96th Air Base Wing history spans six decades

  • Published
  • By Minty Knighton
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE, Fla. --  From operational testing to strategic bombing, the 96th Air Base Wing has contributed greatly to our defense of freedom according to Clay McCutchan, historian for the Air Armament Center. 

The 96th stood up in the midst of World War II. In 1942, it was established as an operational training unit for B-17 bombers. 

It wasn't long before the 96th was activated as a strategic bombardment organization using the B-17 Flying Fortress. They targeted shipyards, harbors, railroad yards, oil refineries, aircraft factories and other industrial facilities. 

"Their headquarters would tell them what to target to weaken the enemies at key critical points," said Mr. McCutchan. 

The 96th performed well and earned several 'Distinguished Unit' citations, which was one of the greatest WWII honors for combat over Germany, according to Mr. McCutchan. 

After WWII, it was designated as the 96th Bombardment Wing Medium. It saw little action and was minimally manned. The commander at this time served as commanding officer for both the 96th Bombardment Wing and the 96th Air Base Group. Their main mission was air refueling and once again bombardment training. 

The 60's and 70's were devoted to supporting the Strategic Air Command. The 96th was re-designated as the 96th Bombardment Wing. Its aircraft, crews and support were based in Southeast Asian countries for combat operations. 

"Under the auspices of Gen. Curtis LeMay, SAC became a very elite, competent and disciplined command," said Mr. McCutchan. "The 96th really carried the football in the Cold War delivering nuclear warfare in the event it was needed." 

In the 80's, the mission relaxed a bit, but remained an intricate part of the Air Force by sending its then KC-135A aircraft to Europe, Alaska, and the Pacific to support SAC tanker task force requirements. It became the first wing to operate the B-1B Lancer.
"It's a very distinguished honor to have had this (B-1B) mission," said Mr. McCutchan. 

In 1991, the 96th was re-designated as the 96th Wing as part of the Air Force Development Test Center. At this time, the wing was relieved of SAC duties and concentrated on wing operations, training and supporting active forces and preparing forces for deployment. 

After another brief inactivation, the Air Force Development Test Center was re-designated as the Air Force Materiel Command Air Armament Center at Eglin. The 96th became the host and support command, and renamed the 96th Air Base Wing.