4158th Strategic Wing
Boeing KC-135A Stratotanker in Strategic Air Command markings
Active1960-1966
Country United States
Branch United States Air Force
TypeStrategic Wing
SizeControl deployed bomber, reconnaissance and air refueling units
Part ofStrategic Air Command
Insignia
Patch with 4158th Strategic Wing emblem

The 4158th Strategic Wing is a discontinued United States Air Force unit. It was active in Alaska from 1960 to 1966 as a control and support organization for Strategic Air Command (SAC) units deployed to Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska.

History and Operations

The 4158th Strategic Wing was organized in 1960 as the 4158th Combat Support Group, a command element for Strategic Air Command (SAC) units deployed to Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska. It was expanded to wing status in 1963. It first assigned to Fifteenth Air Force, but on 1 July 1965 it was reassigned to the 18th Strategic Aerospace Division.[1]

The wing commanded SAC elements deployed to Alaska during Reflex deployments from United States bases.[2] Reflex deployments placed Boeing B-47 Stratojet strategic bombers on alert at forward locations, such as Elmendorf.[3] Its major subordinate unit was the 73d Munitions Maintenance Squadron, which managed the special weapons for deployed units.[2] It also supported deployed reconnaissance assets and a Tanker Task Force.[4]

In 1964 the wing's buildings were damaged by an earthquake that shook Elmendorf.[5] The 4158th was inactivated in 1966 after SAC Tanker Task Force commitments at Elmendorf terminated at the end of 1965.[4] SAC operations in Alaska continued at Eielson Air Force Base.

Lineage

  • Designated as the 4158th Combat Support Group and organized on 1 July 1960[6]
Redesignated 4158th Strategic Wing on 1 November 1963[3]
  • Discontinued on 25 June 1966

Assignments

  • Fifteenth Air Force: 1 July 1960
  • 18th Strategic Aerospace Division: 1 July 1965 - 25 June 1966[7]

Components

  • 73d Aviation Depot Squadron (later 73d Munitions Maintenance Squadron):[6] 1 July 1960 - 25 June 1966

Stations

  • Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska: 1 July 1960 - 25 June 1966[8]

Notes

  1. ↑ "Factsheet 18 Strategic Aerospace Division". Air Force Historical Research Agency. 10 April 2007. Archived from the original on 30 October 2012.
  2. 1 2 "Abstract, History 4158 Strategic Wing Jan-Mar 1965". Air Force History Index. Retrieved 25 April 2013.
  3. 1 2 "Abstract, History 4158 Strategic Wing Nov 1963". Air Force History Index. Retrieved 25 April 2013.
  4. 1 2 "Abstract, Final History 4158 Strategic Wing". Air Force History Index. Retrieved 25 April 2013.
  5. ↑ "Abstract, History 4158 Strategic Wing Mar 1964". Air Force History Index. Retrieved 25 April 2013.
  6. 1 2 "Abstract, Initial History 4158 Strategic Wing". Air Force History Index. Retrieved 25 April 2013.
  7. ↑ "Abstract, History 4158 Strategic Wing Jul-Sep 1965". Air Force History Index. Retrieved 25 April 2013.
  8. ↑ Mueller, Robert (1989). Air Force Bases, Vol. I, Active Air Force Bases Within the United States of America on 17 September 1982 (PDF). Washington, DC: Office of Air Force History. pp. 157–164. ISBN 0-912799-53-6.

References

Public Domain This article incorporates public domain material from the Air Force Historical Research Agency

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