490th Missile Squadron
 | |
|---|---|
 LGM-30G Minuteman III test launch at Vandenberg AFB, California | |
| Active | 1942-1945; 1947-1949; 1955-1961; 1961-present |
| Country |  United States |
| Branch |  United States Air Force |
| Type | Squadron |
| Role | Intercontinental ballistic missile |
| Part of | 341st Operations Group Air Force Global Strike Command |
| Garrison/HQ | Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana |
| Nickname(s) | Burma Bridge Busters (World War II)[1] |
| Engagements |  World War II (Asia-Pacific Theater) |
| Decorations |  Distinguished Unit Citation  Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (17x) |
| Insignia | |
| 490th Missile Squadron emblem (approved 2 March 1995)[2] |  |
| 490th Strategic Missile Squadron emblem (approved 10 September 1985)[3][4] |  |
| 490th Bombardment Squadron emblem (approved 11 July 1956)[5] |  |
| Unofficial 490th Bombardment Squadron World War II emblem[1] |  |
The 490th Missile Squadron is a United States Air Force unit. It is assigned to the 341st Operations Group, stationed at Malmstrom AFB, Montana. The 490 MS is equipped with the LGM-30G Minuteman III Intercontinental ballistic missile, with a mission of nuclear deterrence.
The squadron was first activated in the China-Burma-India Theater during World War II. It served in combat until V-J Day. Following the war, it returned to the United States, where it was inactivated. The squadron was again activated in 1955 as a Boeing B-47 Stratojet unit of Strategic Air Command until inactivating in 1961. The following year, it activated in its current role as the 490th Strategic Missile Squadron.
- ^ a b Watkins, p. 90
- ^ Robertson, Patsy (22 September 2008). "Factsheet 490 Missile Squadron (AFGSC)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Retrieved 9 December 2016.
- ^ Endicott, p. 825
- ^ "Approved insignia for: 490th Strategic Missile Squadron". National Archives Catalog. 4 February 1986. Retrieved 2 December 2017.
- ^ Maurer, Combat Squadrons, pp. 589-590