509th Bomb Wing

This article is about the post-World War II bombardment wing. For the World War II B-29 unit, see 509th Composite Group.

509th Bomb Wing
B-2A Spirit returns from a mission as part of Joint Task Force Odyssey Dawn[note 1]
Active1947–1948; 1948–present
(77 years)
Country United States
Branch United States Air Force
RoleBombardment
Part of Eighth Air Force
Garrison/HQWhiteman Air Force Base
Motto(s)Defensor Vindex (Latin for: Defender Avenger)
Tail codeWM
Engagements Kosovo War[1]
Decorations Air Force Meritorious Unit Award
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award
Commanders
Current
commander		Colonel Keith J. Butler[4]
Vice CommanderColonel Timothy Griffith[2]
Command ChiefChief Master Sergeant Olatokunbo O. Olopade[3]
Notable
commanders		Paul Tibbets
John A. Dramesi
John Dale Ryan
Gregory A. Biscone
Insignia
509th Bomb Wing emblem[1]
509th Bombardment Wing emblem(approved 10 July 1952)[5]
Aircraft flown
BomberB-2A
TrainerT-38C

The 509th Bomb Wing (509 BW) is a United States Air Force unit assigned to the Air Force Global Strike Command, Eighth Air Force. It is stationed at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri.[6]

The 509 BW is the host unit at Whiteman, and operates the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber. The wing can launch combat sorties directly from Missouri to any spot on the globe, engaging adversaries with large payloads of traditional or precision-guided munitions.[6]

The wing's 509th Operations Group can trace its heritage back to the 509th Composite Group, when during WW2, two of its B-29 Superfortress bombers dropped the two atomic bombs that helped end the war in the Pacific theatre.[6]

The 509th BW led the way for America's first military response following the terrorist attacks on New York City and Washington, D.C., on 11 September 2001. B-2 bombers were the first U.S. aircraft to enter Afghan airspace in October 2001, paving the way for other coalition aircraft to engage Taliban and Al Qaeda forces. During this operation, the aircraft flew roundtrip from Missouri, logging combat missions in excess of 40 hours—the longest on record.[7]


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  1. ^ a b Haulman, Daniel L. (22 June 2017). "Factsheet 509 Bomb Wing (ACC)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Retrieved 8 July 2019.
  2. ^ "509TH BOMB WING LEADERSHIP". 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs. Retrieved 28 June 2024.
  3. ^ "509TH BOMB WING LEADERSHIP". 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs. Retrieved 2 July 2021.
  4. ^ "509TH BOMB WING LEADERSHIP". 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs. Retrieved 2 July 2021.
  5. ^ Ravenstain, pp. 276–277
  6. ^ a b c "509th Bomb Wing". Retrieved 3 March 2020.
  7. ^ "44 Hours" (PDF). Retrieved 3 March 2020.