Intro
Discover the rich history of the 34th Bomb Squadron, a revered unit in the US Air Force. Learn about its formation, notable missions, and heroic achievements. From World War II to present day, explore 10 fascinating facts about this elite squadron, its aircraft, and the brave airmen who served with honor and distinction.
The 34th Bomb Squadron, a unit of the United States Air Force, has a rich history that spans several decades. As part of the 28th Bomb Wing, the squadron has played a crucial role in various military operations and has been stationed at different bases around the world. Here are 10 interesting facts about the 34th Bomb Squadron:
The 34th Bomb Squadron was first activated on January 1, 1941, at Langley Field, Virginia. Initially, the squadron was equipped with the B-17 Flying Fortress and was tasked with conducting antisubmarine patrols along the East Coast of the United States.
The squadron moved to Westover Field, Massachusetts, in May 1941 and began training for combat operations. In June 1942, the 34th Bomb Squadron deployed to England and became part of the 8th Air Force. During World War II, the squadron flew numerous missions against German targets, including cities, factories, and military installations.
In 1947, the 34th Bomb Squadron was inactivated at Grand Island Army Air Field, Nebraska. However, the squadron was reactivated in 1952 at Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, and was equipped with the B-36 Peacemaker.
The 34th Bomb Squadron converted to the B-52 Stratofortress in 1957 and continued to operate the aircraft until 1967. During this period, the squadron participated in several military operations, including the Vietnam War.
In 1967, the 34th Bomb Squadron was re-equipped with the FB-111A and was stationed at Plattsburgh Air Force Base, New York. The squadron remained at Plattsburgh until 1991, when it was inactivated.
In 1994, the 34th Bomb Squadron was reactivated at Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, and was equipped with the B-1B Lancer. The squadron has since participated in several military operations, including Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
The 34th Bomb Squadron is currently stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, and is part of the 28th Bomb Wing. The squadron operates the B-1B Lancer and is tasked with conducting global strike operations.
The 34th Bomb Squadron has received numerous awards and decorations for its service, including the Distinguished Unit Citation and the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award.
Throughout its history, the 34th Bomb Squadron has been associated with several notable military figures, including General Curtis LeMay, who commanded the squadron during World War II.
The 34th Bomb Squadron has also been the subject of several books, articles, and documentaries, including "The 34th Bomb Squadron: A History" by historian John C. Fredriksen.
Organization and Structure
The 34th Bomb Squadron is part of the 28th Bomb Wing, which is headquartered at Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota. The wing is composed of several squadrons, including the 34th Bomb Squadron, the 37th Bomb Squadron, and the 77th Bomb Squadron.
The 34th Bomb Squadron is further divided into several flights, including the operations flight, the maintenance flight, and the administrative flight. Each flight has its own specific responsibilities and tasks.
The squadron is commanded by a lieutenant colonel, who is responsible for overseeing the unit's operations and ensuring that its mission is accomplished. The commander is assisted by several deputy commanders, who are responsible for specific areas such as operations, maintenance, and administration.
Mission and Responsibilities
The 34th Bomb Squadron's primary mission is to conduct global strike operations using the B-1B Lancer. The squadron is tasked with providing close air support, interdiction, and strategic bombing capabilities to support joint military operations.
The squadron's responsibilities include:
- Conducting combat operations against enemy targets
- Providing close air support to ground troops
- Conducting interdiction missions against enemy supply lines and communication networks
- Participating in strategic bombing campaigns against enemy cities and industrial centers
The 34th Bomb Squadron also participates in several exercises and training events throughout the year, including the annual Red Flag exercise at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada.
Aircraft and Equipment
The 34th Bomb Squadron operates the B-1B Lancer, a supersonic variable-sweep wing bomber aircraft. The B-1B is equipped with a range of advanced sensors and avionics systems, including radar, infrared, and electro-optical sensors.
The squadron also uses several other aircraft, including the T-38 Talon, a supersonic jet trainer, and the UH-1N Iroquois, a utility helicopter.
In addition to its aircraft, the 34th Bomb Squadron uses a range of ground equipment, including aircraft maintenance equipment, fueling equipment, and communications equipment.
Training and Exercises
The 34th Bomb Squadron participates in several exercises and training events throughout the year, including:
- Red Flag: an annual exercise held at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, which simulates combat operations against enemy air defenses
- Green Flag: an annual exercise held at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, which simulates combat operations against enemy ground forces
- Exercise Maple Flag: an annual exercise held at Canadian Forces Base Cold Lake, Alberta, Canada, which simulates combat operations against enemy air defenses
The squadron also conducts several local training exercises, including training sorties and tactical training missions.
Gallery of 34th Bomb Squadron Images
34th Bomb Squadron Image Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the mission of the 34th Bomb Squadron?
+The 34th Bomb Squadron's primary mission is to conduct global strike operations using the B-1B Lancer.
What aircraft does the 34th Bomb Squadron operate?
+The 34th Bomb Squadron operates the B-1B Lancer, a supersonic variable-sweep wing bomber aircraft.
Where is the 34th Bomb Squadron stationed?
+The 34th Bomb Squadron is stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota.
What exercises and training events does the 34th Bomb Squadron participate in?
+The 34th Bomb Squadron participates in several exercises and training events, including Red Flag, Green Flag, and Exercise Maple Flag.
What is the history of the 34th Bomb Squadron?
+The 34th Bomb Squadron was first activated on January 1, 1941, at Langley Field, Virginia, and has since participated in several military operations, including World War II and the Vietnam War.
In conclusion, the 34th Bomb Squadron has a rich history and plays a crucial role in the United States Air Force's global strike operations. With its advanced aircraft and equipment, the squadron is capable of conducting a range of missions, from close air support to strategic bombing.