| 96th Bomb Squadron | |
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Emblem of the 96th Bomb Squadron |
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| Active | 20 August 1917 – 28 February 1946 1 July 1947 – 1 April 1963 1 October 1993–present |
| Country | United States |
| Branch | United States Air Force |
| Type | Strategic Bombing |
| Part of | Air Force Global Strike Command 8th Air Force 2d Bomb Wing 2d Operations Group |
| Garrison/HQ | Barksdale Air Force Base |
| Nickname | Red Devils |
| Motto | The Devil's Own |
| Colors | Red and Black |
| Mascot | Red Devil |
| Decorations | DCU AFOUA |
The 96th Bomb Squadron (96 BS) is part of the 2d Bomb Wing at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana. It operates B-52 Stratofortress aircraft providing strategic bombing capability.
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The 96th Aero Squadron was America's first bomber group and was formed at Kelly Field, Texas. Originally consisting of 80 men, largely college graduates or college dropouts, volunteers all, and something of an elite group, since their aeronautical qualifications were the highest in the U.S. Army Air Service.[1] Just before embarking upon its first aerial warfare, the squadron decided upon its insignia, a black triangle outlined by a white strip enclosing the profile of a red devil thumbing his nose at the ground with his right hand. In his left, he held a white bomb. This distinctive emblem was designed by the squadron's talented graphic artist, Harry O. Lawson.[2]
The 96th saw combat as part of the 1st Day Bombardment Group, supporting the French Eighth and U.S. First Army from, 12 June 1918 – 4 November 1918. It operated French-made Breguet 14 planes and was involved in an embarrassing fiasco when the entire squadron landed around Koblenz, Germany by accident, providing all of their planes intact to the Germans. Nonetheless, it was the most heavily engaged and most successful USAS bomber squadron. Between the two World Wars it flew Mexican border patrol from, August 1919-10 January 1920, participated in demonstrations of the effectiveness of aerial bombardment on warships from, June–September 1921, and on 5 September 1923, and took part in good-will flights to South America between 1938 and 1939.
During the Second World War the 96th flew antisubmarine patrols from, 8 December 1941-c. 28 October 1942 before flying combat missions in the European Theater of Operations and the Mediterranean Theater of Operations from, 28 April 1943-1 May 1945. It performed occupational duty in Europe from, June 1945-June 1946.
The 96th conducted strategic bombardment training from, 1 July 1947-1 April 1963. In September 1996, it deployed and launched attacks against military targets in Iraq in support of Operation Desert Strike. It earned the 1996 Mackay Trophy for the 33-hour long mission from Louisiana to Iraq and back as the most meritorious flight of the year. Since 1993 it has conducted combat operations to support worldwide conventional and nuclear taskings and provided long-range, heavy strike, initial response, and sustained firepower in support of all regional and global warfighting commanders. In late 1996, the squadron deployed to support Operation Southern Watch, returning again in 1998. In 1999, crews from the squadron deployed to Royal Air Force Base Fairford in support of Operation Allied Force. In January 2002, the squadron deployed to fly combat missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom over Afghanistan. It supported OEF until early 2007 when it began focusing full-time on the Continuous Bomber Presence mission in the Pacific Theater. The squadron supported deployments in 2004, 2006, 2008, 2009 and again in 2011 to Andersen AFB, Guam.
In 20011, as part of Air Force Global Strike Command's Global Strike Challenge (successor to SAC's Bomb Comp), the 96th Bomb Squadron won three awards: The Bartsch Trophy Bold textfor Best ECM Score beating 9 other B-52 squadrons/units The Mitchell Trophy for Best Bomb Score (6 meter BDU-50) beating 19 other B-1, B-2 and B-52 squadrons/units The Linebacker Trophy for Best B-52 Squadron in 2011
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2009 to 2011 Lt Col D Ballew
2007 to 2009 Lt Col Pat Matthews
2007 to 2007 Lt Col James Noetzel
2005 to 2007 Lt Col Matson
2003 to 2005 Lt Col R Collela
2001 to 2003 Lt Col T Ray
2000 to 2001 Lt Col T Leaptrott
The 96th has a long history of association with the so called mythical mermaid. From the extensive use of bomber aircraft in the Pacific theatre to the more modern day continuous presence on Diego Garcia and Guam, several times has the song and beauty of the mermaid saved crew dogs from certain peril. More specifically the pacific mermaid, know for here impecable structure and are undeniably artistic form, has aided unconscious downed aircrew into their life rafts. Only glimpses of these striking creatures have been seen as they make their escape once they have nursed their benefactor back to safety. During Vietnam, a Captain by the name of Mike "Merman" Brogan attempted to ditch his B-52 bomber because he was too low for his offenders to safely eject. While the offenders were able to free themselves from the wreckage, Captain Brogan was trapped in his seat. According to Merman, the most striking being he had ever laid eyes on freed him from the plunging wreckage and swam him to the refreshing and reviving surface. His memory not only vividly remembers her astetic qualities but as he had his arm around her, he remembers the feel of her body being extremely firm and perfectly conforming to his hand. Capt. Brogan contacted the most gifted artist in the squadron as soon as he got back to Guam know as "Picasso". The master piece created not only conformed to the hand of its owner in the same perfect manner, it also could be used to refresh as well. A beer stein with the mermaid handle has been a staple in the bomber squadron ever since.
Other accounts speak of the "mermaid of the lagoon" whom aided a famished crew member from drowning across the shark infested lagoon of Diego Garcia to safety and sustenance on the shore.
This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the Air Force Historical Research Agency.
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