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On Feb. 1, 1942, the history of today’s 8th Air Force began to
write its story. With milestones such as the Doolittle Raid and
Operation Linebacker II, it’s no surprise that the 8th Air Force
made a lasting legacy and is known today as the “Mighty Eighth.”
Lining the corridors of the historic 8th Air Force headquarters
building at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., are photographs,
paintings and mementos that illustrate to all Airmen who walk the
halls, the triumphant history and feats the Eighth has made over the
past 75 years.
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Today’s 8th Air Force activated under the designation of VIII Bomber
Command at Langley Field, Virginia, as part of an expansion of the
U.S. Army Air Corps Feb. 1, 1942. The 8th Air Force, headquartered
at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., celebrated its 75th anniversary
with retired 8th Air Force commanders and command chiefs, and
several Air Force Global Strike leaders and Royal Air Force
personnel. The Eighth commands the U.S. Air Forces entire fleet of
long-range, stealth, and heavy bombers, to include the recently
added E-4B National Airborne Operations Center fleet. (U.S. Air
Force graphic by Senior Airman Erin Trower - Jan. 31, 2017)
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Today’s Mighty Eighth actually activated under the
designation of VIII Bomber Command (BC) at Langley Field,
Va., as part of an expansion of the U.S. Army Air Corps
during World War II. The VIII BC was a subordinate unit to
the former 8th Air Force, today known as U.S. Air Forces in
Europe, and relocated to Savannah, Ga., within days after
settling in Virginia. Soon after, the VIII BC deployed to
the European theater of operations where it found a
permanent war-time home at the former Wycombe Abbey School
for Girls in High Wycombe, England, under its first
commander, Ira C. Eaker.
“Some monikers from WWII
have stood the test of time and are still in use today
across the command,” said Lane Callaway, 8th Air Force
historian.
For example, the wartime
codename for the VIII BC headquarters was “Pinetree,” and
now is the name of the command conference room in the
Eighth’s headquarters building, where meetings address
issues impacting worldwide operations and items of national
interest.
However, with great feats also come trial
and tragedy. From May 1942 to July 1945, the Eighth was
responsible for America’s daylight and strategic bombing
campaign against Nazi-occupied Europe. With this
responsibility, the Eighth suffered large losses. Out of
115,332 troops, more than 47,000 were taken out of the
fight, including more than 26,000 killed in action. With
this, the Eighth's brave men, from general officer to
enlisted, earned 17 Medals of Honor, 220 Distinguished
Service Crosses and 442,000 Air Medals.
On Feb. 28,
1944, the VIII BC was given the official designation of 8th
Air Force. Later by mid-1944, the Eighth received its
nickname, the Mighty Eighth, in recognition of its strength
and ability to send more than 2,000 four-engine bombers and
1,000 fighters in a single mission against enemy targets in
Europe. The unit was composed of more than 200,000 people.
Finally in January 1975, Eighth Air Force moved to
Barksdale, its ninth location and has since called the
Bossier City and Shreveport area home. Barksdale also serves
as the unit’s longest standing home station in its history.
While the Mighty Eighth was born into battle in the
1940s, its influence and impact can be seen spanning the
post WWII and modern day eras.
The Mighty Eighth has
participated in a string of contingency operations in
support of bomber assurance and deterrence missions using
the worlds most advanced and equipped bombers. Some examples
being:
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1991 - Gulf War involving the 2d Bomb
Wing
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1996 - OPERATION DESERT STRIKE against
Iraq
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1998 - Operation DESERT FOX against Iraq
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1999 - Operation ALLIED FORCE against the
Federal Republic of Yugoslavia -- bombers flew 325 sorties to
drop over 7 million pounds of ordnance on enemy targets.
Even in today’s operations, Eighth Air Force’s bomber presence is
felt globally.
The Mighty Eighth continues to maintain a
continuous bomber presence in the Pacific where B-1s not only deter
aggression, but assure our allies that the U.S. is committed to
international security. In the Central Command region, B-52s carry
out a bombing campaign against ISIS, ISIL forces. And the B-2
operates globally as well, most recently seen striking terrorist
training camps in Libya.
“There is no doubt that Mighty
Eighth forces are as relevant today as they were in the early
years,” said Callaway.
Today, the 8th Air Force celebrates
its 75th anniversary; 75 years of progression, strength, national
assurance and pride. The Mighty Eighth commands the U.S. Air Force’s
entire fleet of long-range, stealth and heavy-bombers, in addition
to the recently added E4-B National Airborne Operations Center
fleet.
To commemorate the occasion, bomber Airmen from
across the country have gathered at Barksdale for a special retreat
and flyover. Additional scheduled events include a building
dedication, memorial run, WWII veteran dog tag presentation, and a
gala hosted by a local support organization to commemorate the
American Airmen of the Mighty Eighth.
Within the next decade,
the Eighth will boast their newest capability -- the B-21 Raider --
a long-range strike bomber, named after the surprise attack against
Japan during WWII in 1942 -- the Doolittle Raid. This bomber will
play in allowing the Air Force to operate in tomorrow’s high end
threat environment, and in providing the Air Force the flexibility
and capability to launch from the continental U.S. and deliver air
strikes on any location in the world. The Air Force plans to field
the initial capability of the bomber in the mid-2020s.
“I am
extremely proud to be part of a unit engrained with such a rich
heritage,” said Maj. Gen. Thomas Bussiere, 8th Air Force commander.
“From early on, Eighth Air Force has played a major role in our
nation’s security, and we will carry that legacy into the future.”
By U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Erin Trower
Provided
through DVIDS
Copyright 2017
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