircrews and maintenance personnel, and other support personnel were loaned to other SAC units for combat operations in Southeast Asia, 27 May 1972 – 15 July 1973.
In 1982 the B-52G's of the wing were retired and the 68th became an Air Refueling Group. Elevated back to wing status in 1986, the 68 ARW participated in combat operations in Grenada (Operation Urgent Fury), October 1983, Libya (Operation Eldorado Canyon), April 1986, Panama (Operation Just Cause), December 1989. Deployed to Spain to provide airlift and air refueling during Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm, August 1990 – March 1991.
The 68th Air Refueling Wing was inactivated on 22 April 1991, as part of the post Cold War
drawdown of USAF strategic forces.
68th Wing, 1951–1982
Consolidated Organization
68th Wing, 1951–1982
Consolidated organization
1941–1952: O-38, 1941–1942; O-46, 1941–1942; O-47, 1941–1942; O-49, 1941–1942; YO-50, 1941–1942; O-52, 1941–1942; O-57, 1941–1942; O-58, 1941–1942; O-59, 1941–1942; A-20, 1942–1943; DB-7, 1942; L-4, 1942; O-43, 1942; P-39, 1942–1943; P-40, 1942–1943; P-43, 1942; A-36, 1943; B-17, 1943–1944; P-38, 1943; P-38/F-4, 1943; P-51, 1943; P-51/F-6, 1943; Spitfire, 1943. A-6, 1947–1949; A-7, 1947–1949; A-11, 1947–1949.
68th Wing
1951–1982: B-29, 1952–1953; B-47, 1953–1963; KC-97, 1953–1957; B-52, 1963–1972, 1973–1982; KC-135, 1963–1972; 1973–1985.
Consolidated organization: KC-10, 1982–1991; KC-135, 1982–1991. None, 1993–1998
United States Air Force
The United States Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the American uniformed services. Initially part of the United States Army, the USAF was formed as a separate branch of the military on September 18, 1947 under the National Security Act of...
53d Wing
53d Wing
The 53d Wing is a wing of the United States Air Force based out of Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.-Mission:The 53d Wing serves as the focal point for the Combat Air Forces in electronic warfare, armament and avionics, chemical defense, reconnaissance, and aircrew training devices...
, stationed at Eglin Air Force Base
Eglin Air Force Base
Eglin Air Force Base is a United States Air Force base located approximately 3 miles southwest of Valparaiso, Florida in Okaloosa County....
, Florida.
The 53 EWG is a non-flying unit responsible for providing operational, technical and maintenance electronic warfare expertise for the CAF and for systems engineering, testing, evaluation, tactics development, employment, capability and technology assessment. This includes the wartime responsibility for emergency reprogramming and dissemination of EW system mission data software for CAF aircraft. The group manages the COMBAT SHIELD Electronic Warfare Assessment Program for CAF aircraft EW systems. COMBAT SHIELD provides operational units a system-specific capability assessment for their radar warning receivers, electronic attack pods, and integrated EW systems.
Established in 1941, the unit traces its lineage and heritage the 68th Strategic Reconnaissance Group; the 68th Air Refueling Group; the 68th Bombardment Wing, Heavy, and the 68th Electronic Combat Group
Units
- 16th Electronic Warfare Squadron
- Det. 1, 16th Electronic Warfare Squadron
- 36th Electronic Warfare Squadron
- 68th Electronic Warfare Squadron
- 453d Electronic Warfare Squadron453d Electronic Warfare SquadronThe 453d Electronic Warfare Squadron is a United States Air Force unit. It is assigned to the 53rd Wing and is stationed at Eglin Air Force Base, Forida-Overview:The 453rd EWS provides a full spectrum of EW support to DoD and coalition warfighters...
- 513th Electronic Warfare Squadron513th Bombardment SquadronThe 513th Electronic Warfare Squadron is a United States Air Force unit assigned to the 53d Electronic Warfare Group, stationed at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.-Mission:...
- Det. 1, 53d Electronic Warfare Group
World War II
Established as the 68th Observation Group in 1941 at BrownwoodBrownwood, Texas
Brownwood is a city in and the county seat of Brown County, Texas, United States. The population was 18,813 at the 2000 census.-History:The original site of the Brown County seat of Brownwood was on the east of Pecan Bayou. A dispute arose over land and water rights, and the settlers were forced...
, Texas, on 1 September 1941. Its primary mission was observation aircraft training and antisubmarine patrols. The group moved to several different U.S. locations in preparation for overseas deployment in 1942.
Moved to the Mediterranean Theater of Operations
Mediterranean Theater of Operations
The Mediterranean Theater of Operations, United States Army was originally called North African Theater of Operations and is an American term for the conflict that took place between the Allies and Axis Powers in North Africa and Italy during World War II...
(MTO), October–November 1942, and assigned to Twelfth Air Force. Shortly after the group began operations most of its squadrons were detached for separate duty in order to carry out diverse activities over a wide area. Operating from bases in North Africa until November 1943, the group, or elements of the group, engaged in patrolling the Mediterranean; strafing trucks, tanks, gun positions, and supply dumps to support ground troops in Tunisia; training fighter pilots and replacement crews; and flying photographic and visual reconnaissance missions in Tunisia, Sicily, and Italy to provide information needed to adjust artillery fire.
Moved to Italy and assigned to Fifteenth Air Force
Fifteenth Air Force
The Fifteenth Expeditionary Mobility Task Force is one of two EMTFs assigned to the United States Air Force Air Mobility Command . It is headquartered at Travis Air Force Base, California....
, in November 1943. Continued visual and photographic reconnaissance and began flying weather reconnaissance missions in Italy, France, Germany, Austria, Hungary, and the Balkans
Balkans
The Balkans is a geopolitical and cultural region of southeastern Europe...
. Also engaged in electronic-countermeasure activities, investigating radar equipment captured from the enemy, flying ferret missions along the coasts of Italy and southern France, and accompanying bomber formations to detect approaching enemy fighters. Inactivated in 1944,
Strategic reconnaissance
The unit trained in the Reserve as the 68th Reconnaissance Group at Hamilton FieldHamilton Air Force Base
Hamilton Air Force Base was a United States Air Force base located along the western shore of San Pablo Bay, south of Novato, California.-History:...
, California between, 1947–1949, when it was inactivated as a result of budget reductions.
The 68th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing was established by Strategic Air Command
Strategic Air Command
The Strategic Air Command was both a Major Command of the United States Air Force and a "specified command" of the United States Department of Defense. SAC was the operational establishment in charge of America's land-based strategic bomber aircraft and land-based intercontinental ballistic...
on 4 October 1951, with an initial cadre of 16 people from 44th Bombardment Wing. The group was assigned as a subordinate unit to the new wing at Lake Charles AFB, Louisiana
Louisiana
Louisiana is a state located in the southern region of the United States of America. Its capital is Baton Rouge and largest city is New Orleans. Louisiana is the only state in the U.S. with political subdivisions termed parishes, which are local governments equivalent to counties...
. Assigned to Second Air Force
Second Air Force
The Second Air Force is a numbered air force of the United States Air Force Air Education and Training Command . It is headquartered at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi....
, the organization was a paper unit, with token personnel assigned on additional duty to keep it active and with its flying squadrons controlled by the wing.
It was not until May 1952 that the unit received RB-29 Superfortress aircraft. Its primary mission was gathering intelligence on the Soviet Union. It added a KC-97 refueling mission in November 1953.
Strategic bombardment
Replaced the propeller-driven RB-29s with new B-47E Stratojet swept-wing medium bombers in October 1953, being redesignated as the 68th Bombardment Wing. The B-47 was capable of flying at high subsonic speeds and primarily designed for penetrating the airspace of the Soviet UnionSoviet Union
The Soviet Union , officially the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics , was a constitutionally socialist state that existed in Eurasia between 1922 and 1991....
. Becoming operationally ready with the B-47 in May 1954, the wing conducted strategic bombardment training and air refueling to meet SAC's global commitments. Performed REFLEX deployments to Fairford RAF Station
RAF Fairford
RAF Fairford is a Royal Air Force station in Gloucestershire, England. It is a standby airfield, not in everyday use. Its most prominent use in recent years has been as an airfield for United States Air Force B-52s during the 2003 Iraq War, Operation Allied Force in 1999, and the first Gulf War in...
, England, 14 June – 7 August 1954 and at Brize Norton AB
RAF Brize Norton
RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, about west north-west of London, is the largest station of the Royal Air Force. It is close to the settlements of Brize Norton, Carterton and Witney....
, England, 27 September 1957 – 8 January 1958. The B-47s were reaching the end of their operational lifetime in the late 1950s, and the wing's aircraft were sent to Davis-Monthan AFB in April 1963 with the closure of Chennault AFB.
With the closing of Chennault, the unit was reassigned without personnel or equipment to Seymour Johnson AFB, North Carolina
North Carolina
North Carolina is a state located in the southeastern United States. The state borders South Carolina and Georgia to the south, Tennessee to the west and Virginia to the north. North Carolina contains 100 counties. Its capital is Raleigh, and its largest city is Charlotte...
on 15 April where it replaced the 4241st Strategic Wing. On 1 October 1958, Strategic Air Command
Strategic Air Command
The Strategic Air Command was both a Major Command of the United States Air Force and a "specified command" of the United States Department of Defense. SAC was the operational establishment in charge of America's land-based strategic bomber aircraft and land-based intercontinental ballistic...
established the 4241st SW at Seymour Johnson as part of SAC's plan to disburse its B-52 Stratofortress
B-52 Stratofortress
The Boeing B-52 Stratofortress is a long-range, subsonic, jet-powered strategic bomber operated by the United States Air Force since the 1950s. The B-52 was designed and built by Boeing, who have continued to provide maintainence and upgrades to the aircraft in service...
heavy bombers over a larger number of bases, thus making it more difficult for the Soviet Union
Soviet Union
The Soviet Union , officially the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics , was a constitutionally socialist state that existed in Eurasia between 1922 and 1991....
to knock out the entire fleet with a surprise first strike. The wing consisted of the 73d Bombardment Squadron
73d Bombardment Squadron
The 73d Bombardment Squadron is an inactive United States Air Force unit. It was last assigned to the 4241st Strategic Wing, based at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina...
, consisting of 15 B-52Gs Half of the aircraft were maintained on fifteen minute alert, fully fueled, armed, and ready for combat. SAC Strategic Wings were considered a provisional unit by HQ, USAF and could not carry a permanent history or lineage.
In 1962, in order to retain the lineage of its MAJCOM 4-digit combat units and to perpetuate the lineage of many currently inactive bombardment units with illustrious World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
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.
As part of the reactivation, the 73d BS was redesignated the 51st Bombardment Squadron
51st Bombardment Squadron
The 51st Bombardment Squadron is an inactive United States Air Force unit. It was last assigned to the 68th Bombardment Wing. It was inactivated at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina on 30 September 1982.-History:...
, one of the unit's historical bomb squadrons and component support units were also redesignated to the 68th numerical designation of the newly-established wing. As under the Tri-Deputate organization, all flying components were directly assigned to the wing, no operational group element was activated.
The wing continued to conduct strategic bombardment training and global refueling operations to meet SAC commitments. Wing aircraft, most aircrews and maintenance personnel, and other support personnel were loaned to other SAC units for combat operations in Southeast Asia, 27 May 1972 – 15 July 1973.
Air refueling
The 68th Air Refueling Wing was inactivated on 22 April 1991, as part of the post Cold War
Cold War
The Cold War was the continuing state from roughly 1946 to 1991 of political conflict, military tension, proxy wars, and economic competition between the Communist World—primarily the Soviet Union and its satellite states and allies—and the powers of the Western world, primarily the United States...
drawdown of USAF strategic forces.
Modern era
Activated on 15 April 1993 as an Electronic Combat Group. Provided operational and technical electronic combat expertise for US combat air forces, 1993–1998. Performed electronic warfare (EW) technology assessments; tested, developed, managed, and maintained EW systems hardware and software to meet Combat Air Force (CAF) mission requirements, since 1998.Lineage
- Established as 68th Observation Group on 21 August 1941
- Activated on 1 September 1941
- Redesignated: 68th Reconnaissance Group on 31 May 1943
- Redesignated: 68th Tactical Reconnaissance Group on 13 November 1943
- Disestablished on 15 June 1944
- Reestablished, and redesignated 68th Reconnaissance Group, on 10 March 1947
- Activated in the Reserve on 9 April 1947
- Inactivated on 27 June 1949
- Redesignated 68th Strategic Reconnaissance Group, Medium on 4 October 1951
- Activated on 10 October 1951
- Inactivated on 16 June 1952
- Consolidated (1 October 1982) with the 68th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing, Medium, which was established on 4 October 1951
- Activated on 10 October 1951
- Redesignated: 68th Bombardment Wing, Medium on 16 June 1952
- Redesignated: 68th Bombardment Wing, Heavy on 15 April 1963 to replace the 4241st Strategic Wing
- Organized on 15 April 1963 assuming the resources (Manpower, Aircraft, Equipment, Weapons, & Facilities) of the 4241st Strategic Wing (Inactivated).
- Redesignated 68th Air Refueling Group, Heavy on 17 March 1982
- Inactivated on 30 September 1982
- Activated on 30 September 1982
- Consolidated unit redesignated 68th Air Refueling Wing, Heavy on 1 October 1986
- Inactivated on 22 April 1991
- Redesignated 68th Electronic Combat Group on 9 April 1993
- Activated on 15 April 1993
- Inactivated on 20 November 1998
- Consolidated (25 July 2000) with the 53d Electronic Warfare Group, which was established on 1 November 1998.
- Activated on 20 November 1998
- Consolidated group retains designation 53d Electronic Warfare Group.
Assignments
68th Group, 1941–1952- 3d Air Support Command, 1 September 1941
- Third Air ForceThird Air ForceThe Third Air Force is a numbered air force of the United States Air Forces in Europe . It is headquartered at Ramstein Air Base, Germany....
, 17 March 1942 - III Ground Air Support Command, 19 May 1942
- Attached to 3d Demonstration Air Task Force [Provisional], c. 12 June 1942-unkn
- VIII Ground Air Support Command, c. 18–22 June 1942
- VIII Ground Air Support Command, 23 June 1942
- III Ground Air Support Command, c. 4 June 1942
- Third Air ForceThird Air ForceThe Third Air Force is a numbered air force of the United States Air Forces in Europe . It is headquartered at Ramstein Air Base, Germany....
, 21 August 1942 - III Ground Air Support Command, 24 August 1942
- XII Air Support Command, c. 18 October 1942
- Attached to 5th Bombardment Wing, 31 October 1942–
- Northwest African Tactical Air Force, c. 18 June 1943
- Remained attached to 5th Bombardment Wing
- XII Training Command, c. March 1943
- Remained attached to 5th Bombardment Wing
- XII Bomber CommandXII Bomber CommandThe XII Bomber Command is an inactive United States Air Force unit. Its last assignment was with the Twelfth Air Force, based in Corsica, France...
, 18 October 1943
- XII Bomber Command
- Remained attached to 5th Bombardment Wing
- Fifteenth Air ForceFifteenth Air ForceThe Fifteenth Expeditionary Mobility Task Force is one of two EMTFs assigned to the United States Air Force Air Mobility Command . It is headquartered at Travis Air Force Base, California....
, 1 November 1943 – 15 June 1944
- Fifteenth Air Force
- Remained attached to 5th Bombardment Wing to 4 December 1943
- Attached to 47th Bombardment Wing, 4 December 1943 – 24 May 1944
- 325th Reconnaissance Wing (later, 325th Air Division)325th Air DivisionThe 325th Air Division is an inactive United States Air Force unit. Its last assignment was with Fourth Air Force, based at Hamilton Air Force Base, California...
, 10 March 1947 – 27 June 1949 - 68th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing, 10 October 1951 – 16 June 1952
- 325th Reconnaissance Wing (later, 325th Air Division)
68th Wing, 1951–1982
- 37th Air Division, 10 October 1951
- Attached to 21st Air Division, 10 October 1951-c. 15 May 1952
- Second Air ForceSecond Air ForceThe Second Air Force is a numbered air force of the United States Air Force Air Education and Training Command . It is headquartered at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi....
, 28 May 1952 - 806th Air Division806th Air DivisionThe 806th Air Division is an inactive United States Air Force organization. Its last assignment was with Strategic Air Command, assigned to Second Air Force, being stationed at Chennault Air Force Base, Louisiana...
, 16 June 1952
- Second Air Force
- Attached to 7th Air Division, 14 June – 7 August 1954; 27 September 1957 – 8 January 1958
- 825th Air (later, 825th Strategic Aerospace) Division, 15 June 1960
- 822d Air Division822d Air DivisionThe 822d Air Division is an inactive United States Air Force organization. Its last assignment was with Strategic Air Command, assigned to Eighth Air Force, being stationed at Turner Air Force Base, Georgia...
, 15 April 1963 - 57th Air Division, 1 July 1964
- 822d Air Division822d Air DivisionThe 822d Air Division is an inactive United States Air Force organization. Its last assignment was with Strategic Air Command, assigned to Eighth Air Force, being stationed at Turner Air Force Base, Georgia...
, 1 July 1965 - 57th Air Division, 2 September 1966
- 823d Air Division823d Air DivisionThe 823d Air Division is an inactive United States Air Force organization. Its last assignment was with Strategic Air Command, assigned to Second Air Force, being stationed at McCoy Air Force Base, Florida...
, 2 July 1969 - 42d Air Division42d Air DivisionThe 42d Air Division was a unit of the United States Air Force. It was established as the 42 Bombardment Wing on 8 February 1943. The wing first saw combat in September 1943. It was inactivated in 1991.-History:...
, 30 June 1971 – 30 September 1982
Consolidated Organization
- 42d Air Division42d Air DivisionThe 42d Air Division was a unit of the United States Air Force. It was established as the 42 Bombardment Wing on 8 February 1943. The wing first saw combat in September 1943. It was inactivated in 1991.-History:...
, from consolidation in 1982 - Eighth Air ForceEighth Air ForceThe Eighth Air Force is a numbered air force of the United States Air Force Global Strike Command . It is headquartered at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana....
, 16 June 1988 – 22 April 1991 - USAF Air Warfare Center (later, 53d Wing)53d WingThe 53d Wing is a wing of the United States Air Force based out of Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.-Mission:The 53d Wing serves as the focal point for the Combat Air Forces in electronic warfare, armament and avionics, chemical defense, reconnaissance, and aircrew training devices...
, 15 April 1993 – 20 November 1998 - 53d Wing53d WingThe 53d Wing is a wing of the United States Air Force based out of Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.-Mission:The 53d Wing serves as the focal point for the Combat Air Forces in electronic warfare, armament and avionics, chemical defense, reconnaissance, and aircrew training devices...
, since 20 November 1998
Components
68th Group, 1941–1952- 15th Observation Squadron: 12 Dec 1941 – 2 Feb 1942
- 16th Observation (later, 16th Reconnaissance) Squadron16th Reconnaissance SquadronThe 16th Reconnaissance Squadron is an inactive United States Air Force unit. It was last assigned to the 311th Photographic Wing, stationed at Buckley Field, Colorado. It was inactivated on 12 April 1945.-History:...
: attached February–March 1942, assigned 29 March 1942 – 26 May 1944 (detached 25 September 1943 – 26 May 1944) - 24th Reconnaissance, Photographic (later, 24th Strategic Reconnaissance, Photographic) Squadron24th Strategic Reconnaissance SquadronThe 24th Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron is an inactive unit of the United States Air Force. Its last assignment was with the 68th Bombardment Wing, stationed at Lake Charles Air Force Base, Louisiana. It was inactivated on 16 January 1953.-History:...
: 12 July 1947 – 27 June 1949; 10 October 1951-16 June 1952 (detached 10 October 1951 – 16 June 1952) - 51st Reconnaissance, Weather (later, 51st Strategic Reconnaissance, Photographic) Squadron51st Bombardment SquadronThe 51st Bombardment Squadron is an inactive United States Air Force unit. It was last assigned to the 68th Bombardment Wing. It was inactivated at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina on 30 September 1982.-History:...
: 1 August 1947 – 27 June 1949; 10 August 1951-16 June 1952 (detached 10 October 1951 – 16 June 1952) - 52d Reconnaissance, Weather Scouting (later, 52d Strategic Reconnaissance, Photographic) Squadron: 12 July 1947 – 27 June 1949; 10 October 1951-16 June 1952 (detached 10 October 1951 – 16 June 1952)
- 68th Air Refueling Squadron68th Air Refueling SquadronThe 68th Air Refueling Squadron is an inactive United States Air Force unit. Its last was assigned to the 305th Bombardment Wing, stationed at Bunker Hill Air Force Base, Indiana. It was inactivated on 25 March 1965.-History:...
: 8 April – 28 May 1952 - 111th Observation (later, 111th Reconnaissance, Fighter; 111th Tactical Reconnaissance): attached February–March 1942, assigned 29 March 1942 – 26 May 1944 (detached 12 March 1943 – 26 May 1944)
- 122d Observation (later, 122d Liaison; 885th Bombardment)885th Bombardment SquadronThe 885th Bombardment Squadron is an inactive United States Air Force unit. It was last assigned to the Fifteenth Air Force, stationed at Pomigliano Airfield, Italy. It was inactivated on 15 October 1945-History:...
: 1 October 1941 – 15 June 1944 - 125th Observation125th Fighter SquadronThe 125th Fighter Squadron flies the F-16C Fighting Falcon. It is a unit of the Oklahoma Air National Guard. Its parent unit is the 138th Fighter Wing.-Major Command:*Air National Guard/Air Combat Command...
: 15 September 1941 – 12 March 1942 - 127th Observation: 6 October 1941 – 12 March 1942
- 154th Observation (later, 154th Reconnaissance; 154th Tactical Reconnaissance; 154th Weather Reconnaissance)154th Training SquadronThe 154th Training Squadron flies the C-130H2 as part of the Arkansas Air National Guard's 189th Airlift Wing. The 154th Training Squadron is one of the most highly decorated Air National Guard units in the nation...
: 1 September 1941 – 15 June 1944 (detached 12 March 1943 – 15 June 1944)
68th Wing, 1951–1982
- 68th Strategic Reconnaissance Group: 10 October 1951 – 16 June 1952
- 24th Strategic Reconnaissance, Photographic (later, 24th Bombardment) Squadron24th Strategic Reconnaissance SquadronThe 24th Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron is an inactive unit of the United States Air Force. Its last assignment was with the 68th Bombardment Wing, stationed at Lake Charles Air Force Base, Louisiana. It was inactivated on 16 January 1953.-History:...
: attached 10 October 1951 – 15 June 1952, assigned 16 June 1952 – 16 January 1953 - 51st Strategic Reconnaissance, Photographic (later, 51st Bombardment) Squadron51st Bombardment SquadronThe 51st Bombardment Squadron is an inactive United States Air Force unit. It was last assigned to the 68th Bombardment Wing. It was inactivated at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina on 30 September 1982.-History:...
: attached 10 October 1951 – 15 June 1952, assigned 16 June 1952 – 30 September 1982 - 52d Strategic Reconnaissance, Photographic (later, 52d Bombardment) Squadron: attached 10 October 1951 – 15 June 1952, assigned 16 June 1952 – 15 April 1963
- 68th Air Refueling Squadron68th Air Refueling SquadronThe 68th Air Refueling Squadron is an inactive United States Air Force unit. Its last was assigned to the 305th Bombardment Wing, stationed at Bunker Hill Air Force Base, Indiana. It was inactivated on 25 March 1965.-History:...
: attached 8 April – 28 May 1952; assigned 25 November 1953 – 3 September 1957 - 656th Bombardment Squadron656th Bombardment SquadronThe 656th Bombardment Squadron is an inactive United States Air Force unit. Its last was assigned to the 68th Bombardment Wing, stationed at Chennault Air Force Base, Louisiana. It was inactivated on 15 April 1963.-History:...
: 16 January 1953 – 15 April 1963 - 657th Bombardment Squadron657th Bombardment SquadronThe 657st Bombardment Squadron is an inactive United States Air Force unit. Its last was assigned to the 68th Bombardment Wing, stationed at Chennault Air Force Base, Louisiana...
: 1 December 1958 – 1 January 1962 - 911th Air Refueling: 15 April 1963 – 30 September 1982
Consolidated organization
- 16th Test (later, 16th Electronic Warfare): 15 April 1993 – 20 November 1998; since 20 November 1998
- 36th Engineering and Test (later, 36th Electronic Warfare): 15 April 1993 – 20 November 1998; since 20 November 1998
- 51st Bombardment Squadron51st Bombardment SquadronThe 51st Bombardment Squadron is an inactive United States Air Force unit. It was last assigned to the 68th Bombardment Wing. It was inactivated at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina on 30 September 1982.-History:...
: 30 September – 1 October 1982 - 68th Test Support (later, 68th Electronic Warfare): 15 April 1993 – 20 November 1998; since 20 November 1998
- 87th Electronic Warfare Aggressor: 15 April 1993 – 1 July 1997
- 344th Air Refueling Squadron344th Air Refueling SquadronThe 344th Air Refueling Squadron is part of the 22d Air Refueling Wing at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas. It operates the KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft conducting aerial refueling missions.-History:...
: 1 October 1986 – 22 April 1991 - 453d Electronic Warfare: -Present
- 513th Electronic Warfare: since 1 April 2010
- 911th Air Refueling: 30 September 1982 – 22 April 1991.
Stations
- Bowie AAFBrownwood, TexasBrownwood is a city in and the county seat of Brown County, Texas, United States. The population was 18,813 at the 2000 census.-History:The original site of the Brown County seat of Brownwood was on the east of Pecan Bayou. A dispute arose over land and water rights, and the settlers were forced...
, Texas, 1 September 1941 - New Orleans AABNew Orleans Lakefront AirportLakefront Airport is a public use airport located four nautical miles northeast of the central business district of New Orleans, in Orleans Parish, Louisiana, United States...
, LouisianaLouisianaLouisiana is a state located in the southern region of the United States of America. Its capital is Baton Rouge and largest city is New Orleans. Louisiana is the only state in the U.S. with political subdivisions termed parishes, which are local governments equivalent to counties...
, 17 December 1941 - Daniel FieldDaniel Field AirportDaniel Field is a public-use airport located one nautical mile west of the central business district of Augusta, a city in Richmond County, Georgia, United States. It is owned and operated by the City of Augusta.-Facilities and aircraft:...
, GeorgiaGeorgia (U.S. state)Georgia is a state located in the southeastern United States. It was established in 1732, the last of the original Thirteen Colonies. The state is named after King George II of Great Britain. Georgia was the fourth state to ratify the United States Constitution, on January 2, 1788...
, 8 February 1942 - Smith Reynolds APTSmith Reynolds AirportSmith Reynolds Airport is a public airport located 3 miles northeast of the city of Winston-Salem in Forsyth County, North Carolina, USA. The airport has two runways, and is used primarily for general aviation and flight training, although some passenger operations take place there...
, North CarolinaNorth CarolinaNorth Carolina is a state located in the southeastern United States. The state borders South Carolina and Georgia to the south, Tennessee to the west and Virginia to the north. North Carolina contains 100 counties. Its capital is Raleigh, and its largest city is Charlotte...
, 9 July 1942 - Morris FieldCharlotte/Douglas International AirportCharlotte Douglas International Airport is a joint civil-military public international airport located in Charlotte, North Carolina. Established in 1935 as Charlotte Municipal Airport, in 1954 the airport was renamed Douglas Municipal Airport after former Charlotte mayor Ben Elbert Douglas, Sr...
, North CarolinaNorth CarolinaNorth Carolina is a state located in the southeastern United States. The state borders South Carolina and Georgia to the south, Tennessee to the west and Virginia to the north. North Carolina contains 100 counties. Its capital is Raleigh, and its largest city is Charlotte...
. c. 17 August – 18 October 1942 - Casablanca Airfield, French MoroccoFrench MoroccoFrench Protectorate of Morocco was a French protectorate in Morocco, established by the Treaty of Fez. French Morocco did not include the north of the country, which was a Spanish protectorate...
November 1942 - Oujda Airfield, French MoroccoFrench MoroccoFrench Protectorate of Morocco was a French protectorate in Morocco, established by the Treaty of Fez. French Morocco did not include the north of the country, which was a Spanish protectorate...
c. November 1942 - Berrechid Airfield, French MoroccoFrench MoroccoFrench Protectorate of Morocco was a French protectorate in Morocco, established by the Treaty of Fez. French Morocco did not include the north of the country, which was a Spanish protectorate...
24 March 1943 - Berteaux AirfieldBerteaux AirfieldBerteaux Airfield is an abandoned World War II United States Army Air Forces military airfield in Algeria, which was located approximately 9 km east of Telerghma; 35 km southwest of Constantine....
, Algeria 5 September 1943
- Massicault Airfield, Tunisia October 1943
- Manduria AirfieldManduria AirfieldManduria Airfield is a World War II airfield in Italy, located approximately 5 km north of Manduria, and about 390 km east-southeast of Naples...
, Italy November 1943 - Blida Airfield, Algeria, November 1943-15 June 1944
- Hamilton Field (later, AFB), California, 9 April 1947 – 27 June 1949
- Lake Charles (later, Chennault) AFB, LouisianaLouisianaLouisiana is a state located in the southern region of the United States of America. Its capital is Baton Rouge and largest city is New Orleans. Louisiana is the only state in the U.S. with political subdivisions termed parishes, which are local governments equivalent to counties...
, 10 October 1951 - Seymour Johnson AFB, North CarolinaNorth CarolinaNorth Carolina is a state located in the southeastern United States. The state borders South Carolina and Georgia to the south, Tennessee to the west and Virginia to the north. North Carolina contains 100 counties. Its capital is Raleigh, and its largest city is Charlotte...
, 15 April 1963 – 30 September 1982; 30 September 1982-22 April 1991 - Eglin AFB, Florida, 15 April 1993 – 20 November 1998; since 20 November 1998
Aircraft
68th Group1941–1952: O-38, 1941–1942; O-46, 1941–1942; O-47, 1941–1942; O-49, 1941–1942; YO-50, 1941–1942; O-52, 1941–1942; O-57, 1941–1942; O-58, 1941–1942; O-59, 1941–1942; A-20, 1942–1943; DB-7, 1942; L-4, 1942; O-43, 1942; P-39, 1942–1943; P-40, 1942–1943; P-43, 1942; A-36, 1943; B-17, 1943–1944; P-38, 1943; P-38/F-4, 1943; P-51, 1943; P-51/F-6, 1943; Spitfire, 1943. A-6, 1947–1949; A-7, 1947–1949; A-11, 1947–1949.
68th Wing
1951–1982: B-29, 1952–1953; B-47, 1953–1963; KC-97, 1953–1957; B-52, 1963–1972, 1973–1982; KC-135, 1963–1972; 1973–1985.
Consolidated organization: KC-10, 1982–1991; KC-135, 1982–1991. None, 1993–1998
See also
- List of B-47 units of the United States Air Force
- List of B-52 Units of the United States Air Force