About this Unit
The 96th Strategic Aerospace Command (SAC), originally activated as the 96th Bombardment Wing in 1953, was a key unit of the United States Air Force during the Cold War. Stationed primarily at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, the unit operated heavy bombers such as the B-47 Stratojet and later the B-52 Stratofortress, as well as KC-135 Stratotanker refueling aircraft. Throughout its service, the 96th SAC played a vital role in maintaining America's strategic nuclear deterrence and participated in numerous training and alert missions. The unit's contributions were instrumental in supporting SAC’s global reach until it was inactivated in the early 1990s following the end of the Cold War.
Historical Facts
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Origins during World War II: The 96th Bombardment Group, which would later have lineage connections to the 96th SAC unit, was originally activated in 1942 and played a key role in the Eighth Air Force's strategic bombing campaign over Europe.
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Cold War Transformation: In 1953, the 96th Bombardment Wing (Heavy) was activated at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, as part of the Strategic Air Command (SAC), marking its entry into the Cold War nuclear deterrence mission.
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B-52 Stratofortress Operations: The 96th SAC operated the iconic Boeing B-52 Stratofortress bomber, a backbone of America’s airborne nuclear arsenal for decades.
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Tanker Support with KC-135: The unit also operated the KC-135 Stratotanker, providing vital aerial refueling capability to extend the range of SAC’s bombers and support global operations.
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Rapid Response Alert: During the height of the Cold War, the 96th maintained bombers and crews on 24-hour alert, ready to launch within minutes in response to a nuclear threat.
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Cuban Missile Crisis Readiness: The 96th played a critical role during the Cuban Missile Crisis in October 1962, operating at heightened alert and supporting the U.S. show of strategic force.
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Move to Dyess AFB: In 1957, the unit relocated to Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, which became its enduring home and the site of significant SAC operations.
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Vietnam War Contributions: Aircraft and crews from the 96th participated in Operation Arc Light and other missions, delivering conventional bombs in Southeast Asia.
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Deactivation and Legacy: The 96th Bombardment Wing was inactivated in 1993 following the end of the Cold War and the disestablishment of SAC, but its lineage and honors continue as part of the 96th Test Wing at Eglin Air Force Base.
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Distinguished Unit Awards: The 96th earned several Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards and Distinguished Unit Citations, recognizing its exemplary performance in both wartime and peacetime operations.
