Dyess Air Force Base

Library

The Dyess Name

Dyess Air Force Base was named after Lt. Col. William E. Dyess. He was born August 9, 1916, in Albany, Texas. As a young boy, he loved powered flight. He was thrilled when Lindbergh crossed the Atlantic in 1927, and he jumped at the opportunity to fly when entering pilot training at Randolph and Kelly Field in San Antonio, Texas.
Read the full Dyess Name fact sheet.
Read about the 7th BW lineage and history.

7th BW Leadership

Col. Robert F.
Gass-
Commander

Col. Kenneth R.
Tatum Jr. -
Vice Commander

CMSgt. David A.
Goldie -
Command Chief

7th BW History

The 7th Bomb Wing has a long and distinguished history. It has performed many missions and projected airpower around the globe. Initially activated as the 1st Army Observation Group Sept. 6, 1918, the group was stationed in France during World War I. The 1st earned battle honors for the Defense of the Lorraine Sector (Western Front) and for the Muese-Argonne Offensive (St. Mihiel). In April 1919, after World War I, the group inactivated. The group was reactivated Oct. 1,1919, at Park Field, Tenn., and shortly thereafter, moved to Langley Field, Va. Redesignated the 7th Group (Observation), the unit participated in many of the "Mitchell Battleship Bombing Trials." By June 1, 1928, the group had moved to Rockwell Field, Calif.
Read the full 7th Bomb Wing history.

C-130 Hercules

The C-130 Hercules primarily performs the tactical portion of the airlift mission. The aircraft is capable of operating from rough, dirt strips and is the prime transport for air dropping troops and equipment into hostile areas. The C-130 operates throughout the U.S. Air Force, serving with Air Mobility Command, Air Force Special Operations Command, Air Combat Command, U.S. Air Forces in Europe, Pacific Air Forces, Air National Guard and the Air Force Reserve Command, fulfilling a wide range of operational missions in both peace and war situations. Read the full fact sheet.