456th Bomb Wing

Based at: Beale AFB, California
Aircraft: B-52, KC-135, Titan I
Status: Inactivated Sept. 30, 1975. Replaced by the 17th Bomb Wing
Squadrons: 744 BS, 851 SMS, 9 ARS, 903 ARS

Troop Carrier Roots.
    Established as the 456th Troop Carrier Wing, Medium, on October 15, 1952. Activated on December 1, 1952 at Miami International Airport, Florida, where it replaced the 435th Troop Carrier Wing. Flew C-119 "Flying Boxcar." Transferred to Charleston AFB, SC July 25, 1953, to Shiroi AB Japan, Nov. 10, 1955 and Ardmore AFB, Oklahoma May 25, 1956.   It participated n numerous tactical exercise in the United States and overseas, mostly in conjunction with Army airborne forces. Inactivated July 9, 1956
SAC Activation
     Redesignated the 456th Strategic Aerospace Wing, and activated November 15, 1962. Organized February 1, 1963 at Beale AFB, California, replacing the 4126th Strategic Wing. It assumed a mission of strategic bombardment training and air refueling. The 456th bombardment and tanker squadrons were frequently deployed aircraft and crews to meet USAF requirements, often having nearly all of their resources scattered around the world at various operating locations.
     The 456th controlled the 851st Strategic Missile Squadron and it's Titan I missiles from February 1, 1963 until they were phased out March 25, 1965. It was redesignated the 456th Bombardment Wing on
July 1, 1975.
Status
     Inactivated Sept. 30, 1975. Replaced by the 17th Bombardment Wing
Components
Squadrons:
744 BS: Assigned Feb. 1, 1963 - Sept 30 1975 Upon activation, acquired the B-52Gs previously flown
       by the 31 BS, 4126th Strategic Wing. and flew them until the wing was inactivated. The aircraft
       and personnel were transferred to the 17th Bombardment Wing
851 SM: Assigned Feb. 1, 1963 - March 25, 1965
     9 AR Assigned   Jan 1, 1970 - Sept. 30, 1975
903 AR: Assigned Feb. 1, 1963 - Sept. 30, 1975