THE DEVELOPMENT OF STRATEGIC AIR COMMAND 1946-1986 (THE FORTIETH ANNIVERSARY HISTORY) J. C. HOPKINS AND SHELDON A. GOLDBERG OFFICE OF THE HISTORIAN HEADQUARTERS STRATEGIC AIR COMMAND OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, NEBRASKA Engin Depos USA 5-9-31 39015 02845 6948 028456948 PREFACE The Development of Strategic Air Command, 1946-1986, provides a brief chronological account of the command's most significant activities and major contributions to the nation's defense. This edition covers the period 21 March 1946 to 21 March 1986 and constitutes the fortieth anniversary history. The logo appearing on the front cover was designed by Mr. James H. Tounsley, Headquarters SAC Command Graphics, for use throughout the anniversary year. Mr. J. C. Hopkins, ably assisted by Mr. Sheldon A. Goldberg, prepared the text. CMSgt Herman F. Martin and MSgt Richard J. Frasher were responsible for the photo layout work and Ms. D. Ruth Willett accomplished the difficult typing assignment. This office would appreciate any comments on the work as well as suggestions for improving future editions. JOHN T. BOHN Command Historian Office of the Historian iii INTRODUCTION To facilitate using this work, the same basic format is followed each year: Assigned Resources, Command Leadership, Organization and Operations. Five additional categories are included beginning with the indicated years: Bombing Competition, 1949; Missiles, 1955; Financial Status, 1958; Munitions Competition, 1958; Missile Competition, 1967; and Weapons Loading Competition, 1974. Throughout most of the period, the abbreviated term UE (unit equipment) appears in conjunction with aircraft and missile units under the Assigned Resources sections. The term was used in designating the number of weapon systems authorized for groups, wings, and squadrons. Beginning in 1980, the term PAA (primary aircraft authorization) replaced UE in designating authorizations for both aircraft and missile units. Due to security classification, neither authorizations nor assigned strengths are given for those types of reconnaissance aircraft that were still assigned to the command at the end of 1985. Throughout the narrative Air Force bases are referred to under their designation at the time of the events described. Subsequent to these events, several bases were redesignated. These bases were as follows with the year of the redesignation action appearing in parentheses: To the best of our knowledge, all pictures are official USAF photographs unless otherwise credited. iv COMMAND EMBLEM SHIELD DESCRIPTION On a sky-blue shield over two clouds, one in the upper left and one in the lower right extending to the edges of the shield, white shaded blue-gray, a cubit arm in armor issuing from the lower left and extending toward the upper part of the shield, the hand grasping an olive branch green, and three lightning flashes red. Azure, two clouds proper, one issuing from sinister chief and one issuing from dexter base, a cubit arm in armor in bend, issuing from the sinister, the hand grasping a branch of olive proper, and three lightning flashes gules. SIGNIFICANCE APPROVED The blue sky is representative of the Air Force operations. The arm and armor is a symbol of strength, power and loyalty, and represents the science and art of employing far reaching advantages in securing the objectives of war. The olive branch, a symbol of peace, and the lightning flashes, symbolic of speed and power, are qualities underlying the mission of the Strategic Air Command. 4 January 1952. |