Jump to content

40th Air Division: Difference between revisions

Add links
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
→‎References: Added See also section
Undid revision 1230135077 by Normanhunter2 (talk) don't alter quotations
 
(41 intermediate revisions by 25 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{use dmy dates}}{{Infobox military unit
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2019}}
{{Infobox military unit
|unit_name= 40th Air Division
|unit_name= 40th Air Division
⚫
[[File:Shield Strategic Air Command.png|center|60px]]
⚫
|image= [[Image:40th Air Division crest.jpg|250px]]
| image=Boeing B-52H Stratofortress, USA - Air Force AN1515999.jpg
|caption= 40th Air Division emblem
| image_size = 290
|dates= 15 January 1943 &ndash; 25 December 1946<br />14 March 1951 &ndash; 1 April 1957<br />1 July 1959 &ndash; 8 June 1988<br />7 July 1989 &ndash; 14 June 1991
|caption=[[B-52H Stratofortress]] of the division's [[410th Bombardment Wing]]
⚫
|country= [[United States]]
|dates=1943–1946; 1951–1957; 1959–1988; 1989–1991
⚫
|country=United States
|allegiance=
|allegiance=
|branch= [[United States Air Force]]
|branch={{air force|USA}}
|type=
|type=
|role=Command of strategic strike forces
|role=
|size=
|size=
|command_structure=
|command_structure=
|garrison=
|garrison= see "[[#Stations|Stations]]" section below
|garrison_label=
|garrison_label=
|equipment=
|equipment= see "[[#Aircraft / Missiles / Space Vehicles|Aircraft / Missiles / Space Vehicles]]" section below
|equipment_label=
|equipment_label=
|nickname=
|nickname=
Line 24: Line 27:
|battles=
|battles=
|anniversaries=
|anniversaries=
|decorations= see "[[#Lineage and Honors|Lineage and Honors]]" section below
|decorations=[[Distinguished Unit Citation]]
|battle_honours=
|battle_honours=
<!-- Commanders -->
<!-- Commanders -->
Line 34: Line 37:
|colonel_of_the_regiment_label=
|colonel_of_the_regiment_label=
|notable_commanders=
|notable_commanders=
<!-- Insignia -->
⚫
|identification_symbol=[[Image:40th Air Division crest.jpg|165px]]
|identification_symbol_label=40th Air Division emblem <small>(Approved 14 April 1952)</small><ref name=40ADfacts>{{cite web |url=http://www.afhra.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=10094 |title=Factsheet 40 Air Division |date=5 October 2007|publisher=Air Force Historical Research Agency |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121022081127/http://www.afhra.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=10094 |archive-date=22 October 2012 |access-date=4 April 2014}}</ref>
|identification_symbol_2=
|identification_symbol_2_label=
}}
}}

The '''40th Air Division''' is an inactive [[United States Air Force]] unit. Its last assignment was with Fifteenth Air Force, stationed at [[Malmstrom AFB]], [[Montana]]. It was inactivated on 14 June 1991.
The '''40th Air Division''' is an inactive [[United States Air Force]] unit. Its last assignment was with Fifteenth Air Force at [[Malmstrom Air Force Base]], Montana. It was inactivated on 14 June 1991.


As the '''40th Bombardment Wing''', the unit was one of the primary [[B-17 Flying Fortress]] heavy strategic bombardment wings of [[VIII Bomber Command]] and later, [[Eighth Air Force]] in [[World War II]].
As the '''40th Bombardment Wing''', the unit was one of the primary [[B-17 Flying Fortress]] heavy strategic bombardment wings of [[VIII Bomber Command]] and later, [[Eighth Air Force]] in [[World War II]].


==History==
==History==
⚫
The 40th Bomb Wing was established on 15 January 1943 and officially activated on 21 January 1943. In May of that year, the Wing deployed to [[Grange Hotel, Brampton|Brampton Grange]], England. During the war, the wing went through a succession of name changes starting on 3 May 1943 when they were redesignated the 40 Bombardment Wing (Heavy). This was quickly followed by another change on 30 August 1943 when they were redesignated the 40 Combat Bombardment Wing (Heavy). In September 1943, the wing received three bombardment groups and began combat operations against [[Nazi Germany]], striking such targets as [[Nantes]], [[Emden]], [[Wilhelmshaven]], and [[Bremen (city)|Bremen]]. Its units participated in a mission to [[Schweinfurt]] on 14 October 1943 that resulted in the loss of over half of the aircraft dispatched. The final name change came on 13 August 1943 when they became 40 Combat Bombardment Wing, Heavy. For the remainder of World War II, the wing flew numerous missions against military targets throughout occupied Europe and Germany. Following the end of the war the Wing was inactivated on 25 December 1946.<ref name=40ADfacts/>
⚫
===Lineage===

⚫
* Established as '''40 Bombardment Wing''' on 15 January 1943
⚫
"Redesignated the 40th Air Division in March 1951, it assumed a supervisory role over assigned units of the [[Strategic Air Command]], ensuring that they were manned, trained, and equipped to conduct long range bombardment missions using either nuclear or conventional weapons. It also developed and maintained the capability for effective [[air refueling]] and [[Minuteman II]] ([[intercontinental ballistic missile]]) operations. In these roles the division conducted staff assistance visits and participated in numerous exercises such as Buy None, Buckskin Rider and Busy Player."<ref name=40ADfacts/>

⚫
"After July 1989, the 40th Air Division established policies to ensure support for wartime execution of a strategic ICBM wing and a strategic air refueling wing in accordance with the [[Single Integrated Operational Plan]] and [[Joint Chiefs of Staff]] directed conventional war-fighting commitments."<ref name=40ADfacts/>

⚫
==Lineage==
⚫
* Established as the '''40th Bombardment Wing''' on 15 January 1943
: Activated on 21 January 1943
: Activated on 21 January 1943
: Redesignated: '''40 Bombardment Wing (Heavy)''' on 3 May 1943
: Redesignated: '''40th Bombardment Wing''' (Heavy) on 3 May 1943
: Redesignated: '''40 Combat Bombardment Wing (Heavy)''' on 30 August 1943
: Redesignated: '''40th Combat Bombardment Wing''' (Heavy) on 30 August 1943
: Redesignated: '''40 Combat Bombardment Wing, Heavy''' on 13 August 1944
: Redesignated: '''40th Combat Bombardment Wing''', Heavy on 13 August 1944
: Redesignated: '''40 Bombardment Wing, Heavy''' on 9 June 1945
: Redesignated: '''40th Bombardment Wing''', Heavy on 9 June 1945
: Inactivated on 25 December 1946
: Inactivated on 25 December 1946
* Redesignated '''40 Air Division''' on 2 March 1951
* Redesignated '''40th Air Division''' on 2 March 1951
: Organized on 14 March 1951
: Organized on 14 March 1951
: Discontinued on 1 July 1952
: Discontinued on 1 July 1952
* Activated on 1 July 1952<ref>The simultaneous discontinuation and activation in 1952 represents a change between a Table of Distribution unit and a Table of Organization unit</ref>
* Activated on 1 July 1952
: Inactivated on 1 April 1957
: Inactivated on 1 April 1957
* Activated on 1 July 1959
* Activated on 1 July 1959
: Inactivated on 8 June 1988
: Inactivated on 8 June 1988
* Activated on 7 July 1989
* Activated on 7 July 1989
: Inactivated on 14 June 1991
: Inactivated on 14 June 1991<ref name=40ADfacts/>


===Assignments===
===Assignments===
Line 62: Line 77:
* [[Eighth Air Force]], 6 June 1943
* [[Eighth Air Force]], 6 June 1943
* [[VIII Bomber Command]], 8 June 1943
* [[VIII Bomber Command]], 8 June 1943
* [[1st Bombardment Division|1 Bombardment (later, 1 Air) Division]], 13 September 1943
* [[1st Bombardment Division]] (later 1 Air Division), 13 September 1943
* [[United States Air Forces in Europe]], c. 31 October 1945
* [[United States Air Forces in Europe]], c. 31 October 1945
* European Air Materiel Command (originally IX Air Force Service Command), 20–25 December 1946
* European Air Materiel Command, 20 – 25 December 1946
* [[Second Air Force]], 14 March 1951-1 July 1952; 1 July 1952-1 April 1957; 1 July 1959
* [[Second Air Force]], 14 March 1951 – 1 April 1957
* [[Eighth Air Force]], 1 January 1975-8 June 1988
* Second Air Force, 1 July 1959
* [[Fifteenth Air Force]], 7 July 1989-14 June 1991.
* Eighth Air Force, 1 January 1975 – 8 June 1988
* [[Fifteenth Air Force]], 7 July 1989 – 14 June 1991<ref name=40ADfacts/>


===Components===
===Components===
Line 73: Line 89:
{{Col-break|width=50%}}
{{Col-break|width=50%}}
'''Wings'''
'''Wings'''
* 17 Bombardment: 1 February-1 July 1963; 1 July 1971-1 July 1973
* [[17th Bombardment Wing]]: 1 February – 1 July 1963; 1 July 1971 – 1 July 1973
* 31 Fighter Escort (later, 31 Strategic Fighter; 31 Fighter Bomber): 14 March 1951-1 July 1952; 1 July 1952-1 April 1957 (detached 10 July-11 October 1952 and 10 November 1953-12 February 1954)
* [[31st Fighter-Escort Wing]] (later 31st Strategic Fighter Wing): 14 March 1951 – 1 July 1952; 1 July 1952 – 1 April 1957 (detached 10 July – 11 October 1952 and 10 November 1953 – 12 February 1954)
* 108 Fighter: 14 March-16 November 1951
* [[108th Fighter Wing]]: 14 March – 16 November 1951
* 146 Fighter: 17 April-c. 1 September 1951
* [[146th Fighter Wing]]: 17 April – c. 1 September 1951
* 301 Air Refueling: 2 July 1966-31 March 1970; 1 July 1973-1 July 1975; 7 July 1989-14 June 1991
* [[301st Air Refueling Wing]]: 2 July 1966 – 31 March 1970; 1 July 1973 – 1 July 1975; 7 July 1989 – 14 June 1991
* 305 Air Refueling: 1 July 1973-1 December 1982
* [[305th Air Refueling Wing]]: 1 July 1973 – 1 December 1982
* 341 Strategic Missile: 7 July 1989-14 June 1991
* [[341st Strategic Missile Wing]]: 7 July 1989 – 14 June 1991
* 351 Strategic Missile: 1 July 1973-1 December 1982
* [[351st Strategic Missile Wing]]: 1 July 1973 – 1 December 1982
* 379 Bombardment: 9 January 1961-8 June 1988
* [[379th Bombardment Wing]]: 9 January 1961 – 8 June 1988
⚫
* 410 Bombardment: 1 February 1963-1 September 1964; 31 March 1970-8 January 1988
⚫
* 416 Bombardment: 30 June 1971-1 July 1973; 1 December 1982-8 June 1988
⚫
* 449 Bombardment: 1 February 1963-30 September 1977
⚫
* 499 Bombardment: 1 February 1963-30 September 1977
⚫
* 500 Air Refueling: 1 July 1963-15 December 1964
⚫
* 508 Fighter Escort (later, 508 Strategic Fighter): 1 July 1952-11 May 1956 (detached c. 8 February -c. 13 May 1953 and 12 February-c. 7 May 1954)
⚫
* 4026 Strategic: 1 July 1959-9 January 1961
⚫
* 4042 Strategic: 1 July 1959-1 February 1963
⚫
* 4043 Strategic: 1 July 1959-1 February 1963
⚫
* 4080 Strategic Reconnaissance: 1 May 1956-1 April 1957
⚫
* 4239 Strategic: 1 July 1959-1 February 1963.
{{Col-break|width=50%}}
{{Col-break|width=50%}}
⚫
* [[410th Bombardment Wing]]: 1 February 1963 – 1 September 1964; 31 March 1970 – 8 January 1988
⚫
* [[416th Bombardment Wing]]: 30 June 1971 – 1 July 1973; 1 December 1982 – 8 June 1988
⚫
* [[449th Bombardment Wing]]: 1 February 1963 – 30 September 1977
⚫
* [[499th Air Refueling Wing]]: 1 February 1963 – 30 September 1977
⚫
* [[500th Air Refueling Wing]]: 1 July 1963 – 15 December 1964
⚫
* [[508th Fighter-Escort Wing]] (later 508 Strategic Fighter Wing): 1 July 1952 – 11 May 1956 (detached c. 8 February -c. 13 May 1953 and 12 February-c. 7 May 1954)
⚫
* [[4026th Strategic Wing]]: 1 July 1959 – 9 January 1961
⚫
* [[4042d Strategic Wing]]: 1 July 1959 – 1 February 1963
⚫
* [[4043d Strategic Wing]]: 1 July 1959 – 1 February 1963
⚫
* [[4080th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing]]: 1 May 1956 – 1 April 1957
⚫
* [[4239th Strategic Wing]]: 1 July 1959 – 1 February 1963<ref name=40ADfacts/>
⚫
{{Col-end}}
{{Col-begin}}
{{Col-break|width=50%}}

'''Groups'''
'''Groups'''
* [[2d Bombardment Group]], 15 December 1945-28 February 1946
* [[2d Bombardment Group]], 15 December 1945 – 28 February 1946
* [[92d Bombardment Group]], 13 September 1943-28 February 1946
* [[92d Bombardment Group]], 13 September 1943 – 28 February 1946
* [[305th Bombardment Group]], 13 September 1943-16 May 1945; 31 December 1945-25 December 1946
* [[305th Bombardment Group]], 13 September 1943 – 16 May 1945; 31 December 1945 – 25 December 1946
* [[306th Bombardment Group]], 13 September 1943-16 May 1945; 16 December 1945-25 December 1946
* [[306th Bombardment Group]], 13 September 1943 – 16 May 1945; 16 December 1945 – 25 December 1946
* [[384th Bombardment Group]], 31 May 1945-28 February 1946
* [[384th Bombardment Group]], 31 May 1945 – 28 February 1946
* [[492d Bombardment Group]], by 31 October 1944-c. May 1945.
* [[492d Bombardment Group]], by 31 October 1944-c. May 1945<ref name=40ADfacts/>
{{Col-break|width=50%}}


'''Squadron'''
'''Squadron'''
* 100 Air Refueling: 20 January-23 May 1953; 24–25 November 1953
* [[100th Air Refueling Squadron]]: 20 January – 23 May 1953; 24 – 25 November 1953<ref name=40ADfacts/>
{{Col-end}}
{{Col-end}}


Line 109: Line 130:
{{Col-begin}}
{{Col-begin}}
{{Col-break|width=50%}}
{{Col-break|width=50%}}
* [[MacDill Field]], [[Florida]], 21 January-May 1943
* [[MacDill Field]], Florida, 21 January–May 1943
* [[Brampton Grange]] (AAF-103), [[England]], 6 June 1943
* Brampton Grange (AAF-103), England, 6 June 1943
* [[RAF Thurleigh]] (AAF-111), [[England]], c. 16 September 1943
* [[RAF Thurleigh]] (AAF-111), England, c. 16 September 1943
* [[Istres-Le Tubé Airfield]] (Y-17), [[France]], 26 June 1945
* [[Istres-Le Tubé Airfield]] (Y-17), France, 26 June 1945
{{Col-break|width=50%}}
{{Col-break|width=50%}}
* AAF Station Erlangen, [[Germany]], 15 November 1945-25 December 1946
* AAF Station Erlangen, Germany, 15 November 1945 – 25 December 1946
* [[Turner AFB]], [[Georgia (U.S. State)|Georgia]], 14 March 1951-1 July 1952; 1 July 1952-1 April 1957
* [[Naval Air Station Albany#Turner Air Force Base (1947-66)|Turner Air Force Base]], Georgia, 14 March 1951 – 1 July 1952; 1 July 1952 – 1 April 1957
* [[Wurtsmith AFB]], [[Michigan]], 1 July 1959-8 June 1988
* [[Wurtsmith Air Force Base]], Michigan, 1 July 1959 – 8 June 1988
* [[Malmstrom AFB]], [[Montana]], 7 July 1989-14 June 1991
* [[Malmstrom Air Force Base]], Montana, 7 July 1989 – 14 June 1991<ref name=40ADfacts/>
{{Col-end}}
{{Col-end}}


Line 123: Line 144:
{{Col-begin}}
{{Col-begin}}
{{Col-break|width=50%}}
{{Col-break|width=50%}}
* [[B-17 Flying Fortress]], 1943 &ndash; 1946;
* [[Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress]], 1943–1946
* [[B-24 Liberator]], 1944 &ndash; 1945;
* [[Consolidated B-24 Liberator]], 1944–1945
* [[C-47 Skytrain]], 1944 &ndash; 1945;
* [[Douglas C-47 Skytrain]], 1944–1945
* [[A-26 Invader]], 1945;
* [[Douglas A-26 Invader]], 1945
* [[P-51 Mustang]], 1945;
* [[North American P-51 Mustang]], 1945
* [[de Havilland Mosquito]], 1945.
* [[de Havilland Mosquito]], 1945
* [[F-84 Thunderjet]], 1951 &ndash; 1952.
* [[Republic F-84 Thunderjet]], 1951–1957
⚫
* [[Boeing KB-29 Superfortress]], 1953–1956
* F-84 Thunderjet, 1952 &ndash; 1957;
⚫
* [[B-29 Superfortress|KB-29 Superfortress]], 1953 &ndash; 1956;
{{Col-break|width=50%}}
{{Col-break|width=50%}}
* [[B-57 Canberra]], 1956 &ndash; 1957.
* [[Martin B-57 Canberra]], 1956–1957
* [[B-52 Stratofortress]], 1961 &ndash; 1988;
* [[Boeing B-52 Stratofortress]], 1961–1988
* [[KC-135 Stratotanker]], 1961 &ndash; 1988.
* [[KC-135 Stratotanker]], 1961–1988, 1989–1991
* [[KC-97 Stratotanker]], 1963 &ndash; 1964;
* [[Boeing KC-97 Stratofreighter]], 1963–1964
* [[LGM-30 Minuteman#Minuteman-II (LGM-30F)|Minuteman-II (LGM-30F)]], 1973 &ndash; 1988.
* [[LGM-30 Minuteman#Minuteman-II (LGM-30F)|Minuteman-II (LGM-30F)]], 1973–1988, 1989–1991
⚫
* [[LGM-30 Minuteman#Minuteman-III (LGM-30G)|Minuteman-III (LGM-30G)]], 1989–1991<ref name=40ADfacts/>
* KC-135 Stratotanker, 1989 &ndash; 1991;
* Minuteman-II (LGM-30F), 1989 &ndash; 1991;
⚫
* [[LGM-30 Minuteman#Minuteman-III (LGM-30G)|Minuteman-III (LGM-30G)]], 1989 &ndash; 1991.
{{Col-end}}
{{Col-end}}

===Operations===
⚫
The 40th Bomb Wing was established on 15 January 1943 and officially activated on 21 January 1943. In May of that year, the Wing deployed to [[Grange Hotel, Brampton|Brampton Grange]], [[England]]. During the war, the wing went through a succession of name changes starting on 3 May 1943 when they were redesignated the 40 Bombardment Wing (Heavy). This was quickly followed by another change on 30 August 1943 when they were redesignated the 40 Combat Bombardment Wing (Heavy). In September 1943, the wing received three bombardment groups and began combat operations against [[Nazi Germany]], striking such targets as [[Nantes]], [[Emden]], [[Wilhelmshaven]], and [[Bremen (city)|Bremen]]. Its units participated in a mission to [[Schweinfurt]] on 14 October 1943 that resulted in the loss of over half of the aircraft dispatched. The final name change came on 13 August 1943 when they became 40 Combat Bombardment Wing, Heavy. For the remainder of World War II, the wing flew numerous missions against military targets throughout occupied Europe and Germany. Following the end of the war the Wing was deactivated on 25 December 1946.

⚫
Redesignated the 40th Air Division in March 1951, it assumed a supervisory role over assigned units of the [[Strategic Air Command]], ensuring that they were manned, trained, and equipped to conduct long range bombardment missions using either nuclear or conventional weapons. It also developed and maintained the capability for effective [[Aerial refueling|air refueling]] and [[Minuteman II]] ([[ICBM|intercontinental ballistic missile]]) operations. In these roles the division conducted staff assistance visits and participated in numerous exercises such as '''Buy None''', '''Buckskin Rider''' and '''Busy Player'''.

⚫
After July 1989, the 40th Air Division established policies to ensure support for wartime execution of a strategic ICBM wing and a strategic air refueling wing in accordance with the [[Single Integrated Operational Plan]] (SIOP) and [[Joint Chiefs of Staff]] (JCS) directed conventional war-fighting commitments.


==See also==
==See also==
{{Portal box|United States Air Force|Military of the United States}}
* [[List of United States Air Force air divisions]]
* [[List of United States Air Force air divisions]]
⚫
{{-}}


==References==
==References==
===Notes===

{{AFHRA}}
* Maurer, Maurer (1983). Air Force Combat Units Of World War II. Maxwell AFB, Alabama: Office of Air Force History. ISBN 0892010924.
* Ravenstein, Charles A. (1984). Air Force Combat Wings Lineage and Honors Histories 1947-1977. Maxwell AFB, Alabama: Office of Air Force History. ISBN 0912799129.
* [http://www.maxwell.af.mil/au/afhra/rso/airdivision_pages/0040ad.asp USAF Historic Research Agency: 40th Air Division]
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}
{{Refend}}


==External links==
===Bibliography===
{{Air Force Historical Research Agency}}
* {{cite book|editor=Maurer, Maurer|title=Air Force Combat Units of World War II|orig-year= 1961|url= http://media.defense.gov/2010/Sep/21/2001330256/-1/-1/0/AFD-100921-044.pdf |edition=reprint|year=1983|publisher=Office of Air Force History|location=Washington, DC|isbn=0-912799-02-1|lccn=61060979}}
* {{cite book|last=Ravenstein|first=Charles A.|title=Air Force Combat Wings, Lineage & Honors Histories 1947–1977|url=https://archive.org/details/airforcecombatwi0000rave|year=1984|publisher=Office of Air Force History|location=Washington, DC|isbn=0-912799-12-9|url-access=registration}}

{{Strategic Air Command}}
{{Strategic Air Command}}
{{USAAF 8th Air Force UK}}
{{USAAF 8th Air Force UK}}
{{USAAF 3d Air Force World War II}}
{{USAAF 3d Air Force World War II}}


[[Category:Divisions of the United States Air Force|Air 0040]]
[[Category:Air divisions of the United States Air Force|040]]
[[Category:Military units and formations of the United States Air Force]]
[[Category:Units and formations of Strategic Air Command]]
[[Category:Wings of the United States Army Air Force in World War II]]
[[Category:Bombardment units and formations of the United States Air Force]]
[[Category:Military units and formations established in 1943]]
[[Category:Military units and formations disestablished in 1971]]
⚫
[[Category:Strategic Air Command]]

Latest revision as of 22:05, 21 June 2024

40th Air Division
B-52H Stratofortress of the division's 410th Bombardment Wing
Active1943–1946; 1951–1957; 1959–1988; 1989–1991
CountryUnited States
Branch United States Air Force
RoleCommand of strategic strike forces
DecorationsDistinguished Unit Citation
Insignia
40th Air Division emblem (Approved 14 April 1952)[1]

The 40th Air Division is an inactive United States Air Force unit. Its last assignment was with Fifteenth Air Force at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana. It was inactivated on 14 June 1991.

As the 40th Bombardment Wing, the unit was one of the primary B-17 Flying Fortress heavy strategic bombardment wings of VIII Bomber Command and later, Eighth Air Force in World War II.

History[edit]

The 40th Bomb Wing was established on 15 January 1943 and officially activated on 21 January 1943. In May of that year, the Wing deployed to Brampton Grange, England. During the war, the wing went through a succession of name changes starting on 3 May 1943 when they were redesignated the 40 Bombardment Wing (Heavy). This was quickly followed by another change on 30 August 1943 when they were redesignated the 40 Combat Bombardment Wing (Heavy). In September 1943, the wing received three bombardment groups and began combat operations against Nazi Germany, striking such targets as Nantes, Emden, Wilhelmshaven, and Bremen. Its units participated in a mission to Schweinfurt on 14 October 1943 that resulted in the loss of over half of the aircraft dispatched. The final name change came on 13 August 1943 when they became 40 Combat Bombardment Wing, Heavy. For the remainder of World War II, the wing flew numerous missions against military targets throughout occupied Europe and Germany. Following the end of the war the Wing was inactivated on 25 December 1946.[1]

"Redesignated the 40th Air Division in March 1951, it assumed a supervisory role over assigned units of the Strategic Air Command, ensuring that they were manned, trained, and equipped to conduct long range bombardment missions using either nuclear or conventional weapons. It also developed and maintained the capability for effective air refueling and Minuteman II (intercontinental ballistic missile) operations. In these roles the division conducted staff assistance visits and participated in numerous exercises such as Buy None, Buckskin Rider and Busy Player."[1]

"After July 1989, the 40th Air Division established policies to ensure support for wartime execution of a strategic ICBM wing and a strategic air refueling wing in accordance with the Single Integrated Operational Plan and Joint Chiefs of Staff directed conventional war-fighting commitments."[1]

Lineage[edit]

  • Established as the 40th Bombardment Wing on 15 January 1943
Activated on 21 January 1943
Redesignated: 40th Bombardment Wing (Heavy) on 3 May 1943
Redesignated: 40th Combat Bombardment Wing (Heavy) on 30 August 1943
Redesignated: 40th Combat Bombardment Wing, Heavy on 13 August 1944
Redesignated: 40th Bombardment Wing, Heavy on 9 June 1945
Inactivated on 25 December 1946
  • Redesignated 40th Air Division on 2 March 1951
Organized on 14 March 1951
Discontinued on 1 July 1952
  • Activated on 1 July 1952[2]
Inactivated on 1 April 1957
  • Activated on 1 July 1959
Inactivated on 8 June 1988
  • Activated on 7 July 1989
Inactivated on 14 June 1991[1]

Assignments[edit]

Components[edit]

Stations[edit]

Aircraft and Missiles[edit]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "Factsheet 40 Air Division". Air Force Historical Research Agency. 5 October 2007. Archived from the original on 22 October 2012. Retrieved 4 April 2014.
  2. ^ The simultaneous discontinuation and activation in 1952 represents a change between a Table of Distribution unit and a Table of Organization unit

Bibliography[edit]

Public Domain This article incorporates public domain material from the Air Force Historical Research Agency

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=40th_Air_Division&oldid=1230297529"