History
This unit was established as the 308th Heavy Bombardment Group, USAAF, as part of the 14th Air Force in China in 1942, using B-24 Liberator long-range bombers. Its first commander was Gen. Claire Chennault. The 308th was deactivated as a bomber group in 1946.
- For additional lineage and history, see 308th Armament Systems Group
In 1951, the 308th was reactivated as a bombardment unit at Forbes Air Force Base, Kansas, and initially equipped with B-29s. Those aircraft were then replaced with new B-47E Stratojet swept-wing medium jet bombers in 1954, capable of flying at high subsonic speeds and primarily designed for penetrating the airspace of the Soviet Union. Also received KC-97 tankers. Over the next eight years, tie 308th conducted strategic bombardment training and air refueling to meet SAC's global commitments.
Deployed to bases in North Africa three times, twice in detachment form and once as a unit Sidi Slimane Air Base Morocco, August 21 – October 26, 1956). From November 1956 to March 1957, the wing tested the SAC alert plan by maintaining one-third of its bomber and tanker force on continuous alert.
The wing was broken up in mid July 1959, for unclear reasons. Part of the unit went to the 2nd Bomb Wing at Hunter AFB, Georgia. The bulk of the wing moved to Plattsburgh AFB, New York on July 15, 1959, where its aircraft were placed under the control of the 380th Bomb Wing. The wing was not operational as one formation from July 1959 to June 1961.
The Wing was redesignated and activated on November 20, 1961 as the 308th Strategic Missile Wing. In early 1962 the Air Force established 18 Titan II launch sites at SAC's Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas. The 308th was reactivated, being organized on April 1, 1962. The wing became fully operational with eighteen sites in December 1963. It gained control over its first missile complex in August 1962 and became fully operational with 18 sites in December 1963. In October 1981, US President Ronald Reagan announced that all Titan II sites would be deactivated by October 1, 1987, as part of a strategic modernization program. The wing completed deactivation on August 18, 1987.
On 23 November 2004 the Air to Ground Munitions Systems Wing was established at Eglin AFB, FL. It was tasked to design, develop, field and maintain a family of air-to-ground munitions that enhanced United States armed forces strike capabilities. The wing was activated on 27 January 2005. On 3 May 2006 the AGMS Wing was consolidated with the 308th Wing, and the resulting formation was redesignated the 308 Armament Systems Wing on 15 May 2006.
Read more about this topic: 308th Armament Systems Wing
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