Sixth Air Force

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Sixth Air Force was redesignated from the Caribbean Air Force in February 1942. Its primary function was conducting anti-submarine warfare over the Caribbean during World War II. It was redesignated Caribbean Air Command on 31 July 1946 and then USAF Southern Command in 1963. When the command inactivated in 1976, most of its functions and resources passed to the Tactical Air Command, which established the USAF Southern Air Division as the major organization in the area.

[edit] Lineage

Established as Panama Canal Air Force on October 19, 1940. Activated as a major command on November 20, 1940. Redesignated Caribbean Air Force on August 5, 1941; 6th Air Force on September 18, 1942; Caribbean Air Command on July 31, 1946; United States Air Forces Southern Command on July 8, 1963. Inactivated on January 1, 1976.

[edit] Commands During World War II

  • VI Bomber Command 1941-46
  • VI Fighter Command 1941-42
  • XXVI Fighter Command 1942-46
  • XXXVI Fighter Command 1942