Activation
     Established as the 494th Bombardment Wing, Heavy and activated November 15, 1963.  Organized February 1, 1963 at Sheppard AFB, Texas.
Operations
.    The 494th acquired the B-52D and KC-135s previously assigned to the 4245th Strategic Wing.  Conducted strategic bombardment training and air refueling operations to meet operational commitments of SAC.
Status
     Inactivated April 1, 1966.
Components
Squadrons
864 BS: Assigned Feb 1, 1963 - April 2, 1966  Flew B-52Ds previously used by the 
               717 BS,  4245th Strategic Wing. 
900 AR: Assigned Feb 1, 1963 - April 2, 1966