7th Bombardment Group
7th Bombardment Wing
7th Wing
 Motto: "Death from Above"
PRIMARY WINGS
 
Based at: Carswell AFB,  Dyess AFB
Aircraft: B-29, B-36, B-52, B-1B
Status: Active
Squadrons 9 BS, 20 BS, 98 BS, 7 AR, 919 AR, 920 AR, 4018th CCTS
Links: 7th Bomb Wing
Activation
     The 7th Bombardment Group  was activated at Fort Worth Army Air Field on October 1, 1946 and  transferred into SAC as part of 2nd Air Force.  On November 3, 1947, the Air Force abandoned the old Group organization of World War II and introduced the Wing Organization.  This resulted in all bomb groups being redesignated as wings.  Thus the 7th Bomb Group became the 7th Bomb Wing, Very Heavy.  The "very heavy," indicating it flew B-29s and B-50s.  During this time, it's home was renamed Carswell Air Force Base.   The unit was equipped with B-29s and was responsible for global bombardment training. 
B-36 Peacemaker / 11th Bomb Group
     The 7th was the first B-36 Bomb Wing.  On June 26, 1948, the 7th received the first new B-36A.  It was a fairly easy transfer.  Carswell was just across the field from the Convair factory at Fort Worth.  The plane was simply towed across the field.  Convair was slow to produce them and the last of the nineteen B-36A was not received until February of 1949.  
     Remnants of the old organization were still in place, so they were assigned to the 7th Bomb Group.  It's planes were flown by the 436th, and 492nd Bombardment Squadrons.   In November 1948, it began receiving the new B-36B . By the end of 1949, it had 35 B-36s in service.
    The B-36 was a huge airplane, one that dwarfed earlier bombers.  This resulted in all B-29 and B-50 bomb wings being redesignated "Medium."   Only the B-36 wings carried the "Heavy" designation.  The 7th received it's heavy designation on August 1, 1948.  
     On December 1, 1948, the 11th bomb group was activated at Carswell.   It received B–36 aircraft and carried out a training program.  On Feb. 16, 1951, the 11th became an independent wing, obtaining it's resources from the group.  The group was inactivated on 16 June 16, 1952.  The 7th and 11th Bomb Wings shared Carswell Air Force Base until the 11th retired its fleet of B-36 Peacekeepers in 1957 and moved to Altus AFB, Altus, where it received B-52s.
      In 1949 7th Bomb Wing crews began flight testing the XC-99, a cargo version of the B-36. They also evaluated the reconnaissance version, the RB-36.
     The B-36 was plagued with problems and  in a constant state of flux, either being reconfigured or awaiting modification.  In reality, full operational capability was not achieved until 1952.  The 11th Bomb Wing was deployed to Nouasseur Air Base in French Morocco to evaluate facilities for use as a B-36 base from May 4 to July 2 1955,  It was followed by the 7th Bomb Wing which was deployed there from July to September.
B-52 Stratofortress / KC-135 Tankers
     The 9th Bombardment Squadron was attached to the during the first ten days of December 1957 for the purpose of introducing flight crews to the B-52.  It was assigned to the wing in June 1958.  During May and June 1958, the 7th retired it's B-36s and converted to B-52.   The 7th Air Refueling Squadron was assigned to the wing on April 1, 1958 to April 15, 1960 and again from March 1, 1964 to Sept. 1, 1991.  
      In 1957 the 7th Bomb Wing went on nuclear alert. By 1958 it was operating B-52 and KC-135 aircraft with the new mission of global strategic bombardment and air-refueling training and operations.
Viet-Nam
     Beginning April 13, 1965, the wing deployed it's forces to the Pacific area to support combat operations in Southeast Asia. All wing bombers and tankers, along with aircrews and support personnel deployed in April and May 1965. The program was known as Arc Light.  
     In the United States, the wing gained the 20th Bombardment Squadron, giving it two B-52 squadrons.  All B-52 resources deployed to Pacific area by August 1, 1965 along with most of the wing's remaining support personnel, leaving the 7th Wing as a small non-flying cadre to operate Carswell AFB, Texas.  Wing headquarter remained non-operation to c. Dec, 1964 when B-52 and KC-135 resources began returning. 
      The wing continued to support SAC operations in Southeast Asia through the remainder of the conflict and into 1975, but on a reduced scale except for the period C Sept 1, 1969 - c Mach 28, 1970 when most wing resources were required overseas and only a small cadre remained at home.  
     The 4133rd Bomb Wing (Provisional), was established on February 1, 1966, at Andersen AFB, Guam.  It took over operational control of the B-52D assigned to the war effort.  From September 1, 1969 to March 28 1970, all wing aircraft were again deployed to the Pacific and only a small cadre remained at home.  In addition to the major deployments, the wing supported SAC operations in Southeast Asia from 1965 and into 1975, but on a reduced scale. By mid-1973 most wing KC–135 resources had redeployed, and most B–52 resources returned by Jan 1974.The wing resumed nuclear alert status on January 3,1974, which had been lifted during the Southeast Asia deployments. 
Training Duties
       SAC's new B-52G and B-52H aircraft had greater range than the older models.  Plus they carried Hound Dog missiles which considerably increased their deterrent capabilities.  These were not needed for the conventional bombing of Vietnam and SAC saw no reason to risk the new aircraft when the older ones could do the job just as well.  Accordingly, B-52G and H air crews were sent through an intensive two-week course on the B-52D, making them eligible for duty in Southeast Asia.  
     From December 4, 1973 to May, 1975, the 7th Bomb Wing conducted B–52D replacement training.  In January 1974 it also began conducted B–52D combat crew training, i.e., providing B–52 flight training to novice crews.  On April 1, 1974, it gained the 4018 Combat Crew Training Squadron and in June it began conducted B–52 and KC–135 Central Flight Instructor courses.  The 7th Bomb Wing was the primary B-52 training until 1983.
Later Missions
     Throughout the 1970's and 1980's, the 7th Bomb Wing participated in numerous USAF and NATO exercises worldwide.  It used B–52s for ocean surveillance and ship identification in joint naval operations. It's KC–135's supported tanker task forces worldwide.  In October and November, 1983, the wing supported the invasion of Grenada with aerial refueling. Also in 1983, B–52 crews began training with a new weapon system, the SRAM (Short Range Attack Missile) and later, in 1985, the ALCM (Air Launched Cruise Missile). 
     The 7th Bomb Wing flew numerous atmospheric sampling missions, 1986–1987, in response to the Chernobyl (Russia) nuclear reactor accident. Deployed air refueling personnel and equipment to provisional wings in Southwest Asia, Aug 1990–Feb 1992. The wing hosted the first Soviet START (Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty) exhibition inspection team in Sep 1991.  
     The Powers-to-be apparently couldn't figure out what to do the trusty old 7th. It was redesignated the 7th Wing on Sept. 1, 1991, but acquired back it's old designation of 7th Bomb Wing on June 1, 1992.  On October 1, 1993, it was again redesignated the 7th Wing.
Status
    Began preparations for base closure at Carswell AFB in Jan 1992. Released of all operational 
capabilities on 1 Jan 1993. 
Components
 Groups. 
   7  BG (later, 7th Operations): Assigned Nov 17, 1947–  Jun 16, 1952; Sep 1, 1991– Jan 1, 1993;
      1 Oct 1. 1993 –
 11 BG: Attached 1 Dec 1, 1948 – Feb 16, 1951.
Squadrons    
   9 BS: Attached Feb 16, 1951 – Jun 15, 1952, Assigned Jun 16, 1952 – 25 Jun 25, 1968;
      Assigned Dec 31, 1971 –  Sep 1, 1991.  Flew B-52F from June 1958 until inactivated on 
      June 25, 1958.  Reactivated on Dec. 31, 1971 and given B-52D, which it flew until 1982, when it
      converted to the B-52H.  Passed aircraft to2nd Wing prior to inactivating on August. 15, 1992.
 20 BS: Assigned Jun 25, 1965 – Sep 1, 1991. Flew B-52F when it was transferred from the 2nd Bomb Wing
       on June 25, 1965.  Converted to B-52 D in 1959, which it flew until 1983, when it received the B-52H. 
       Unit identity transferred to 2nd Wing at Barksdale on Dec. 17, 1992.
 98 BS: Attached Dec 1–10, 1957. Was just being furnished with B-52E, when reassigned to the
       4123rd Strategic Wing located at Carswell AFB.
436 BS: Attached Feb 16, 1951 –  Jun 15, 1952, Assigned Jun 16, 1952 –  Aug 1, 1958.
        Assigned to the 4238th Strategic Wing.   Aug 1, 1958.
492 BS: Attached Feb 16, 1951 –  Jun 15, 1952, Assigned Jun 16, 1952 –  Jun 15, 1959.
       Flew B-52F from June 1958 until June 6, 1959.  Reassigned to 4228th Strategic Wing and
       Moved to Columbus AB.
4018 Combat Crew Training Squadron: Established on Apr 1, 1974 as part of expanded crew training
       organization.  Used B-52D until inactivated on an unknown date.
New Information, not yet incorporated into the above

Organized as the 1st Army Observation Group on Oct. 1, 1919, the beginning of the 7th Bomb Wing included three highly decorated and honored squadrons from the first World War. The 9th, 11th, and 31st squadrons lent their lineage to the group's emblem as indicated by the three crosses on the shield. In March 1921, the group was redesignated the 7th Group (Observation) and assigned to Langley Field, Va., until inactivated on Aug. 30, 1921.The U.S. Army Air Service redesignated the 7th Group as the 7th Bombardment Group in 1923, however the 7th was not activated until June 1, 1928 at Rockwell Field, Calif. While the group was assigned at Rockwell Field, the fledgling Air Force was testing new theories and ideas.

In early 1931, the 7th began training aircrews in radio-controlled interception.A bomber, acting as a target, reported by radio to a ground station, giving location, altitude and course. Armed with this information, ground controllers guided pursuit aircraft to the objective.The 7th trained and participated in aerial reviews, dropped food and medical supplies to persons marooned or lost, and took part in massive Army maneuvers during the 1930s.The group flew Martin B-12s, Douglas B-18s, and the new Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress during this period. It was the B-17 that carried the men of the 7th to war Dec. 7, 1941.The group was on its way to the Philippines when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor.The ground echelon, on board ship, was diverted to Australia and later sent to Java. Six of the group's B-17s, which left the continental United States Dec. 6, reached Hawaii during the enemy attack and were able to land safely. Later in December, the remainder of the air echelon flew B-17s from the United States to Java. From Jan. 14 to March 1, 1942, during the Japanese drive through the Philippines and Netherlands East Indies, the group operated from Java, earning a Distinguished Unit Citation for its action against enemy aircraft, ground installations, warships and transports. By the end of March 1942, the 7th moved to India and was assigned to the 10th Air Force. The group resumed combat operations from Karachi, India, flying B-17s and Consolidated LB-30 bombers. By the end of 1942, the group had converted to the Consolidated B-24 Liberator. Combat operations were directed primarily against the Japanese in Burma, with attacks on airfields, fuel and supply dumps, locomotive works, railways, bridges, docks, warehouses, shipping and other targets. The 7th also bombed oil refineries and railways in Thailand, hit power plants in China, attacked enemy shipping in the Andaman Sea and ferried gasoline over the Hump into China. The 7th received its second Distinguished Unit Citation for damaging the enemy's line of supply in Southeast Asia with an attack against rail lines and bridges in Thailand March 19, 1945. After the war, the group returned to the United States in December 1945 and was inactivated Jan. 6, 1946. On Oct. 1, 1946, the 7th was reactivated as a bombardment group (very heavy) and assigned to Strategic Air Command. The group flew the Boeing B-29 Superfortress from Fort Worth Army Airfield, Texas. On Nov. 3, 1947, the 7th Bombardment Wing (Very Heavy) was established and then activated Nov. 17, 1947. After a period of discontinuance and redesignation, the 7th Bombardment Wing (Heavy) was activated at Carswell AFB Aug. 1, 1948. During 1948, the wing began receiving the Consolidated B-36 Peacemaker intercontinental bombers. Trained in global bombardment operations, the wing controlled two B-36 groups, and three B-36 squadrons. The wing also flight tested the giant Consolidated XC-99 transport, a derivative of the B-36 using the wings, tail structure and other components of its bomber relative. The wing also evaluated the RB-36 during 1950.

The 7th began converting to the Boeing B-52 Stratofortress in 1957, along with the Boeing KC-135A Stratotanker. With these new aircraft, the wing trained in global strategic bombardment and air refueling operations. Beginning on April 13, 1965, the 7th deployed its forces to the Pacific area in support of combat operations in Southeast Asia. All wing bombers and tankers, along with aircrews and some support personnel, deployed by the end of May. A B-52 squadron from a different wing was temporarily assigned to Carswell to maintain a bomber capability. However, by August 1965, the remaining aircraft and personnel were deployed to Southeast Asia, leaving only a support cadre to operate Carswell AFB. The wing's headquarters was non-operational until the bombers, aircrews and support personnel began returning in December. The 7th continued to support combat operations in Southeast Asia during the remainder of the conflict and into 1975, but on areduced scale, except for the period Sept. 1, 1969 to March 28, 1970 when most wing resources were required overseas and only a small cadre remained at home. In 1972, the wing conducted B-52D consolidated training for the Strategic Air Command as well as replacement training, combat crew training and flight training to novice crews. Beginning in June 1974, the wing also conducted B-52 and KC-135 Central Flight Instructor Courses.During the Vietnam conflict, the wing was awarded two Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards, an Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor, and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm.

On Oct. 1, 1982, the wing's new mission included strategic deterrence and support of combat theater commanders with conventional bombing capability and theater airlift support. On Oct. 1, 1993, the 7th Wing moved to Dyess AFB, Texas, flying both the B-1B Lancer and the C-130 Hercules. This unique structure of bombing and airlift under one wing remained intact until April 1, 1997, when the Air Force transferred all C-130s to Air Mobility Command. That same day, the 317th Airlift Group stood up at Dyess, encompassing all Dyess C-130 assets and the 7th Wing became the 7th Bomb Wing. Dyess has the only B-1B schoolhouse in the Air Force, in addition to operational missions.
Although two commands are now found at Dyess, each brings a unique and special contribution to the Air Force's mission of Global Engagement.