508th Missile Squadron

508th Missile Squadron

LGM-30F Minuteman II test launch at Vandenburg AFB, California
Active 1942–1945; 1947–1949; 1962–1995
Country United States
Branch  United States Air Force
Type Squadron
Role Intercontinental ballistic missile
Garrison/HQ Whiteman AFB, Missouri
Engagements
World War II (EAME Theater)
Decorations
Distinguished Unit Citation

Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (6x)
Insignia
508th Strategic Missile Squadron emblem

The 508th Missile Squadron (508 MS) is an inactive United States Air Force unit. It was last assigned to the 351st Missile Group, stationed at Whiteman AFB, Missouri.

The 508 MS was equipped with the LGM-30F Minuteman II Intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), with a mission of nuclear deterrence. With the end of the Cold War, the 508th was inactivated on 28 July 1995.

History

World War II

Activated in late 1942 as a B-17 Flying Fortress heavy bomb squadron, trained under Second Air Force. Deployed to England in the European Theater of Operations (ETO) during April 1943, assigned to VIII Bomber Command as a strategic bombardment squadron. Participated in the air offensive over Nazi Germany and Occupied Europe until German capitulation in May 1945. Personnel demobilized in England and returned to the United States; squadron reassigned to Second Air Force and was programmed to be re-equipped with B-29 Superfortresses for deployment to Pacific Theater. Japanese capitulation led to units inactivation in September 1945, being neither manned or equipped.

Activated in the postwar reserve as a B-29 squadron. Inactivated in 1949 due to budget reductions.

Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Squadron

On 9 August 1962 the 508th Strategic Missile Squadron was activated as a SAC LGM-30B Minuteman I intercontinental ballistic missile wing. Activated on 1 May 1963, being made operational on 14 January 1964, with a complement of 50 missiles. Declared combat ready on 5 June 1964. From May 1966 to October 1967, converted to LGM-30F Minuteman II missiles.

With the restructuring of the Air Force and the disestablishment of Strategic Air Command (SAC) in the early 1990s was reassigned to Air Combat Command (ACC) in 1992 and then under Air Force Space Command (AFSPC) in 1993.

Remained on Cold War nuclear alert until in response to President Bush's directive to stand down the Minuteman II. Dissipated launch codes and pin safety control switches at 15 launch control facilities. Deactivation of the entire missile complex ended in the spring of 1995; squadron inactivated on 28 July.

Lineage

World War II 508th Bombardment Squadron emblem
Activated on 1 October 1942
Inactivated on 28 August 1945
Activated in the reserve on 15 October 1947
Inactivated on 27 June 1949
Organized on 1 May 1963
Re-designated as: 508th Missile Squadron on 1 September 1991
Inactivated on 28 July 1995

Assignments

ETO Fuselage Code: YB

Stations

Aircraft and missiles

LGM-30 Minuteman Missile Alert and Launch Facilities

508th Missile Squadron Launch Facilities

Missile Alert Facilities (A-E flights, each controlling 10 missiles) are located as follows:
A-01 3.5 mi SE of Blackburn MO, 39°04′05″N 093°26′20″W / 39.06806°N 93.43889°W / 39.06806; -93.43889 (A-01)
B-01 38.1 mi ExNE of Houstonia MO, 38°55′38″N 093°12′41″W / 38.92722°N 93.21139°W / 38.92722; -93.21139 (B-01)
C-01 5.6 mi SxSW of Pilot Grove MO, 38°47′59″N 092°57′05″W / 38.79972°N 92.95139°W / 38.79972; -92.95139 (C-01)
D-01 6.1 mi SE of Syracuse MO, 38°36′45″N 092°47′15″W / 38.61250°N 92.78750°W / 38.61250; -92.78750 (D-01)
E-01 7.3 mi WxSW of Florence MO, 38°33′46″N 093°06′33″W / 38.56278°N 93.10917°W / 38.56278; -93.10917 (E-01)

See also

Coordinates: 38°43′49″N 093°32′53″W / 38.73028°N 93.54806°W / 38.73028; -93.54806 (Whiteman AFB)

References

 This article incorporates public domain material from the Air Force Historical Research Agency website http://www.afhra.af.mil/.

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