Clinton-Sherman AFB - SAC - 70th Bomb Wing

NEW - Great Photos of the 4123 Strategic Wing Days

Home of the 70th Bombardment Wing. While the U. S. Air Force was at the airfield it operated a Strategic Air Command (SAC) Base. The 98th Bombardment Squadron (1959-63) operated B-52 Stratofortress aircraft while assigned to the 4123 Strategic Wing, at Clinton-Sherman AFB, Oklahoma. The wing was inactivated 1 February, 1963 with assets moved to the 6th Bombardment Squadron. The 6th Bombardment Squadron operated the following series of B-52's from February of 1963 through September of 1969 while assigned to the 70th Bombardment Wing at Clinton-Sherman AFB, Oklahoma. (B-52 E 1963-68, B-52 D 1968-69, and B-52 C 1968-69 which had limited use.)
In 1942, the United States of America acquired approximately 5,000 acres of land in fee by condemnation at Burns Flat, Oklahoma for a naval airfield. The site was named the Clinton Naval Air Station. Four runways and numerous installation support facilities were built. On 27 January 1949, the United States of America (acting by and through the War Assets Administration) conveyed this installation to the City of Clinton, Oklahoma.
On 15 September 1954, the United States of America leased the site from the City of Clinton to be used as an Air Force Base. The site was named the Clinton-Sherman Air Force Base. Between 1955 and 1964, the United States of America acquired 528.00 acres of land in fee and 3,579.04 acres of easements. On l June 1971, the City of Clinton conveyed 101.43 acres by Quitclaim deed to GSA. On 3 June 1971, the United States of America and the City of Clinton, Oklahoma, by mutual agreement, terminated the lease dated 15 September 1954.The U.S. Navy and the U. S. Air Force used the site as an airfield for training purposes and development and modification of aircraft equipment from the early 1940's to 1975, except for the periods between 27 January 1949 to 15 September 1954, and 3 June 1971 to 16 August 1972. In 1942, the United States of America acquired approximately 5,000 acres of land in fee by condemnation at Burns Flat, Oklahoma for a naval airfield.

The site was named the Clinton Naval Air Station. Four runways and numerous installation support facilities were built. On 27 January 1949, the United States of America (acting by and through the War Assets Administration) conveyed this installation to the City of Clinton, Oklahoma, by Quitclaim deed. The deed contained a recapture clause for national emergency purposes.
On 1 July 1971, the City of Clinton, Oklahoma, granted Midwestern Oklahoma Development Authority (MODA) a leasehold interest for a portion of the site, with said lease containing provisions for sub-leasing property. On 16 August 1972, MODA leased to the United States of America a portion of the former Clinton-Sherman Air Force Base. On 28 February 1975, the lease between MODA and the United States of America was terminated, with the United States retaining the right to reenter and use part of the land and improvements in the event of a national emergency. On 6 October 1989, the leasehold interest between MODA and the City of Clinton was terminated. Today the site continues as the Clinton-Sherman Industrial Airport> and the runway is one of the longest in the world. The runway is considered as an alternate landing site to the Space Shuttle and is used daily for private non-commercial aircraft. In addition, U. S. Air Force aircraft including C-5A/B Galaxy, C-130 Hercules, C-17 Globemaster III, C-141B Starlifters and KC-135 Stratotankers from Altus AFB, and T-38 Talons from Vance AFB use the runway for training purposes. The U.S. Air Force has also used the site for training exercises such as: Mighty Force etc. and exercises with personnel from Tinker AFB.