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m clean up using AWB (10515)
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Edited infobox, WW II narrative
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|image= [[File:LGM-30G Minuteman III test launch.jpg|250px]] |
|image= [[File:LGM-30G Minuteman III test launch.jpg|250px]] |
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|caption= LGM-30G Minuteman III test launch at Vandenburg AFB, California |
|caption= LGM-30G Minuteman III test launch at Vandenburg AFB, California |
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|dates= |
|dates=1942-1946; 1947-1948; 1951-1960; 1964-present |
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|country={{flag|United States|23px}} |
|country={{flag|United States|23px}} |
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|allegiance= |
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|branch= {{air force|USA}} |
|branch= {{air force|USA}} |
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| type = Squadron |
| type = Squadron |
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| role = [[Intercontinental ballistic missile]] |
| role = [[Intercontinental ballistic missile]] |
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|size= |
|size= |
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|command_structure= |
|command_structure=[[Air Force Global Strike Command]] |
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|current_commander=Lt Col Cynthia Gundersen |
|current_commander=Lt Col Cynthia Gundersen |
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|garrison= [[ |
|garrison= [[Francis E. Warren Air Force Base]] |
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|ceremonial_chief= |
|ceremonial_chief= |
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|colonel_of_the_regiment= |
|colonel_of_the_regiment= |
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|nickname= |
|nickname=Bombs Away! (World War II) |
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|patron= |
|patron= |
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|motto= |
|motto= |
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|battle_honours= |
|battle_honours= |
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<!-- Insignia --> |
<!-- Insignia --> |
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|identification_symbol=[[File:321st Missile Squadron.jpg| |
|identification_symbol=[[File:321st Missile Squadron.jpg|165px]] |
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|identification_symbol_label=321st Missile Squadron emblem <small>(approved 4 November 1965)</small><ref name=321MSfacts>{{cite web |url= http://www.afhra.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=11966|last1=Bailey|first1=Carl E.|title=Factsheet 321 Missile Squadron (AFGSC)|date=June 18, 2015|publisher=Air Force Historical Research Agency|deadurl=no |accessdate=May 17, 2016}}</ref> |
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|identification_symbol_label=321st Missile Squadron emblem |
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| ⚫ | |identification_symbol_2=[[File:321st Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron - SAC - Emblem.png|165px]] |
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|identification_symbol_2_label=Patch with unofficial 321st Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron emblem<ref>Maurer, ''Combat Squadrons'', p. 394 (no approved emblem.</ref> |
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|identification_symbol_3=[[File:321st Bomb Sq emblem.png|165px]] |
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|identification_symbol_3_label=321st Bombardment Sq emblem <small>(approved 27 March 1943)</small><ref>Watkins, pp. 86-87</ref> |
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| ⚫ | |identification_symbol_4=[[File:321st Bombardment Squadron - Emblelm.png|150px]] |
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|identification_symbol_4_label=321st Bombardment Squadron "Jolly Rogers" patch<ref group=note>The 90th Bombardment Group "Jolly Rogers" emblem was used as a squadron patch and as a tail marking on B-24s with each squadron having its own color in the background. Watkins, pp. 86-87</ref> |
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}} |
}} |
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| ⚫ | [[File:321 Bombardment Squadron - B-24 Liberator.jpg|thumb|B-24D-170-CO Liberator 42-72956 on Mission to Wewak, New Guinea, 24 February 1944]] |
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The '''321st Missile Squadron |
The '''321st Missile Squadron''' is a [[United States Air Force]] unit. It is assigned to the [[90th Operations Group]], stationed at [[Francis E. Warren Air Force Base]], Wyoming. The [[squadron (aviation)|squadron]] is equipped with the [[LGM-30G Minuteman III]] [[Intercontinental ballistic missile]] (ICBM), with a mission of nuclear deterrence. |
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==History== |
==History== |
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{{Commons category-inline|90th Bombardment Group (United States Army Air Forces)|90th Bombardment Group}} |
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| ⚫ | [[File:321 Bombardment Squadron - B-24 Liberator.jpg|thumb|left|B-24D-170-CO Liberator 42-72956 on Mission to Wewak, New Guinea, 24 February 1944]] |
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The [[squadron (aviation)|squadron]] was first organized as the '''321st Bombardment Squadron''' at [[Key Field]], Mississippi in April 1942 as a [[Consolidated B-24 Liberator]] unit and one of the original squadrons of the [[90th Bombardment Group]]. The squadron trained with Liberators in the southeastern United States under [[III Bomber Command]] until August.<ref name=90OGfacts>{{cite web |url= http://www.afhra.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=9836 |last1=Robertson|first1=Patsy|title=Factsheet 90 Operations Group (AFSPC)|date=May 27, 2010|publisher=Air Force Historical Research Agency|deadurl=no |accessdate=May 11, 2016}}</ref><ref name=321MSfacts/> |
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[[File:90th Bomb Group B-24s - 1943.jpg|thumb|left|"Jolly Rogers" of the 90th Bombardment Group on a mission, 1943]] |
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The squadron moved to [[Willow Run Airport]], Michigan for conversion training on newly manufactured Ford Liberators. Assigned to [[VII Bomber Command]] with B-24Ds, The unit moved to [[Hickam Field]], Hawaii in September. The squadron arrived in northern [[Queensland]], Australia in November 1942 and began bombardment missions under [[V Bomber Command]] almost immediately.<ref name=90OGfacts/> |
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The squadron attacked enemy [[airfield]]s, troop concentrations, ground installations and shipping in New Guinea, the [[Bismarck Archipelago]], [[Palau]] and the southern Philippines. The 321st was awarded a [[Distinguished Unit Citation]] for its operations in Papua between through January 1943. The unit participated in the [[Battle of Bismarck Sea]] in March 1943, and earned another citation for strikes on enemy airfields at [[Wewak]], New Guinea in September 1943 despite heavy [[flak]] and [[fighter Aircraft|fighter]] opposition.<ref name=90OGfacts/> |
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During 1944, the 321st supported the New Guinea Campaign through the end of June, then made long-range raids on oil refineries at [[Balikpapan]], Borneo, in September and October. In January 1945, the squadron moved to the Phillipines and supported ground forces on [[Luzon]], attacked industrial targets on [[Formosa]], and bombed railways, airfields, and harbor facilities on the Asiatic mainland. Shortly before the end of the war in the Pacific, the 90th moved to [[Okinawa]], from which it would be able to strike the Japanese home islands.<ref name=90OGfacts/> |
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===World War II=== |
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Activated in spring 1942 as a [[B-26 Marauder]] medium bomber squadron. Trained under [[Third Air Force]] in southeastern United States. Reassigned to [[Michigan]] where squadron received Very Long Range (VLR) [[B-24|B-24D Liberator]] heavy bombers manufactured by Ford specifically for extended length missions over the Pacific. |
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After [[VJ Day]], the squadron flew [[aerial reconnaissance|reconnaissance]] missions over Japan and ferried Allied prisoners of war from [[Okinawa]] to [[Manila]]. It ceased operations by November 1945. The squadron was inactivated in the Philippines in early 1946.<ref name=321MSfacts/> |
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Squadron deployed first to [[Hawaii]] and trained on the heavy bombers for combat and long over ocean navigation and bombardment missions under [[Seventh Air Force]]. Squadron deployed to [[Fifth Air Force]] in Southwest Pacific Area (SWPA), assembling in northern [[Queensland]], [[Australia]] then moving to operational base in [[Papua New Guinea]]. From airfields in New Guinea, the squadron carried out long-range strategic bombardment of enemy targets in [[New Guinea]], [[Dutch East Indies]], [[Philippine Islands]] and other areas from bases as ground forces sized them during MacArthur's island hopping campaign. Bombarded enemy targets on [[Okinawa]]; [[Iwo Jima]]; [[Formosa]] and eastern [[China]], eventually being stationed on [[Ie Shima]] preparing for VLR bombardment operations over the [[Japan|Japanese Home Islands]] when the Japanese Capitulation occurred in August 1945. Squadron personnel demobilized in Okinawa and Philippines, aircraft sent to reclamation during fall of 1945. Inactivated as a paper unit in Early 1946. |
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===Strategic Air Command=== |
===Strategic Air Command=== |
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===Lineage=== |
===Lineage=== |
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| ⚫ |
[[File:321st Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron - SAC - Emblem.png| |
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| ⚫ |
[[File:321st Bombardment Squadron - Emblelm.png |
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* Constituted as '''321 Bombardment Squadron (Heavy)''' on 28 Jan 1942 |
* Constituted as '''321 Bombardment Squadron (Heavy)''' on 28 Jan 1942 |
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: Activated on 15 Apr 1942 |
: Activated on 15 Apr 1942 |
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*[[LGM-30B Minuteman I]] (1964–1974) |
*[[LGM-30B Minuteman I]] (1964–1974) |
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*[[LGM-30G Minuteman III]] (1973–Present) |
*[[LGM-30G Minuteman III]] (1973–Present) |
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: [[90th Missile Wing LGM-30 Minuteman Missile Launch Sites#321st Missile Squadron|321st Missile Squadron Launch Facilities]] |
: [[90th Missile Wing LGM-30 Minuteman Missile Launch Sites#321st Missile Squadron|321st Missile Squadron Launch Facilities]] |
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: Missile Alert Facilities (K-O flights, each controlling 10 missiles) are located as follows: |
: Missile Alert Facilities (K-O flights, each controlling 10 missiles) are located as follows: |
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==References== |
==References== |
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{{Air Force Historical Research Agency}} |
{{Air Force Historical Research Agency}} |
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{{Reflist|group=note}} |
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{{Reflist}} |
{{Reflist}} |
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{{Refbegin}} |
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* {{cite book|editor=Maurer, Maurer|title=Combat Squadrons of the Air Force, World War II|origyear=1969|url= http://www.airforcehistory.hq.af.mil/Publications/fulltext/combat_sq_of_the_af_wwii.pdf |edition= reprint|year=1982|publisher=Office of Air Force History|location=Washington, DC|isbn=0-405-12194-6|oclc=72556|lccn=70605402|pages= }} |
* {{cite book|editor=Maurer, Maurer|title=Combat Squadrons of the Air Force, World War II|origyear=1969|url= http://www.airforcehistory.hq.af.mil/Publications/fulltext/combat_sq_of_the_af_wwii.pdf |edition= reprint|year=1982|publisher=Office of Air Force History|location=Washington, DC|isbn=0-405-12194-6|oclc=72556|lccn=70605402|pages= }} |
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* [http://asuwlink.uwyo.edu/~jimkirk/warren-mm.html Warren AFB Minuteman Site Coordinates] |
* [http://asuwlink.uwyo.edu/~jimkirk/warren-mm.html Warren AFB Minuteman Site Coordinates] |
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| 321st Missile Squadron | |
|---|---|
LGM-30G Minuteman III test launch at Vandenburg AFB, California
| |
| Active | 1942-1946; 1947-1948; 1951-1960; 1964-present |
| Country |  United States |
| Branch |  United States Air Force |
| Type | Squadron |
| Role | Intercontinental ballistic missile |
| Part of | Air Force Global Strike Command |
| Garrison/HQ | Francis E. Warren Air Force Base |
| Nickname(s) | Bombs Away! (World War II) |
| Engagements |  World War II (Asia-Pacific Theater) |
| Decorations |  Distinguished Unit Citation (3x)  Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (12x)  Philippine Presidential Unit Citation |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander | Lt Col Cynthia Gundersen |
| Insignia | |
| 321st Missile Squadron emblem (approved 4 November 1965)[1] |  |
| Patch with unofficial 321st Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron emblem[2] |  |
| 321st Bombardment Sq emblem (approved 27 March 1943)[3] |  |
| 321st Bombardment Squadron "Jolly Rogers" patch[note 1] |  |
The 321st Missile Squadron is a United States Air Force unit. It is assigned to the 90th Operations Group, stationed at Francis E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming. The squadron is equipped with the LGM-30G Minuteman III Intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), with a mission of nuclear deterrence.
Media related to 90th Bombardment Group at Wikimedia Commons
The squadron was first organized as the 321st Bombardment SquadronatKey Field, Mississippi in April 1942 as a Consolidated B-24 Liberator unit and one of the original squadrons of the 90th Bombardment Group. The squadron trained with Liberators in the southeastern United States under III Bomber Command until August.[4][1]
The squadron moved to Willow Run Airport, Michigan for conversion training on newly manufactured Ford Liberators. Assigned to VII Bomber Command with B-24Ds, The unit moved to Hickam Field, Hawaii in September. The squadron arrived in northern Queensland, Australia in November 1942 and began bombardment missions under V Bomber Command almost immediately.[4]
The squadron attacked enemy airfields, troop concentrations, ground installations and shipping in New Guinea, the Bismarck Archipelago, Palau and the southern Philippines. The 321st was awarded a Distinguished Unit Citation for its operations in Papua between through January 1943. The unit participated in the Battle of Bismarck Sea in March 1943, and earned another citation for strikes on enemy airfields at Wewak, New Guinea in September 1943 despite heavy flak and fighter opposition.[4]
During 1944, the 321st supported the New Guinea Campaign through the end of June, then made long-range raids on oil refineries at Balikpapan, Borneo, in September and October. In January 1945, the squadron moved to the Phillipines and supported ground forces on Luzon, attacked industrial targets on Formosa, and bombed railways, airfields, and harbor facilities on the Asiatic mainland. Shortly before the end of the war in the Pacific, the 90th moved to Okinawa, from which it would be able to strike the Japanese home islands.[4]
After VJ Day, the squadron flew reconnaissance missions over Japan and ferried Allied prisoners of war from OkinawatoManila. It ceased operations by November 1945. The squadron was inactivated in the Philippines in early 1946.[1]
The squadron was active but unmanned from, 1 July 1947 – 1 September 1948. Brought to operational status under Strategic Air Command in 1951, being equipped with RB-29 SuperfortressesatFairchild AFB, Washington. Moved to Forbes AFB, Kansas shortly afterward and conducted operational training from, 1 June 1951-September 1952, replacement training from, 1 June 1951 – 1 September 1953, and. SHORAN training from, 10 November 1952-30 Novovember 1953 Replaced the propeller-driven RB-29s with new RB-47E Stratojet swept-wing reconnaissance bombers in 1954, capable of flying at high subsonic speeds and primarily designed for penetrating the airspace of the Soviet Union. Flew many long-range clandestine missions with the RB-47, flying many ferret missions around the periphery of Soviet territory, and sometimes inside on penetration flights to map planned routes for B-52s if combat missions over the Soviet Union ever became necessary. Began performing RB-47 crew training from, c. 1 January 1959 – 20 June 1960. Began phasing down RB-47 missions in 1959 when the vulnerability of the aircraft to Soviet air defenses became evident, was inactivated on 20 June 1960.
Reactivated on 9 April 1964 as an ICBM squadron assigned to the 90th Missile WingatFrancis E. Warren AFB, Wyoming. Initially equipped with 50 LGM-30B Minuteman Is in early 1964. Upgraded to LGM-30G Minuteman III in 1973/1974, has maintained ICBMs on alert ever since.[5] Its current commander is Lt Col Matthew Dillow.
41°07′59″N 104°52′01″W / 41.13306°N 104.86694°W / 41.13306; -104.86694 (Francis E. Warren AFB)
This article incorporates public domain material from the Air Force Historical Research Agency
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
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