9th Bomb Squadron

• Oldest Bomb Squadron: The 9th Bomb Squadron is one of the oldest active bomb squadrons in the United States Air Force, originally formed in 1917 during World War I. • World War I Origins: The squadron was first organized as the 9th Aero Squadron and flew its first combat missions in France, conducting night bombing and reconnaissance. • Nickname "Bats Outta Hell": During World War II, the squadron earned the nickname "Bats Outta Hell" due to its night bombing missions and its bat insignia. • Atomic Age: The 9th Bomb Squadron was part of the 509th Composite Group, the unit responsible for the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, although the 9th itself did not drop the atomic bombs. • Longest Combat Mission: In 1991, during Operation Desert Storm, the squadron participated in what was then the longest bomber combat mission in history, flying B-52s from Barksdale AFB to Iraq and back, a 35-hour sortie. • Cold War Role: The squadron was an integral part of Strategic Air Command during the Cold War, maintaining nuclear deterrence with B-52 Stratofortresses. • Modern Stealth Bombers: Today, the 9th Bomb Squadron operates the B-1B Lancer, a supersonic, variable-sweep wing, heavy bomber, from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. • Distinguished Unit Citation: The unit has received multiple Distinguished Unit Citations for extraordinary heroism in action against enemy forces. • Global Deployments: The 9th Bomb Squadron has seen combat in every major U.S. conflict since World War I, including Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War, Kosovo, Afghanistan, and Iraq. • Historical Aircraft: Over its more than 100-year history, the squadron has flown many different aircraft, including the DH-4, B-17 Flying Fortress, B-24 Liberator, B-29 Superfortress, B-47 Stratojet, B-52 Stratofortress, and B-1B Lancer.