DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- June 22, 2017 marks the 100-year anniversary of the 28th Bomb Squadron at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas.
Established as the 28th Aero Squadron on June 22, 1917, the 28th BS is the largest bomb squadron in the U.S. Air Force and the largest flying squadron in Air Force Global Strike Command.
Its primary mission is to provide all B-1B Lancer initial qualifications, re-qualifications and instructor upgrade training for AFGSC. The 28th BS determines, evaluates and implements formal training requirements to qualify crewmembers in long-range day and night, all-weather and air-to-ground attack.
Each year the squadron trains more than 200 B-1 crewmembers from active-duty and Air National Guard B-1 units. The unit services, launches, recovers, repairs and inspects 25 B-1 aircraft. The 28th BS also maintains conventional combat readiness supporting higher headquarters contingency taskings worldwide.
The 28th BS has fought in World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the most current conflicts including Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Inherent Resolve making the squadron one of the oldest and most decorated units.
Some of the 28th BS’s prior operations include combat training with units of the Royal Air Force while serving on the front with British Second and Fifth Armies, and developed and maintained operational capabilities to perform long-range strategic bombardment during 1974-1983.
For 100 years the squadron has been an active unit providing combat-ready forces through strategic deterrence and global strike operations. This September, Dyess will be celebrating the 100 years of Air Force history in honor of the 9th BS, 28th BS and 436th Training Squadron with a centennial celebration. Stay tuned for more updates on the event.
For more information on the long history of the 28th BS, visit the link below to find the squadron’s factsheet:
http://www.afhra.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/433634/28-bomb-squadron-acc/