Temporary Tactical Support Wings
In July 1950 United States Department of Defense planners did not foresee that the Korean campaign would be of long duration. Consequently, the Fifth Air Force modified its command structure only to meet immediate needs. When the time came to move tactical air units to Korean airfields, Fifth Air Force did not deploy its permanent wings because they were heavily committed to the air defense of Japan. Instead, it utilized temporary air base squadrons and air base units to support tactical units in Korea. By August, the situation called for larger organizations with greater allotments of personnel and equipment, and Fifth Air Force set up five temporary tactical support wings to support the combat groups.
Formed to assist in the projection of force to Korea, these temporary wings provided facilities, administration, services, and operational control for assigned and attached combat units. The task was formidable, for the installations the wings controlled were usually "bare base" operations with no amenities and only marginally serviceable airfields.
Logistically, poor roads and rail lines, limited port facilities, and overextended airlift hampered the wings. Organizationally, they were without regular status, such as authorization for personnel and equipment or for promotions. Even with these handicaps and hardships, the tactical support wings performed valiantly. They worked hard to make combat airfields operable and to provide the support and control combat units needed. They struggled to keep pace with the dynamically changing battle lines, opening new bases and forward operating locations as needed.
Their success bought time for the Fifth Air Force to reorganize, and on December 1, 1950, regular wings replaced them.
- 6002d Tactical Support Wing
Organized effective August 1, 1950, at Taegu AB, to support the 18th Fighter-Bomber Group. Forced to withdraw with its tactical units to Ashiya AB, Japan, on August 8, it returned to Korea on September 5 and advanced to Pyongyang on November 22. It retreated to Suwon AB (K-13) on November 30, where it was replaced on December 1, 1950, by the 18th Fighter-Bomber Wing.
- 6131st Tactical Support Wing
Organized effective August 8, 1950, at Pohang AB (K-3), to support the 8th Fighter-Bomber Group, the wing moved to Suwon on October 7 and to Kimpo AB (K-14) on October 28. On November 25, it advanced to Pyongyang AB (K-23), where it was replaced by the 8th Fighter-Bomber Wing effective December 1, 1950.
- 6133d Tactical Support Wing
This wing organized August 12, 1950 at Iwakuni AB, Japan, to support the 3d Bombardment Group and was replaced by the 3d Bombardment Wing on December 1.
- 6149th Tactical Support Wing
Organized September 5, 1950 at Taegu AB (K-37) to support the 49th Fighter-Bomber Group, this wing was replaced by the 49th Fighter-Bomber Wing effective December 1.
- 6150th Tactical Support Wing
Organized September 5, 1950 at Tsuiki AB, Japan, to support the 35th Fighter-Interceptor Group, the wing moved to Pohang AB (K-3) on October 5 and to Yonpo AB (K-27) on November 27, where it was replaced by the 35th Fighter-Interceptor Wing on December 1.
Read more about this topic: USAF Units And Aircraft Of The Korean War, Aircraft of The Korean War
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