About this Unit
The 3350th Technical Training Wing (TTW) and its successor, the 3370th Technical Training Group (TTG), were key units stationed at Chanute Air Force Base, Illinois. Established in the post-World War II era, the 3350th TTW was responsible for providing advanced technical training in aircraft maintenance, weather, and missile systems for thousands of Air Force personnel. In 1971, the 3350th TTW was redesignated as the 3370th TTG, continuing its mission of technical training support until Chanute AFB’s closure in 1993. Throughout its service, the unit played a vital role in preparing Air Force technicians and specialists, contributing significantly to the readiness and effectiveness of the U.S. Air Force.
Historical Facts
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Origins and Designation: The 3350th Technical Training Wing (TTW) was activated at Chanute Air Force Base, Illinois, in 1959, assuming the mission and lineage of the 3370th Technical Training Group (TTG), which had been established there since 1948.
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Primary Mission: The unit was a major hub for technical training, specializing in aircraft maintenance, missile systems, weather services, fire protection, and other technical Air Force specialties.
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Weather Training Legacy: Chanute AFB and the 3350 TTW/3370 TTG became renowned for meteorological and weather observer training, supplying the USAF and allied nations with thousands of weather specialists.
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Missile Era: During the Cold War, the unit was the Air Force’s main center for training on intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) systems such as the SM-65 Atlas, Titan I, and Titan II.
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Firefighter School: The Air Force Fire Protection School was a part of the Wing, training all USAF fire protection personnel from the 1950s until the base's closure in 1993.
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Integration of Women: The unit was among the earliest to train Women in the Air Force (WAF) in technical specialties, reflecting broader changes in military gender integration.
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International Training: Many allied and NATO personnel, including those from Iran, Saudi Arabia, and South Vietnam, attended technical courses at Chanute under the 3350 TTW/3370 TTG.
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Historic Aircraft and Simulators: The unit used a variety of aircraft for hands-on training, including B-47 and B-52 bombers, C-47 transports, and rare missile simulators.
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Base Community Impact: The presence of the 3350 TTW/3370 TTG contributed to Rantoul, Illinois's development, making the base one of the largest employers in the region.
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Deactivation and Legacy: The Wing was inactivated in 1992 as part of post-Cold War defense cutbacks, but its alumni and specialized training legacy continue to be celebrated by the Air Force and veterans' groups.
