World War II was well underway when the Fifteenth Air Force was established in the Mediterranean theater as a strategic air force. The new air force drew its operational forces from existing air forces in the European and Mediterranean theaters, and commenced combat operations the day after it was formed. In the postwar years it became one of Strategic Air Command's primary numbered air forces.
      Established as Fifteenth Air Force on 30 October 1943. Activated on 1 November 1943 at Tunis, Tunisia, assigned to Mediterranean Theater of Operations. Moved to Bari, Italy, on 1 December 1943. Assigned to United States Strategic Air Forces about February 1944. Inactivated on 15 September 1945. Activated on 31 March 1946 at Colorado Springs, Colorado, assigned to Strategic Air Command. Moved to March AFB, California, on 7 November 1949. Relieved from assignment to Strategic Air Command and assigned to Air Mobility Command on 1 January 1992.