Twentieth Air Force: Difference between revisions
imported>Howard C. Berkowitz (New page: {{subpages}} U.S. land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) are under the command of the '''Twentieth Air Force'''. ==World War II== Twentieth Air Force was created on J...) |
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This happened at a time when strategic forces were being reduced with the end of the Cold War. In nine short years since its rebirth, 20th Air Force experienced three major command identities. After one year in [[Strategic Air Command]] and another year in [[Air Combat Command]], 20th Air Force found a permanent home in [[Air Force Space Command]] in 1993. Twentieth Air Force Headquarters' location also changed in 1993, moving from Vandenberg AFB, Calif., to its current home, [[F. E. Warren Air Force Base]], a base unique in being spread across three states, Colorado, Nebraska and Wyoming. | This happened at a time when strategic forces were being reduced with the end of the Cold War. In nine short years since its rebirth, 20th Air Force experienced three major command identities. After one year in [[Strategic Air Command]] and another year in [[Air Combat Command]], 20th Air Force found a permanent home in [[Air Force Space Command]] in 1993. Twentieth Air Force Headquarters' location also changed in 1993, moving from Vandenberg AFB, Calif., to its current home, [[F. E. Warren Air Force Base]], a base unique in being spread across three states, Colorado, Nebraska and Wyoming. | ||
ICBM force structure was reduced radically as well during the 1990s, downsizing from six wings to three, and from 1,000 alert ICBMs to 550, all [[LGM-30 Minuteman | ICBM force structure was reduced radically as well during the 1990s, downsizing from six wings to three, and from 1,000 alert ICBMs to 550, all [[LGM-30 Minuteman]]. The most recent [[arms control]] agreements took the force to 150 missiles. | ||
Twentieth Air Force headquarters is unique in that it has dual responsibilities to [[Air Force Space Command]] and [[United States Strategic Command]]. As the missile Numbered Air Force for AFSPC, 20th Air Force is responsible for maintaining and operating the Air Force's ICBM force. Designated as STRATCOM's Task Force 214, 20th Air Force provides on-alert, combat ready ICBMs to respond to the orders of the [[National Command Authority]]. | Twentieth Air Force headquarters is unique in that it has dual responsibilities to [[Air Force Space Command]] and [[United States Strategic Command]]. As the missile Numbered Air Force for AFSPC, 20th Air Force is responsible for maintaining and operating the Air Force's ICBM force. Designated as STRATCOM's Task Force 214, 20th Air Force provides on-alert, combat ready ICBMs to respond to the orders of the [[National Command Authority]]. | ||
Revision as of 13:22, 12 September 2009
U.S. land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) are under the command of the Twentieth Air Force.
World War II
Twentieth Air Force was created on June 20, 1941, as a strategic bomber command in the Pacific, corresponding to the assignment of the Eighth Air Force in the bombing of Germany with B-17 bombers. Using B-29 bombers, the Twentieth conducted the conventional and nuclear bombing of Japan.
Korean War
Headquartered in Japan, the Twentieth Air Force units also supported United Nations' forces during the Korean War, but was inactivated after a restructuring in March 1941.
Reactivation as ICBM command
Twentieth Air Force was reactivated on Sept. 1, 1991, as a component of the Strategic Air Command and was located at Vandenberg AFB, Calif. The Fourteenth Air Force, responsible for the missile test range there and for a wide range of space activities, also is at Vandenberg.
This happened at a time when strategic forces were being reduced with the end of the Cold War. In nine short years since its rebirth, 20th Air Force experienced three major command identities. After one year in Strategic Air Command and another year in Air Combat Command, 20th Air Force found a permanent home in Air Force Space Command in 1993. Twentieth Air Force Headquarters' location also changed in 1993, moving from Vandenberg AFB, Calif., to its current home, F. E. Warren Air Force Base, a base unique in being spread across three states, Colorado, Nebraska and Wyoming.
ICBM force structure was reduced radically as well during the 1990s, downsizing from six wings to three, and from 1,000 alert ICBMs to 550, all LGM-30 Minuteman. The most recent arms control agreements took the force to 150 missiles.
Twentieth Air Force headquarters is unique in that it has dual responsibilities to Air Force Space Command and United States Strategic Command. As the missile Numbered Air Force for AFSPC, 20th Air Force is responsible for maintaining and operating the Air Force's ICBM force. Designated as STRATCOM's Task Force 214, 20th Air Force provides on-alert, combat ready ICBMs to respond to the orders of the National Command Authority.