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{{Use American English|date=June 2018}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2019}}
{{Infobox military unit
{{Infobox military unit
|unit_name= 436th Training Squadron
|unit_name=436th Training Squadron
|image= [[File:436th Training Squadron - ACC - Emblem.png|250px]]
[[File:ACC Shield.svg|center|60px]]
|caption= Emblem of the 436th Training Squadron
|image=436th Training Squadron - simulator.jpg
|image_size=300
|dates= 1917–1993, 2005 Present
|caption=A 436th Training Squadron instructor trains two individuals on the weapons flightline course at Dyess AFB
|country= [[United States]]
|dates=1917–1927; 1928–1946; 1946–1963; 1986–present
|allegiance=
|country={{USA}}
|branch= [[United States Air Force]]
|branch={{air force|USA}}
|type=
|type=
|role= Bombardment
|role=Training
|size=
|size=[[Squadron (aviation)|Squadron]]
|command_structure=[[Far East Air Force (United States)|Far East Air Force]]
|current_commander=
|garrison=
|command_structure=[[Air Combat Command]]
|ceremonial_chief=
|garrison=[[Dyess Air Force Base]], Texas
|nickname=
|garrison_label=
|patron=
|nickname=
|motto=
|colors=
|motto=
|march=
|colors=
|colors_label=
|mascot=
|march =
|battles=
|mascot=
|decorations=
|equipment=
|anniversaries=
|equipment_label=
|notable_commanders=
|battles=[[World War I]]<br/>[[Occupation of the Rhineland]]<br/>[[Southwest Pacific Theater]]<br/>[[China Burma India Theater]]
|anniversaries=
|decorations=[[Distinguished Unit Citation]]<br/>[[Air Force Meritorious Unit Award]]<br/>[[Air Force Outstanding Unit Award]]
|battle_honours=
|battle_honours_label=
|disbanded=
|website=
<!-- Commanders -->
|commander1=
|commander1_label=
|notable_commanders=[[Hugh J. Knerr]]<br/>[[Lewis H. Brereton]]<ref name=Clay1432>Clay, p. 1432</ref>
<!-- Insignia -->
|identification_symbol=[[File:436th Training Squadron.jpg|165px]]
|identification_symbol_label=436th Training Squadron emblem{{efn|Approved 20 July 2016.}}
|identification_symbol_2=[[File:88 Observation Sq (later 436 Bombardment Sq) emblem.png|165px]]
|identification_symbol_2_label=88th Observation Squadron emblem{{efn|Approved 2 February 1924. Description: A rough rider in black in silhouette on an orange disc. This emblem was based on one approved for the 88th Aero Squadron on 15 November 1918 by the [[American Expeditionary Force]]. {{cite journal|title=World War I Aero Squadrons |volume= 5 |issue= 2|year=1964|periodical=Cross and Cockade Journal|publisher=Society of World War I Aero Historians|page=145}}}}<ref name=Maurer436BS>Maurer, ''Combat Squadrons'', pp. 538-540</ref>
}}
}}
[[File:436thbombsquadron.jpg|thumb|200px|SAC 436th Bomb Squadron emblem]]
[[File:436th Bombardment Squadron - Emblem.png|thumb|200px|World War II squadron emblem]]
The '''436th Training Squadron''' is an active [[United States Air Force]] unit. It assigned to the [[Air Combat Command]] [[7th Bomb Wing]], based at [[Dyess AFB]], [[Texas]].


The '''436th Training Squadron''' is a non-flying training [[squadron (aviation)|squadron]] of the [[United States Air Force]]. The 436th Training Squadron, located at [[Dyess Air Force Base]], Texas, is a geographically separated unit within Air Combat Command’s [[552nd Air Control Wing]], at [[Tinker Air Force Base]], Oklahoma.
==Overview==
The 436th Training Squadron provides formal training to Air Combat Command using 15 schools at Dyess and 38 other programs exported directly to units for local training needs.


The 436th is one of the oldest units in the United States Air Force, first being organized as the '''88th Aero Squadron''' on 18 August 1917 at [[Kelly Field]], Texas. The squadron deployed to France and fought on the [[Western Front (World War I)|Western Front]] during [[World War I]] as a Corps observation squadron.
Training includes command and control, air, ground and weapons safety, Air Force Operations Resource Management System, classroom instructor training, Air Force Mission Support System administration, mission planning cell training, life support and survival, and computer software use and development. The 436th Training Squadron also develops multimedia and formal presentations used in training program development and formal presentations. Multimedia personnel are based at Dyess, and deploy worldwide to perform their mission. Unit products and services are used throughout the DOD.

The squadron returned to the United States in 1919. In 1921, it participated in tests off the Atlantic coast of Virginia designed to test the effectiveness of aircraft against battleships. Following the tests the squadron moved to Ohio, where it served as the aviation element of the [[5th Infantry Division (United States)|5th Division]] until 1927, when it moved to Texas as a training unit, but was inactivated shortly after the move and its personnel and equipment used to form another squadron. It was reactivated in 1928, becoming a long range reconnaissance unit in 1935. In 1941, it was ordered to reinforce the [[air defense]]s of the Philippines.

On 7 December 1941, elements of the '''88th Reconnaissance Squadron''' were one of the [[Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress]] units that landed at [[Hickam Field]], Hawaii during the [[Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor]]. Until March 1942, it engaged in combat missions in the Pacific. It moved to the [[China Burma India Theater]], entering combat in June as the '''436th Bombardment Squadron '''. It converted from the B-17 to the [[Consolidated B-24 Liberator]] in the combat zone in fall 1942. From June through October 1944, the squadron was removed from combat operations and was engaged in airlifting fuel to bases in China to support [[Boeing B-29 Superfortress]] strikes. It returned to combat and earned the [[Distinguished Unit Citation]] for an attack on railroads in Thailand. Following [[V-J Day]], the squadron returned to the United States for inactivation.

The squadron was reactivated in 1946 as part of [[Strategic Air Command]]'s (SAC) strike force. In 1948, it began flying [[Convair B-36 Peacemaker]]s It converted to [[Boeing B-52 Stratofortress]]es and dispersed To [[Barksdale Air Force Base]]. It maintained half of its bombers on alert during the [[Cold War]], and placed all planes on alert during the [[Cuban Missile Crisis]]. The 436th inactivated in 1963 in a general reorganization of SAC units.

The squadron was reactivated in its current role as the '''436th Strategic Training Squadron''' in 1986

==Mission==
The 436th Training Squadron provides formal training to [[Air Combat Command]] using 14 classes at [[Dyess Air Force Base]], Texas and other programs exported directly to units for local training needs.<ref name=436TSdyess>{{cite web |url= https://www.dyess.af.mil/436th-Training-Squadron/ |author=No byline|title=436th Training Squadron|date=|publisher=7th Wing Public Affairs|access-date=February 10, 2024}}</ref>

Training includes flight, ground and weapons safety, Air Force operations resource management system, classroom instructor training, aircrew flight equipment, and computer software use and development. The 436th Training Squadron also develops multimedia and formal presentations used in training program development and formal presentations. Multimedia personnel are based at Dyess and deploy worldwide to perform their mission. Unit products and services are used throughout the [[Department of Defense (United States)|Department of Defense]].<ref name=436TSdyess/>


==History==
==History==
===World War I===
Activated in the summer of 1917 as the Air Service '''88th Aero Squadron'''; deployed to [[France]] during [[World War I]] and served on the [[Western Front]]. Engaged in combat as a corps observation squadron with I, III, IV, and V Army Corps, May 30 – November 10, 1918. After the armistice subsequently served with VII Army Corps in occupation force, November 1918 – May 1919 when the squadron returned to the United States
{{Main|88th Aero Squadron}}
[[File:88th Aero Squadron.jpg|thumb|left|88th Aero Squadron members and aircraft in France]]
The [[squadron (aviation)|squadron]] was organized at [[Kelly Field]], Texas in August 1917 as the '''88th Aero Squadron'''. It deployed to France on {{RMS|Orduna}} in November 1917 and served on the [[Western Front (World War I)|Western Front]] during [[World War I]] . It engaged in combat as a corps observation squadron from 30 May 1918 until the [[Armistice of 11 November 1918]], primarily with [[Salmson 2A2]]s. After the armistice, it served in the [[military occupation|occupation force]], until June 1919 when the squadron returned to the United States.<ref name=436TSfacts>{{Cite web|url= https://www.afhra.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/3471366/436-training-squadron-acc/ |title=Factsheet 436 Training Squadron (AC) |last1=Lahue|first1=Melissa|date=18 July 2023|publisher=Air Force Historical Research Agency|access-date=February 10, 2024}}</ref>


===Inter-War era===
Redesignated as the '''88th Squadron''' in 1921 and assigned to [[Langley Field]], [[Virginia]]. Participated in demonstrations of effectiveness of aerial bombardment on warships, June–September 1921. Deployed for service in connection with civil disorders arising from West Virginia coal strike, September 1921. Redesignated '''88th Observation Squadron''' in 1921 the squadron moved from Langley to support Army ground forces at [[Fort Campbell]], [[Kentucky]]; then to [[Texas]] in 1927 at [[Brooks City-Base|Brooks Field]] to patrol the Mexican Border; to [[Oklahoma]] in 1928 to support [[Fort Sill]], then back to Brooks Field in 1931.
[[File:Douglas O-2H 119th Sqn New Jersey NG 1930.jpg|thumb|left|Douglas O-2 as flown by the squadron until inactivating in 1927]]


====Observation operations====
Squadron moved to [[California]] in 1935 and was assigned to the new [[Hamilton Air Force Base|Hamilton Field]] near [[San Francisco]]. Became a coastal patrol squadron operating amphibian aircraft, then began to operate modern [[Martin B-10]] bombers in 1936 in the reconnaissance mission. The squadron dropped food and supplies and flew photographic missions in connection with flood-relief operations in central California, December 12–13, 1937; upgraded to the [[B-18 Bolo]] in 1938, and in 1939 to early-model Boeing [[B-17|B-17B Flying Fortress]] for long range reconnaissance patrols. Moved to [[Fort Douglas, Utah|Fort Douglas]], [[Utah]] in 1940 when the short runways at Hamilton proved inadequate for B-17 operations, with a secondary move to [[Salt Lake City Army Air Base]] in January 1941 where it was upgraded to the B-17E.
The squadron returned from Europe in the summer of 1919 and in July was stationed at [[Scott Air Force Base|Scott Field]], Illinois, where it began to equip with
[[Dayton-Wright DH-4]]s and [[Douglas O-2]]s. In the fall, it moved to [[Langley Field]], Virginia, where it became part of the [[1st Army Observation Group]]. In 1921, it was reassigned to the [[Air Armament Center|Air Service Field Officers School]], as the '''88th Squadron''', but it was soon attached to the [[1st Provisional Air Brigade]] for operations. With the 1st Brigade, it participated in demonstrations of the effectiveness of aerial bombardment on capital warships from June to September 1921. It deployed a detachment to [[Charleston, West Virginia]] for service in connection with [[West Virginia coal wars|civil disorders arising from West Virginia coal strikes]] in September 1921.<ref name=436TSfacts/><ref name=Maurer436BS/>


In October 1921 the squadron moved from Langley and Charleston to [[Godman Field]], Kentucky to support Army ground forces as part of [[Fifth Corps Area]] in 1922, it moved to [[Wilbur Wright Field]], Ohio, where it became the aviation element of the [[5th Infantry Division (United States)|5th Division]], a Regular Army unit that was inactive, but whose headquarters was manned by [[Organized Reserve]] officers.<ref name=Clay212>Clay, p. 212</ref>{{efn|The squadron commander also served as the Commander, 5th Division Air Service, which included the 7th Photo Section in addition to the squadron. ''See'' lists of commanders, Clay, pp. 1271, 1432. Although the division headquarters was inactive, its 10th Infantry Brigade was active and 5th Division support units were attached to the 10th Brigade during this period. Clay, p. 212. In addition, the 88th was designated as the associate unit for the [[38th Pursuit Squadron]], another Regular Army inactive unit. Clay, p. 1402.}} The squadron became the '''88th Observation Squadron''' in 1923. In May 1927, the squadron moved to [[Brooks City-Base|Brooks Field]], Texas, where it was assigned to the [[Air Corps Training Center]], as reserve officers were withdrawn from the 5th Division.<ref name=Clay212/> The squadron was inactivated at Brooks on 1 August,<ref name=436TSfacts/> and its personnel and equipment formed the [[cadre (military)|cadre]] for the [[52d School Squadron]].<ref>''See'' Clay, pp. 1413, 1432 (simultaneous inactivation of 88th and activation of 52nd at Brooks Field on 1 August 1927.)</ref>
In early December 1941, was ordered to [[Clark Field]], [[Philippines Commonwealth]] to build up forces there due to increased tensions between the United States and the [[Japanese Empire]]. Departed on 5 December from Salt Lake City; then left Hamilton Field on 6 December bound for [[Hickam Field]], [[Hawaii Territory]]. Air echelon under attack during its arrival at Hickam on 7 December. Some of the planes managed to land at [[Haleiwa Fighter Strip]], one set down on a golf course, and the remainder landed at Hickam under the strafing of Japanese planes.


The squadron was again activated at [[Post Field]], Oklahoma on 1 June 1928 and assigned to [[Eighth Corps Area]]. However, it was attached to the [[Field Artillery School]] to provide support for the school's training mission. Although initially equipped with O-2s, it replaced them in 1930 with [[Thomas-Morse O-19]]s. It also carried [[Douglas O-31]] monoplane observation aircraft and [[Douglas C-1]] transport on strength.<ref name=Maurer436BS/> The squadron was assigned once again to a Regular Army inactive unit, the [[14th Observation Group]], but remained attached to the Field
After the Pearl Harbor Attack, the surviving aircraft operated from Hawaii until February 1942, becoming part of the air defense forces of the Territory. Moved to [[Australia]] where the squadron reformed in northern [[Queensland]] in late February. Became part of the new [[Fifth Air Force]]. Moved to [[Java]] in the [[Dutch East Indies]] an attempt to stop the Japanese advance, however the small force of B-17s could do very little to stem the tide of the Japanese advance, launching valiant but futile attacks against the masses of Japanese shipping and returned to [[RAAF Townsville]] in early March.
Artillery School.<ref name=Clay1432/><ref name=436TSfacts/>


The squadron was reassigned to the [[12th Observation Group]] in the spring of 1931, but remained attached to the Field Artillery School until November 1931, when it moved to Brooks Field to join the 12th Group headquarters.<ref name=436TSfacts/> In May 1933, it participated in the [[General Headquarters Air Force]] exercises in southern California.<ref name=Clay1432/>
Redesignated as the '''435th Bombardment Squadron''' in April 1942 and left its B-17Es in Australia, being reassigned to the new [[Tenth Air Force]] in [[India]] where it was re-equipped with long-range Consolidated [[B-24|B-24D Liberator]]s. For the balance of the war, carried out long distance heavy bomb raids over Japanese targets primarily in [[Burma]], [[Thailand]] and [[Indochina]]; although also attacked Japanese targets in Southeastern [[China]] attacking airfields, fuel and supply dumps, locomotive works, railways, bridges, docks, warehouses, shipping, and troop concentrations in Burma and struck oil refineries in [[Thailand]], power plants in [[China]] and enemy shipping in the [[Andaman Sea]]. Ceased bombing operations in late May 1945 and was attached to the [[Air Transport Command]] to haul gasoline from India over the [[Himalayas]] to [[China]]. Squadron demobilized in India, leaving B-24s to Indian Colonial forces, inactivated as a paper unit in the United States in early 1946.


[[File:Douglas OA-3 Dolphin in water 1930s.jpg|thumb|Air Corps Douglas Dolphin]]
Reactivated in 1946 as a [[B-29 Superfortress]] bombardment squadron and trained in global bombardment operations flying simulated bombing missions over various cities, as well as performing intercontinental training missions over the Pacific and later to Europe. In June 1948 the first [[Convair B-36|Consolidated B-36A Peacekeeper]] was delivered. Operated B-36s until 1958 when the squadron began conversion to the B-52 Stratoforterss.


====Long range reconnaissance operations====
In 1959 was reassigned to SAC provisional [[4238th Strategic Wing]], being re-equipped with [[B-52|B-52F Stratofortress]] intercontinental heavy bombers. Was reassigned to [[Barksdale Air Force Base]], [[Mississippi]] by SAC to disperse its heavy bomber force. Conducted worldwide strategic bombardment training missions and providing nuclear deterrent. Was inactivated in 1963 when SAC inactivated its provisional Strategic Wings, redesignating them permanent Air Force Wings. Squadron was inactivated with aircraft/personnel/equipment being redesignated [[20th Bombardment Squadron]] in an in-place, name-only transfer.
In 1935, the squadron was redesignated the '''88th Observation Squadron''' (Long Range, Amphibian) and was assigned to the [[1st Bombardment Wing|1st Wing]] in November, moving to the new [[Hamilton Air Force Base|Hamilton Field]] near [[San Francisco]], California. In its first two months in the new unit role, it participated an both General Headquarters Air Force and 1st Wing maneuvers in Florida.<ref name=Clay1432/> Although the squadron operated [[Douglas OA-4 Dolphin]] and [[Sikorsky S-43|Sikorsky Y1OA-8]] amphibians starting in 1935, it also acquired a number of longer range land based aircraft and in September 1936 it became the '''88th Reconnaissance Squadron''' and was attached to the 7th Bombardment Group.<ref name=436TSfacts/> The squadron dropped food and supplies and flew photographic missions in connection with flood-relief operations in central California, in December 1937. It ended its amphibious mission in 1938. The squadron was equipped with multiengine aircraft, primarily the [[Martin B-10]] until 1937, when it transitioned to the [[Douglas B-18 Bolo]]. It began receiving early model [[Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress]]es in 1939.<ref name=Maurer436BS/>


In January 1940, the squadron participated in joint amphibious exercises at [[Fort Ord]], California.<ref name=Clay1432/> It moved to [[Fort Douglas, Utah|Fort Douglas]], Utah in September 1940 when the short runways at Hamilton proved inadequate for B-17 operations, operating out of the runways at Salt Lake City Airport, which was adjacent to Fort Douglas. The following January, the Army took over Salt Lake City's airport as [[Salt Lake City Army Air Base]], a separate facility which became the squadron's base.<ref name=436TSfacts/> In October 1941, the squadron and the rest of the 7th Bombardment Group was ordered to move to [[Clark Field]], Philippines to build up forces there due to increased tensions between the United States and the Japanese Empire. Due to a lack of planes, some pilots were sent to Seattle to fly new B-17s overseas while the ground echelon departed on 12 November from Salt Lake City, by train, arriving at Angel Island by ferry; sailing on 20 November for Hawaii, on the troopship {{USS|Republic}}. At Hawaii, the ''Republic'' joined a convoy escorted by the heavy cruiser the {{USS|Pensacola (CA-24)}} for the Philippines, this was also known as the [[Pensacola Convoy]]. 7 December they had reached the Equator. Hearing the news of the [[attack on Pearl Harbor]], the convoy changed course to [[Brisbane]], Australia.<ref>Morton, pp. 245-248</ref>
Reactivated in 1986 as a SAC B-52 Training Squadron at [[Carswell AFB]], [[Texas]], inactivated in 1993 with the closure of Carswell. Reactivated in 2005 at [[Dyess AFB]] with a similar mission for [[B-1B Lancer]]s.


===Lineage===
===World War II===
====Operations in the Pacific====
* Organized: '''88th Aero Squadron''' August 18, 1917
[[File:A burned B-17C aircraft rests near Hangar Number Five, Hickam Field, following the attack by Japanese aircraft. Pearl... - NARA - 520602.tif|thumb|A burned B-17C at Hickam Field following the attack by Japanese aircraft on Hickam]]
: Redesignated: '''88th Squadron''' March 14, 1921
The squadron's B-17s being ferried came under attack during their arrival at [[Hickam Field]], Hawaii on 7 December in the middle of the Japanese [[attack on Pearl Harbor]]. Some of the planes managed to land at [[Haleiwa Fighter Strip]], one set down on a golf course, and the remainder landed at Hickam under the strafing of Japanese planes. Following the attacks in Hawaii and the Philippines, the decision was made to divert the 7th Bombardment Group to Java, where it would be reunited with its ground echelon and begin operations there starting in January 1942.<ref name=Maurer7BG>Maurer, ''Combat Units'', pp. 43-45</ref> However, the 88th Squadron air echelon did not proceed across the Pacific with the other elements of the 7th Group, but remained behind to serve in the [[air defense]] of Hawaii until 10 February 1942. It spent a brief period flying missions from [[Nandi Airport]] in the Fiji Islands, before proceeding to [[RAAF Base Townsville|Townsville Airfield]], Australia later that month.<ref name=436TSfacts/><ref name=Maurer436BS/> However, by the time the squadron arrived in the Southwest Pacific, it had been determined that the 7th Group would not remain there, but would be sent forward to reinforce [[Allies of World War II|Allied]] forces in India. The squadron continued to fly missions from Australia until March 1942, when it moved to India.<ref name=Maurer7BG/>
: Redesignated: '''88th Observation Squadron'''' January 25, 1923

: Inactivated: August 1, 1927
====Operations from India====
* Activated: June 1, 1928
[[File:B-24J-185-CO Liberator 44-40852 436th BS 7th BG 1944.jpg|thumb|436th B-24J Liberator unloading fuel after flying "The Hump"{{efn|Aircraft is B-24J-185-CO Liberator, serial 44-40852. Taken at 1944 Kunming, China on 6 September 1944.}}]]
: Redesignated: '''88th Observation Squadron (Long-range, Amphibian)''' March 1, 1935
The squadron arrived in India in March 1942. It was redesignated the '''436th Bombardment Squadron''' in April 1942. It flew its first mission in the [[China Burma India Theater]] on 4 June 1942. Later that month, the need for reinforcements against General [[Erwin Rommel]]'s attacks in the Middle East resulted in the withdrawal of most of the 7th Bombardment Group's heavy bombers from the theater, and two of the [[group (military aviation unit)|group]]'s squadrons converted to [[North American B-25 Mitchell]]s, leaving the 436th as the only remaining squadron in the group flying B-17s.<ref>Bergin; Maurer, ''Combat Squadrons'', pp. 51 ([[9th Bombardment Squadron]] deployed to Palestine), 116 ([[22d Bombardment Squadron]] converted to B-25s).</ref> However, [[Clayton Bissell]], commander of [[Tenth Air Force]] considered the B-17 unsuitable for the long range operations from India, and in August 1942, the decision was made to convert the group to a [[Consolidated B-24 Liberator]] unit.<ref name=Bergin>Bergin</ref>
: Redesignated: '''88th Reconnaissance Squadron''' September 1, 1936

: Redesignated: '''88th Reconnaissance Squadron (Long Range)''' December 6, 1939
Squadron operations were primarily directed against Japanese installations in Burma (Myanmar). The squadron attacked airfields, supply dumps, locomotive manufacturing facilities, and vulnerable sites in the Japanese [[line of communications]], including docks, warehouses and shipping. Other targets included power plants in China oil refineries and railroads in Thailand, and shipping in the Andaman Sea.<ref name=Maurer7BG/>
: Redesignated: '''88th Reconnaissance Squadron (Heavy)''' November 20, 1940

: Redesignated: '''436th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy)''' April 22, 1942
On 10 June 1944, the squadron was taken off combat operations and provided support for [[Boeing B-29 Superfortress]] raids by transporting fuel to bases in China, an operation that continued through November 1944, then the squadron returned to attacking warehouses, shipping, and troop concentrations in Burma, although it maintained a detachment based at [[Luliang Airfield]], China that continued the fuel transportation mission through January 1945. It received a [[Distinguished Unit Citation]] for an attack on railroads and bridges in the [[Kra Isthmus]] of Thailand, the narrowest point on the Malay Peninsula. on 19 March 1945, which disrupted Japanese [[lines of communication]] between [[Singapore]] and [[Bangkok]]. The mission lasted over 17 hours and was the longest formation flight in the CBI.<ref name=Bergin/> In June 1945 it moved to [[Tezpur Airfield]], India, which placed the squadron on the same station as the 7th Group for the first time since it left the United States.<ref name=436TSfacts/><ref name=Maurer7BG/>
: Inactivated: January 6, 1946

* Redesignated: '''436th Bombardment Squadron (Very Heavy)''' October 1, 1946
However, later that month, the squadron resumed transporting fuel over [[the Hump]] to China. It continued this mission past [[V-J Day]], ending it in September 1945. The squadron departed India in December 1945 and was inactivated on reaching Camp Kilmer, New Jersey, the Port of Embarkation, on 6 January 1946.<ref name=436TSfacts/>
: Activated: October 1, 1946

: Redesignated: '''436th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy)''' July 20, 1948
====Bridge over the river Kwai====
: Discontinued, and inactivated on: April 1, 1963; personnel/aircraft/equipment redesignated as [[20th Bombardment Squadron]]
The bridge that was the subject of the film ''[[The Bridge on the River Kwai]]'', based on the novel ''[[The Bridge over the River Kwai]]'' has been identified with [[Burma Railway#The bridge on the River Kwai|Bridge 277]] of the Burma Railway, over the [[Khwae Noi River]]. The real bridge was two parallel bridges, one wooden as depicted in the movie and one concrete. The bridges were constructed by [[prisoners of war]] in a forced labor camp. On 13 December 1943, an attack was made on the bridge, with the 436th providing [[flak]] suppression. Finally, on 13 February 1944, the concrete bridge was rendered unusable, although damage to the wooden bridge was repaired. On 3 April 1945, in an attack led by a crew from the 436th, the wooden bridge was destroyed and not rebuilt during the war.<ref name=Bergin/>
* Redesignated: '''436th Strategic Training Squadron''' February 12, 1986

: Activated: July 1, 1986
===Strategic Air Command===
: Inactivated: October 1, 1993
[[File:7bw-b36-028.jpg|thumb|early B-36 of the 7th Bombardment Wing]]
* Redesignated '''436th Training Squadron''' and reactivated on 1 Oct 2005

====B-36 era====
In October 1946, the squadron was reactivated at [[Fort Worth Army Air Field]], along with other elements of the 7th Bombardment /group and equipped initially with [[B-29 Superfortress]] bombers,<ref name=436TSfacts/><ref name=Maurer436BS/> and trained in global bombardment operations, flying simulated bombing missions over various cities, as well as performing intercontinental training missions over the Pacific and later to Europe. In late June 1948 the first five [[Convair B-36A Peacemaker]]s were delivered to the [[7th Bombardment Wing]]. The B-36As lacked combat equipment and were used primarily for transition and conversion training.<ref>Knaack, p. 21</ref> In November 1948, the wing began to receive B-36Bs, which were capable of carrying nuclear weapons,<ref>Knaack, p. 25</ref> By 1951, almost all B-36As and B-36Bs had been withdrawn from service to be modified to newer configuration. The 7th Wing conducted the first overseas deployment of the B-36 in January 1951, to [[RAF Lakenheath]].<ref>Knaack, p. 32</ref>

[[Strategic Air Command]] (SAC)’s mobilization for the [[Korean War]] highlighted that SAC wing commanders focused too much on running the base organization and not spending enough time on overseeing actual combat preparations. To allow wing commanders the ability to focus on combat operations, the air base group commander became responsible for managing the base housekeeping functions. Under the plan implemented provisionally in 1951, combat squadrons reported directly to the wing commander, who focused primarily on the wing's combat units and the maintenance necessary to support them. The plan became permanent in June 1952, as the 7th Bombardment Group was inactivated.<ref>Deaile, pp. 175-176</ref> From July to September 1955, the squadron deployed with the wing to [[Nouasseur Air Base]], Morocco.<ref>Ravenstein, pp. 18-19</ref>

[[File:Boeing B-52 dropping bombs.jpg|thumb|B-52F dropping conventionalbombs]]

====B-52 era====
In 1958, the squadron began to replace its B-36s with [[Boeing B-52F Stratofortress]]es. SAC bases with large concentrations of bombers made attractive targets. SAC’s response was to break up its wings and scatter their aircraft over a larger number of bases.<ref>Knaack, p. 252</ref> SAC began to disperse its B-52 bombers over a larger number of bases, thus making it more difficult for the Soviet Union to knock out the entire fleet with a surprise first strike.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.airforcehistoryindex.org/data/001/056/917.xml|last1=|first1=|title=Abstract (Unclassified), Vol 1, History of Strategic Air Command, Jan-Jun 1957 (Secret)|date=|publisher=Air Force History Index|access-date=March 4, 2014}}</ref> On 15 April 1958, SAC ended its B-47 operations at [[Barksdale Air Force Base]], Louisiana, when the [[301st Bombardment Wing]] moved to [[Lockbourne Air Force Base]], Ohio, where it replaced the [[26th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing]].<ref>Ravenstein, pp. 47-49, 144-146</ref> 1 August 1958, the 436th dispersed to Barksdale. where it became the strike element of the new [[4238th Strategic Wing]].<ref name=436TSfacts/>

Starting in 1960, one third of the squadron's aircraft were maintained on fifteen minute [[alert state|alert]], fully fueled and ready for combat to reduce vulnerability to a Soviet missile strike. This was increased to half the squadron's aircraft in 1962.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.airforcehistoryindex.org/data/001/010/802.xml |last1=|first1=|title=Abstract (Unclassified), History of the Strategic Bomber since 1945 (Top Secret, downgraded to Secret)|date=1 April 1975|publisher=Air Force History Index|access-date=March 4, 2014}}</ref>

Soon after detection of Soviet missiles in Cuba in 1962, on 20 October all B-52 units, including the 436th, were directed to put two additional planes on alert.<ref>Kipp, ''et al''., p. 34</ref> On 22 October 1/8 of the B-52s were placed on airborne alert.<ref>Kipp, ''et al''., pp. 34-35</ref> On 24 October SAC went to [[DEFCON]] 2, placing all aircraft on alert.<ref>Kipp, ‘’et al’’., p. 35</ref> On 21 November SAC returned to normal airborne alert posture.<ref>Kipp, ''et al''., p. 47</ref> On 27 November SAC returned to normal ground alert posture as tensions over Cuba eased.<ref>Kipp, ''et al''., p. 61</ref>

In February 1963, The [[2nd Bombardment Wing]] moved on paper from [[Hunter Air Force Base]], Georgia<ref name=Ravenstein2BW>Ravenstein, p. 9</ref> and assumed the aircraft, personnel and equipment of the 4238th Strategic Wing, which was discontinued. The 4238h was a [[List of MAJCOM wings of the United States Air Force|Major Command]] controlled (MAJCON) wing, which could not carry a permanent history or lineage,<ref>{{cite book|last=Ravenstein|first=Charles A.|title=A Guide to Air Force Lineage and Honors|edition=2d, Revised|year=1984|publisher=USAF Historical Research Center|location=Maxwell AFB, AL|page=12}}</ref> and SAC wanted to replace it with a permanent unit. The 436th was inactivated and its mission, personnel and equipment were transferred to the 2nd Wing's [[20th Bombardment Squadron]]. While these actions were almost tantamount to redesignation, they were not official redesignations."<ref>''The Development of the Strategic Air Command 1946-1986'', pp. 117-118.</ref><ref>Mueller, p. 23</ref>

===Training operations===
The squadron reactivated in July 1986 at [[Carswell Air Force Base]], Texas as the '''436th Strategic Training Squadron''' to supported the SAC mission through classroom instruction, multimedia production, and training aid fabrication. With the disestablishment of SAC and [[Tactical Air Command]] in June 1992, the term "strategic" was dropped from the squadron name and the squadron was reassigned to [[Air Combat Command]] as the '''436th Training Squadron'''. In 1993, the squadron moved to [[Dyess Air Force Base]], Texas when Carswell became a joint reserve base. The squadron continues to provide classroom instruction for over 10 courses to students from every major command and multimedia productions used throughout the Department of Defense.<ref name=436TSfacts/><ref name=436TSdyess/>

==Lineage==
* Organized as the '''88th Aero Squadron''' 18 August 1917
: Redesignated '''88th Aero Squadron''' (Corps Observation) on 28 May 1918
: Redesignated '''88th Aero Squadron''' on 27 June 1919
: Redesignated '''88th Squadron''' (Observation) on 14 March 1921<ref name=Clay1432/>
: Redesignated '''88th Observation Squadron''' on 25 January 1923
: Inactivated on 1 August 1927
* Activated on 1 June 1928
: Redesignated '''88th Observation Squadron''' (Long-range, Amphibian) on 1 March 1935
: Redesignated '''88th Reconnaissance Squadron''' on 1 September 1936
: Redesignated '''88th Reconnaissance Squadron''' (Long Range) on 6 December 1939
: Redesignated '''88th Reconnaissance Squadron''' (Heavy) on 20 November 1940
: Redesignated '''436th Bombardment Squadron''' (Heavy) on 22 April 1942
: Redesignated '''436th Bombardment Squadron''', Heavy on 3 July 1943
: Inactivated on 6 January 1946
* Redesignated '''436th Bombardment Squadron''', Very Heavy on 1 October 1946
: Activated on 1 October 1946
: Redesignated '''436th Bombardment Squadron''', Heavy on 20 July 1948
: Discontinued and inactivated on 1 April 1963
* Redesignated '''436th Strategic Training Squadron''' on 14 February 1986
: Activated on 1 July 1986
: Redesignated '''436th Training Squadron''' on 1 June 1992<ref name=436TSfacts/>


===Assignments===
===Assignments===
{{div col|colwidth=30em}}
{{Col-begin}}
* Post Headquarters, Kelly Field, 18 August-11 October 1917
{{Col-break|width=50%}}
* [[Aviation Concentration Center]], 11–27 October 1917
* Unknown August 18, 1917 – May 1, 1918
* [[American Expeditionary Forces]], 9–16 November 1917
* [[1st Corps Observation Group (World War I)|I Corps Observation Group]], May 1, 1918 – August 1, 1918
* III Corps Observation Group August 1, 1918 – November 1, 1918
* 1st Air Depot, 16 November 1917
: Attached to V Corps Observation Group, September 12–17, 1918
* 1st Observation Group School, 1 February-28 May 1918
* [[I Corps Observation Group]], 28 May 1918
* Unknown November 1, 1918 – September 1, 1919
* [[III Corps Observation Group]], 4 August 1918 (attached to [[V Corps Observation Group]], 12–17 September 1918)
* 2d Wing September 1, 1919 – March 23, 1920
: Attached to 1st Army Observation Group, October 1919
* [[VII Corps Observation Group]], 29 November 1918
* American Expeditionary Forces, 1–10 June 1919
* lst Army Observation Group (later, 7th Bomb Group), March 24, 1920 – February 9, 1921
* Post Headquarters, Mitchell Field, 27 June 1919
* Air Service Field Officer's School, February 10, 1921 – October 14, 1921
* Post Headquarters, Scott Field, 11 July 1919
: School attached to lst Provisional Air Brigade for operations, May October 6 3, 1921
* [[2d Wing]], 5 September 1919 (attached to 1st Army Observation Group), October 1919
* Fifth Corps Area October 15, 1921 – April 30, 1927
* 1st Army Observation Group, 24 March 1920
* Air Corps Training Center May 1, 1927 – August 1, 1927
* Air Service Field Officer's School, 10 February 1921 – 14 October 1921 (attached to 1st Provisional Air Brigade for operations, 6 May – 3 October 1921)
{{Col-break|width=50%}}
* Eighth Corps Area June 1, 1928 – June 29, 1931
* Fifth Corps Area 15 October 1921
* 5th Division Air Service, 1 July 1923<ref>Clay, p. 1271</ref>
: Attached to Field Artillery School November 1931
* 12th Observation Group June 30, 1931 – August 31, 1936
* Air Corps Training Center 1 May–1 August 1927
* [[Eighth Corps Area]] 1 June 1928 (attached to Field Artillery School)
* [[7th Bomb Wing|7th Bombardment Group]] September 1, 1936 – February 24, 1942
* 14th Observation Group, 8 May 1929<ref>Clay, p. 1307. This was a Regular Army inactive unit.</ref> (attached to Field Artillery School)
: Air echelon attached to: [[31st Test and Evaluation Squadron|31st Bombardment Squadron]], December 10, 1941 – February 8, 1942
* 12th Observation Group 30 June 1931 (attached to Field Artillery School until November 1931)
: Air echelon attached to: [[United States Navy]], February 8, 1942 – March 14, 1942
* 1st Wing 1 March 1935 (attached to 7th Bombardment Group after 1 September 1936, air echelon attached to [[31st Bombardment Squadron]], 10 December 1941 – 8 February 1942, [[United States Navy]])
* [[7th Bombardment Wing]] February 25, 1942 – January 6, 1946
* [[7th Bombardment Group]] October 1, 1946June 15, 1952
* 7th Bombardment Group 25 February 19426 January 1946 (air echelon attached to [[United States Navy]] until 14 March 1942)
* [[7th Bombardment Wing]] June 16, 1952July 31, 1958
* 7th Bombardment Group, 1 October 194615 June 1952 (attached to 7th Bombardment Wing after 14 February 1951)
* 7th Bombardment Wing 16 June 1952
* [[4238th Strategic Wing]] August 1, 1958 – April 1, 1963
* [[Strategic Air Command]] July 1, 1986
* 4238th Strategic Wing, 1 August 1958 – 1 April 1963
* [[Air Combat Command]], June 1, 1992 – October 1, 1993
* Strategic Air Command, 1 July 1986
* [[7th Operations Group]] 1 Oct 2005- Present
* [[Air Combat Command]], 1 June 1992
* 7th Bomb Wing 1 October 1993
{{Col-end}}
* 7th Operations Group 1 July 1994
* [[552nd Operations Group]], 30 Sep 2015
* [[552nd Training Group]], 17 Aug 2018 – present<ref>Assignment information in LaHue, except as noted.</ref>
{{div col end}}


===Stations===
===Stations===
{{div col|colwidth=30em}}
{{Col-begin}}
* Kelly Field, Texas, 18 August 1917
{{Col-break|width=50%}}
* Aviation Concentration Center, Garden City, New York, 11–27 October 1917
* [[Kelly AFB|Kelly Field]], [[Texas]], August 18, 1917
* [[Mitchel AFB|Garden City]], [[New York]], October 11–27, 1917
* [[Colombey-les-Belles Airdrome]], France, 16 November 1917
* [[Amanty Airdrome]], France, 1 February 1918
* Colombey-les-Belles, [[France]], November 16, 1917
* Amanty, [[France]], February 1, 1918
* [[Ourches Aerodrome]], France, 28 May 1918
* Ourches, [[France]], May 28, 1918
* [[Francheville Aerodrome]], France, 7 July 1918
* Francheville, [[France]], July 7, 1918
* [[Ferme des Greves Aerodrome]], France, 4 August 1918
* Ferme-de-Greves, [[France]], August 4, 1918
* [[Goussancourt Airdrome]], France, 4 September 1918
* Goussancourt, [[France]], September 4, 1918
* Ferme des Greves Aerodrome, France, 9 September 1918
* [[Souilly Aerodrome]], France, 12 September 1918
* Ferme-de-Greves, [[France]], September 9, 1918
* [[Pretz-en-Argonne Airdrome]], France, 14 September 1918
* Souilly, [[France]], September 12, 1918
* Pretz-en¬Argonne, [[France]], September 14, 1918
* Souilly Aerodrome, France, 20 September 1918
* [[Bethelainville Aerodrome]], France, 4 November 1918
* Souilly, [[France]], September 20, 1918
* Bethelainville, [[France]], November 4, 1918
* Villers-la-Chevre Aerodrome, France, 29 November 1918
* Villers-la-Chevre, [[France]], November 29, 1918
* [[Trier Airfield]], Germany, 6 December 1918
* [[Trier]], [[Germany]], December 6, 1918
* [[Le Mans]], France, 1–10 June 1919
* [[Le Mans]], [[France]], June 1–10, 1919
* [[Mitchel Field]], New York, 27 June 1919
* [[Mitchel AFB|Mitchel Field]], [[New York]], June 27, 1919
* Scott Field, Illinois, 1 July 1919
* Langley Field, Virginia, 5 September 1919 (detachment operated from Charleston, West Virginia, 3–8 September 1921, detachment remained at Charleston until October 1921)
* [[Scott AFB|Scott Field]], [[Illinois]], 1 July 1919
* [[Langley AFB|Langley Field]], [[Virginia]], September 5, 1919
* Godman Field, Kentucky, 15 October 1921
* Wilbur Wright Field, Ohio, 11 October 1922
: Operated from [[Charleston, West Virginia]], September 3–8, 1921
* Brooks Field, Texas, 7 May – 1 August 1927
: Detachment remained at Charleston until October 1921
* [[Godman Field]], [[Kentucky]], October 15, 1921
* Post Field, Oklahoma, 1 June 1928
* Brooks Field, Texas, 5 November 1931
* [[Wright-Patterson AFB|Wilbur Wright Field]], [[Ohio]], October 11, 1922
* [[Brooks AFB|Brooks Field]], [[Texas]], May 7 – August 1, 1927
* Hamilton Field, California, 28 September 1935
* Fort Douglas, Utah, 7 September 1940
* [[Post Field]], [[Oklahoma]], June 1, 1928
* Salt Lake City Army Air Base, Utah, c. 15 January – 11 November 1941
* [[Brooks AFB|Brooks Field]], [[Texas]], November 5, 1931
* [[Archerfield Airport]], Australia, 22 December 1941 – 4 February 1942 (air echelon operated from Hickam Field, Hawaii, 7 December 1941 – 10 February 1942; Nandi Airport, Fiji Islands, 12–17 February 1942; [[RAAF Base Townsville]], Australia, 20 February – c. 14 March 1942
* [[Hamilton AFB|Hamilton Field]], [[California]], September 28, 1935
* [[Karachi]], India, 12 March 1942 (operations from Townsville continued to c. 14 March 1942)
{{Col-break|width=50%}}
* [[Fort Douglas, Utah]], September 7, 1940
* [[Allahabad]], India, 1 June 1942
* [[Gaya Airfield]], India, 14 November 1942
* [[Salt Lake City International Airport|Salt Lake City Airport]], [[Utah]], c. January 15 – November 11, 1941
* [[Archerfield Airport|Archerfield Airport (Brisbane)]], [[Australia]], December 22, 1941 – February 4, 1942
* [[Bishnupur, Manipur|Bishnupur Airfield]], India, 25 February 1943
* [[Panagarh Airfield]], India, 25 September 1943
: Air echelon operated from: [[Hickam AFB|Hickam Field]], [[Hawaii]] (Territory), December 7, 1941 – February 10, 1942
* Madhaiganj Airfield, India, 13 December 1943
: Air echelon operated from: [[Nadi International Airport|Nandi Airport]], [[Fiji Islands]], February 12–17, 1942
* [[Tezgaon Airfield]], India, 14 June 1944
: Air echelon operated from: [[RAAF Base Townsville]], [[Australia]], February 20 – c. March 14, 1942
* Madhaiganj Airfield, India, 6 October 1944 (detachment based at Luliang Airfield, China, December 1944 – January 1945)
* [[Karachi]], [[India]], March 12, 1942
* Allahabad, [[India]], June 1, 1942
* Tezpur Airfield, India, 1 June – 7 December 1945
* Camp Kilmer, New Jersey, 5–6 January 1946
* Gaya, [[India]], November 14, 1942
* Ft Worth Army Air Field (later Carswell Air Force Base), Texas, 1 October 1946
* Bishnupur, [[India]], February 25, 1943
* Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, 1 August 1958 – 1 April 1963
* Panagarh, [[India]], September 25, 1943
* Carswell Air Force Base, Texas 1 July 1986
* Madhaiganj, [[India]], December 13, 1943
* Dyess Air Force Base, Texas 5 March 1993 – present<ref name=436TSfacts/>
* Tezgaon, [[India]], June 14, 1944
{{div col end}}
* Madhaiganj, [[India]], October 6, 1944
: Detachment based at Luliang, [[China]], ferrying gasoline to Suichwan, China, December 1944 – January 1945
* Tezpur, [[India]], June 1 – December 7, 1945
* Camp Kilmer, [[New Jersey]], January 5–6, 1946
* [[Carswell AFB|Ft Worth AAF1d (later Carswell AFB)]], [[Texas]], i October 1946
* [[Barksdale AFB]], [[Louisiana]], August 1, 1958 – April 1, 1963.
* [[Carswell AFB]], [[Texas]] July 1, 1986 – October 1, 1993
* [[Dyess AFB]], Texas 1 Oct 2005- Present
{{Col-end}}


===Aircraft===
===Aircraft===
{{div col|colwidth=25em}}
{{Col-begin}}
* [[Dorand AR|Dorand Avion de Reconnaissance 1 and 2 (AR 1 AR 2)]], 1918
{{Col-break|width=50%}}
* AR type, 1918
* [[Sopwith 1½ Strutter]], 1918
* Salmson 2A2, 1918–1919
* Sopwith 1, 1918
* Dayton-Wright DH-4, 1919–1921
* Salmson 2, 1918-1919
* Douglas O-2, 1919–1927, 1928-1930
* Included DH-4 (US Built) and 0-2 during period 1919-1927
* Thomas-Morse O-19, 1930–1935
* 0-2, 1928-1930
* Douglas O-31, 1930–1933
* In addition to 0-19, 1930-1935
* Douglas C-1, 1930–1933
* Included 0-31 and C-1 during period 1930-1933
* 0-43, 1934-1935
* [[Douglas O-43]], 1934–1935
* Douglas O-35, 1935–1937
* In addition to 0-35, 1935-1937, and B-12, 1936-c. 1937
* [[Fokker O-27]], 1935–1938
{{Col-break|width=50%}}
* [[Douglas OA-4 Dolphin]], 1935–1938
* Included 0-27, OA-4, Y1OA-8, B-7, and B-10 during period 1935-1938
* Sikorsky Y1OA-8, 1935–1938
* B-18, 1937-1940
* B-17, 1939-1942
* Douglas B-7, 1935–1938
* [[Martin B-10]], 1935–1938
* B-24, 1942-1945
* B-29, 1946-1948
* Martin B-12, 1936-c. 1937
* [[Douglas B-18 Bolo]], 1937–1940
* B-36, 1948-1958
* Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress, 1939–1942
* B-52 1958-1963
* Consolidated B-24 Liberator, 1942–1945
{{col-end}}
* Boeing B-29 Superfortress, 1946–1948
* Convair B-36 Peacemaker, 1948–1958
* Boeing B-52 Stratofortress, 1958–1963<ref>Aircraft through March 1963 in Maurer, ''Combat Squadrons'', pp. 538-540</ref>
{{div col end}}

===Awards and campaigns===
{{unit awards table
|award_image1=AF PUC
|award_name1=[[Distinguished Unit Citation]]
|award_date1=19 March 1945
|award_notes1=Thailand 436th Bombardment Squadron<ref name=436TSfacts/>
|award_image2=AF MUA
|award_name2=[[Air Force Meritorious Unit Award]]
|award_date2=1 June 2013-31 May 2015
|award_notes2=436th Training Squadron<ref name=436TSfacts/>
|award_image3=AF MUA
|award_name3=Air Force Meritorious Unit Award
|award_date3=1 June 2015-31 May 2016
|award_notes3=436th Training Squadron<ref name=436TSfacts/>
|award_image4=AF MUA
|award_name4=Air Force Meritorious Unit Award
|award_date4=1 June 2020-31 May 2021
|award_notes4=436th Training Squadron<ref name=436TSfacts/>
|award_image5=AF OUA
|award_name5=[[Air Force Outstanding Unit Award]]
|award_date5=1 July 1986-30 June 1988
|award_notes5=436th Strategic Training Squadron<ref name=436TSfacts/>
|award_image6=AF OUA
|award_name6=Air Force Outstanding Unit Award
|award_date6=1 July 1988-30 June 1990
|award_notes6=436th Strategic Training Squadron<ref name=436TSfacts/>
|award_image7=AF OUA
|award_name7=Air Force Outstanding Unit Award
|award_date7=1 July 1990-29 May 1990
|award_notes7=436th Strategic Training Squadron<ref name=436TSfacts/>
|award_image8=AF OUA
|award_name8=Air Force Outstanding Unit Award
|award_date8=1 June 1992-30 June 1994
|award_notes8=436th Training Squadron<ref name=436TSfacts/>
|award_image9=AF OUA
|award_name9=Air Force Outstanding Unit Award
|award_date9=1 June 1996-31 May 1998
|award_notes9=436th Training Squadron<ref name=436TSfacts/>
|award_image10=AF OUA
|award_name10=Air Force Outstanding Unit Award
|award_date10=1 June 1998-31 May 2000
|award_notes10=436th Training Squadron<ref name=436TSfacts/>
|award_image11=AF OUA
|award_name11=Air Force Outstanding Unit Award
|award_date11=1 June 2002-31 May 2004
|award_notes11=436th Training Squadron<ref name=436TSfacts/>
|award_image12=AF OUA
|award_name12=Air Force Outstanding Unit Award
|award_date12=1 June 2005-31 May 2007
|award_notes12=436th Training Squadron<ref name=436TSfacts/>
}}

{| class="wikitable"
|- style="background:#efefef;"
! Campaign Streamer
! Campaign
! Dates
! Notes
|-
|[[File:World War I War Service Streamer without inscription.png|200px]]||Champagne-Marne||15 July 1918 – 18 July 1918||88th Aero Squadron<ref name=436TSfacts/>
|-
|[[File:World War I War Service Streamer without inscription.png|200px]]||Aisne-Marne||18 July 1918 – 16 August 1918||88th Aero Squadron<ref name=436TSfacts/>
|-
|[[File:World War I War Service Streamer without inscription.png|200px]]||Oise-Aisne||18 August 1918 – 11 November 1918||88th Aero Squadron<ref name=436TSfacts/>
|-
|[[File:World War I War Service Streamer without inscription.png|200px]]||St Mihiel||12 September 1918 – 16 September 1918||88th Aero Squadron<ref name=436TSfacts/>
|-
|[[File:World War I War Service Streamer without inscription.png|200px]]||Meuse-Argonne||26 September 1918 – 11 November 1918||88th Aero Squadron<ref name=436TSfacts/>
|-
|[[File:World War I War Service Streamer without inscription.png|200px]]||Champagne||||88th Aero Squadron<ref name=436TSfacts/>
|-
|[[File:World War I War Service Streamer without inscription.png|200px]]||Ile-de-France||||88th Aero Squadron<ref name=436TSfacts/>
|-
|[[File:World War I War Service Streamer without inscription.png|200px]]||Lorraine||||88th Aero Squadron<ref name=436TSfacts/>
|-
|[[Image:Streamer AOG.PNG|200px]]||World War I Army of Occupation (Germany)||12 Nov 1918–1 June 1919||88th Aero Squadron<ref name=436TSfacts/>
|-
|[[Image:Streamer APC.PNG|200px]]||Central Pacific||7 December 1941 – 14 March 1942||88th Reconnaissance Squadron<ref name=436TSfacts/>
|-
|[[Image:Streamer APC.PNG|200px]]||East Indies||1 January 1942 – 14 March 1942||88th Reconnaissance Squadron<ref name=436TSfacts/>
|-
|[[Image:Streamer APC.PNG|200px]]||Burma||12 March 1942 – 26 May 1942||88th Reconnaissance Squadron (later 436th Bombardment Squadron)<ref name=436TSfacts/>
|-
|[[Image:Streamer APC.PNG|200px]]||India-Burma||2 April 1943 – 28 January 1945||436th Bombardment Squadron<ref name=436TSfacts/>
|-
|[[Image:Streamer APC.PNG|200px]]||Central Burma||29 January 1945 – 15 July 1945||436th Bombardment Squadron<ref name=436TSfacts/>
|-
|[[Image:Streamer APC.PNG|200px]]||China Defensive||4 July 1942 – 4 May 1945||436th Bombardment Squadron<ref name=436TSfacts/>
|-
|[[Image:Streamer APC.PNG|200px]]||China Offensive||5 May 1945 – 2 September 1945||436th Bombardment Squadron<ref name=436TSfacts/>
|-
|[[Image:Streamer APC.PNG|200px]]||Air Combat, Asiatic–Pacific Theater||7 December 1941 – 10 September 1945 ||436th Bombardment Squadron<ref name=436TSfacts/>
|}


==See also==
==See also==
* [[List of American aero squadrons]]
{{Portal box|United States Air Force|Military of the United States}}
* [[B-17 Flying Fortress units of the United States Army Air Forces]]
* [[List of American Aero Squadrons]]
* [[United States Army Air Forces in Australia]]
* [[United States Army Air Forces in Australia]]
* [[B-24 Liberator units of the United States Army Air Forces]]
* [[List of B-29 Superfortress operators]]
* [[List of B-52 Units of the United States Air Force]]
* [[List of B-52 Units of the United States Air Force]]


==References==
==References==
===Notes===
{{AFHRA}}
; Explanatory notes
{{Reflist}}
{{Notelist}}
<references />

* Mauer, Mauer (1969), Combat Squadrons of the Air Force, World War II, Air Force Historical Studies Office, Maxwell AFB, Alabama. ISBN 0892010975
; Citations
{{Reflist|30em}}

===Bibliography===
{{Air Force Historical Research Agency}}
{{cite news |url= https://warfarehistorynetwork.com/article/bombing-burmas-bridges/ |last1=Bergin|first1=Bob|title=Bombing Burma's Bridges|year=2019|volume=18 |issue=3|publisher=WW II History|access-date=April 4, 2024}}
* {{cite book|last=Clay|first=Steven E.|title=US Army Order of Battle 1919-1941|url=http://www.cgsc.edu/carl/download/csipubs/OrderOfBattle/OrderofBattle3.pdf|access-date=October 16, 2012|volume=3 The Services: Air Service, Engineers, and Special Troops 1919-1941|year=2011|publisher=Combat Studies Institute Press|location=Fort Leavenworth, KS|isbn=978-0-98419-014-0|oclc=637712205|lccn=2010022326|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927135817/http://www.cgsc.edu/carl/download/csipubs/OrderOfBattle/OrderofBattle3.pdf|archive-date=27 September 2013|url-status=dead}}
* {{cite book|last=Deaile|first=Melvin G.|title=The SAC Mentality: The Origins of Organizational Culture in Strategic Air Command 1946-1962|url= https://cdr.lib.unc.edu/indexablecontent/uuid:2ad28821-8054-4890-804d-43af2737b85f |access-date=February 14, 2015|year= 2007|publisher=University of North Carolina|location=Chapel Hill, NC}}
* {{cite book|last=Gorrell|first= Col. Edgar S.|title=History of the American Expeditionary Forces Air Service, 1917-1919|series = Series E: Squadron Histories|volume= 9 History of the 72d, 73d, 85th, and 88th–90th Aero Squadrons|year= 1974|publisher=National Archives and Records Service, General Services Administration|location= Washington, DC|oclc=215070705}}
* {{cite book|last=Knaack|first=Marcelle Size|title=Encyclopedia of US Air Force Aircraft and Missile Systems|url= http://media.defense.gov/2010/May/26/2001330264/-1/-1/0/AFD-100526-026.pdf |access-date=December 17, 2016|volume=2, Post-World War II Bombers 1945-1973|year= 1978 |publisher= Office of Air Force History|location= Washington, DC|isbn=0-912799-59-5 }}
* {{cite book|editor=Maurer, Maurer|title=Air Force Combat Units of World War II|orig-year= 1961|url= http://media.defense.gov/2010/Sep/21/2001330256/-1/-1/0/AFD-100921-044.pdf |edition=reprint|year=1983|publisher=Office of Air Force History|location=Washington, DC|isbn=0-912799-02-1|lccn=61060979}}
* {{cite book|editor=Maurer, Maurer|title=Combat Squadrons of the Air Force, World War II|orig-year=1969|url= http://media.defense.gov/2010/Dec/02/2001329899/-1/-1/0/AFD-101202-002.pdf|edition= reprint|year=1982|publisher=Office of Air Force History|location=Washington, DC|isbn=0-405-12194-6|oclc=72556|lccn=70605402}}
* {{cite book|last=Morton|first=Lewis|year=1993|title=The War in the Pacific: The Fall Of The Philippines|series=United States Army In World War II|publisher=Center for Military History, United States Army|location=Washington, DC|lccn=53-63678 |url=https://www.history.army.mil/html/books/005/5-2-1/CMH_Pub_5-2-1.pdf|access-date=April 1, 2024}}
* {{cite book|last=Ravenstein|first=Charles A.|title=Air Force Combat Wings, Lineage & Honors Histories 1947-1977|url= http://media.defense.gov/2010/Sep/21/2001330257/-1/-1/0/AFD-100921-047.pdf|access-date= December 17, 2016|year=1984|publisher=Office of Air Force History|location=Washington, DC|isbn=0-912799-12-9}}
* {{cite book|last1=Hopkins|first1=J. C. |last2=Goldberg|first2=Sheldon A.|title=The Development of Strategic Air Command 1946-1986 (the fortieth anniversary history)|url= https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=uiug.30112001080677;view=1up;seq=3 |access-date=February 18, 2018|year=1986|publisher= Office of the Historian, Strategic Air Command|location= Offutt AFB, NE|isbn= |asin= }}


{{US Air Force navbox}}
==External links==
{{USAF Air Combat Command}}
{{Strategic Air Command}}
{{Strategic Air Command}}
{{USAAF 13th Air Force World War II}}
{{USAAF 10th Air Force World War II}}
{{USAAF 10th Air Force World War II}}
{{USAAF 5th Air Force World War II}}
{{USAAF 5th Air Force World War II}}


[[Category:Military units and formations of the United States in World War II]]
[[Category:Training squadrons of the United States Air Force|0436]]
[[Category:Military units and formations in Texas]]
[[Category:Training squadrons of the United States Air Force|Strategic Training 0436]]
[[Category:Training units of the United States Air Force]]
[[Category:Units and formations of Strategic Air Command]]
[[Category:B-36 units of the United States Air Force]]
[[Category:Military units and formations of the United States in the Cold War]]

Latest revision as of 00:17, 13 October 2024

436th Training Squadron
A 436th Training Squadron instructor trains two individuals on the weapons flightline course at Dyess AFB
Active1917–1927; 1928–1946; 1946–1963; 1986–present
Country United States
Branch United States Air Force
RoleTraining
SizeSquadron
Part ofAir Combat Command
Garrison/HQDyess Air Force Base, Texas
EngagementsWorld War I
Occupation of the Rhineland
Southwest Pacific Theater
China Burma India Theater
DecorationsDistinguished Unit Citation
Air Force Meritorious Unit Award
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award
Commanders
Notable
commanders
Hugh J. Knerr
Lewis H. Brereton[1]
Insignia
436th Training Squadron emblem[a]
88th Observation Squadron emblem[b][2]

The 436th Training Squadron is a non-flying training squadron of the United States Air Force. The 436th Training Squadron, located at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, is a geographically separated unit within Air Combat Command’s 552nd Air Control Wing, at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma.

The 436th is one of the oldest units in the United States Air Force, first being organized as the 88th Aero Squadron on 18 August 1917 at Kelly Field, Texas. The squadron deployed to France and fought on the Western Front during World War I as a Corps observation squadron.

The squadron returned to the United States in 1919. In 1921, it participated in tests off the Atlantic coast of Virginia designed to test the effectiveness of aircraft against battleships. Following the tests the squadron moved to Ohio, where it served as the aviation element of the 5th Division until 1927, when it moved to Texas as a training unit, but was inactivated shortly after the move and its personnel and equipment used to form another squadron. It was reactivated in 1928, becoming a long range reconnaissance unit in 1935. In 1941, it was ordered to reinforce the air defenses of the Philippines.

On 7 December 1941, elements of the 88th Reconnaissance Squadron were one of the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress units that landed at Hickam Field, Hawaii during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Until March 1942, it engaged in combat missions in the Pacific. It moved to the China Burma India Theater, entering combat in June as the 436th Bombardment Squadron . It converted from the B-17 to the Consolidated B-24 Liberator in the combat zone in fall 1942. From June through October 1944, the squadron was removed from combat operations and was engaged in airlifting fuel to bases in China to support Boeing B-29 Superfortress strikes. It returned to combat and earned the Distinguished Unit Citation for an attack on railroads in Thailand. Following V-J Day, the squadron returned to the United States for inactivation.

The squadron was reactivated in 1946 as part of Strategic Air Command's (SAC) strike force. In 1948, it began flying Convair B-36 Peacemakers It converted to Boeing B-52 Stratofortresses and dispersed To Barksdale Air Force Base. It maintained half of its bombers on alert during the Cold War, and placed all planes on alert during the Cuban Missile Crisis. The 436th inactivated in 1963 in a general reorganization of SAC units.

The squadron was reactivated in its current role as the 436th Strategic Training Squadron in 1986

Mission

[edit]

The 436th Training Squadron provides formal training to Air Combat Command using 14 classes at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas and other programs exported directly to units for local training needs.[3]

Training includes flight, ground and weapons safety, Air Force operations resource management system, classroom instructor training, aircrew flight equipment, and computer software use and development. The 436th Training Squadron also develops multimedia and formal presentations used in training program development and formal presentations. Multimedia personnel are based at Dyess and deploy worldwide to perform their mission. Unit products and services are used throughout the Department of Defense.[3]

History

[edit]

World War I

[edit]
88th Aero Squadron members and aircraft in France

The squadron was organized at Kelly Field, Texas in August 1917 as the 88th Aero Squadron. It deployed to France on RMS Orduna in November 1917 and served on the Western Front during World War I . It engaged in combat as a corps observation squadron from 30 May 1918 until the Armistice of 11 November 1918, primarily with Salmson 2A2s. After the armistice, it served in the occupation force, until June 1919 when the squadron returned to the United States.[4]

Inter-War era

[edit]
Douglas O-2 as flown by the squadron until inactivating in 1927

Observation operations

[edit]

The squadron returned from Europe in the summer of 1919 and in July was stationed at Scott Field, Illinois, where it began to equip with Dayton-Wright DH-4s and Douglas O-2s. In the fall, it moved to Langley Field, Virginia, where it became part of the 1st Army Observation Group. In 1921, it was reassigned to the Air Service Field Officers School, as the 88th Squadron, but it was soon attached to the 1st Provisional Air Brigade for operations. With the 1st Brigade, it participated in demonstrations of the effectiveness of aerial bombardment on capital warships from June to September 1921. It deployed a detachment to Charleston, West Virginia for service in connection with civil disorders arising from West Virginia coal strikes in September 1921.[4][2]

In October 1921 the squadron moved from Langley and Charleston to Godman Field, Kentucky to support Army ground forces as part of Fifth Corps Area in 1922, it moved to Wilbur Wright Field, Ohio, where it became the aviation element of the 5th Division, a Regular Army unit that was inactive, but whose headquarters was manned by Organized Reserve officers.[5][c] The squadron became the 88th Observation Squadron in 1923. In May 1927, the squadron moved to Brooks Field, Texas, where it was assigned to the Air Corps Training Center, as reserve officers were withdrawn from the 5th Division.[5] The squadron was inactivated at Brooks on 1 August,[4] and its personnel and equipment formed the cadre for the 52d School Squadron.[6]

The squadron was again activated at Post Field, Oklahoma on 1 June 1928 and assigned to Eighth Corps Area. However, it was attached to the Field Artillery School to provide support for the school's training mission. Although initially equipped with O-2s, it replaced them in 1930 with Thomas-Morse O-19s. It also carried Douglas O-31 monoplane observation aircraft and Douglas C-1 transport on strength.[2] The squadron was assigned once again to a Regular Army inactive unit, the 14th Observation Group, but remained attached to the Field Artillery School.[1][4]

The squadron was reassigned to the 12th Observation Group in the spring of 1931, but remained attached to the Field Artillery School until November 1931, when it moved to Brooks Field to join the 12th Group headquarters.[4] In May 1933, it participated in the General Headquarters Air Force exercises in southern California.[1]

Air Corps Douglas Dolphin

Long range reconnaissance operations

[edit]

In 1935, the squadron was redesignated the 88th Observation Squadron (Long Range, Amphibian) and was assigned to the 1st Wing in November, moving to the new Hamilton Field near San Francisco, California. In its first two months in the new unit role, it participated an both General Headquarters Air Force and 1st Wing maneuvers in Florida.[1] Although the squadron operated Douglas OA-4 Dolphin and Sikorsky Y1OA-8 amphibians starting in 1935, it also acquired a number of longer range land based aircraft and in September 1936 it became the 88th Reconnaissance Squadron and was attached to the 7th Bombardment Group.[4] The squadron dropped food and supplies and flew photographic missions in connection with flood-relief operations in central California, in December 1937. It ended its amphibious mission in 1938. The squadron was equipped with multiengine aircraft, primarily the Martin B-10 until 1937, when it transitioned to the Douglas B-18 Bolo. It began receiving early model Boeing B-17 Flying Fortresses in 1939.[2]

In January 1940, the squadron participated in joint amphibious exercises at Fort Ord, California.[1] It moved to Fort Douglas, Utah in September 1940 when the short runways at Hamilton proved inadequate for B-17 operations, operating out of the runways at Salt Lake City Airport, which was adjacent to Fort Douglas. The following January, the Army took over Salt Lake City's airport as Salt Lake City Army Air Base, a separate facility which became the squadron's base.[4] In October 1941, the squadron and the rest of the 7th Bombardment Group was ordered to move to Clark Field, Philippines to build up forces there due to increased tensions between the United States and the Japanese Empire. Due to a lack of planes, some pilots were sent to Seattle to fly new B-17s overseas while the ground echelon departed on 12 November from Salt Lake City, by train, arriving at Angel Island by ferry; sailing on 20 November for Hawaii, on the troopship USS Republic. At Hawaii, the Republic joined a convoy escorted by the heavy cruiser the USS Pensacola (CA-24) for the Philippines, this was also known as the Pensacola Convoy. 7 December they had reached the Equator. Hearing the news of the attack on Pearl Harbor, the convoy changed course to Brisbane, Australia.[7]

World War II

[edit]

Operations in the Pacific

[edit]
A burned B-17C at Hickam Field following the attack by Japanese aircraft on Hickam

The squadron's B-17s being ferried came under attack during their arrival at Hickam Field, Hawaii on 7 December in the middle of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Some of the planes managed to land at Haleiwa Fighter Strip, one set down on a golf course, and the remainder landed at Hickam under the strafing of Japanese planes. Following the attacks in Hawaii and the Philippines, the decision was made to divert the 7th Bombardment Group to Java, where it would be reunited with its ground echelon and begin operations there starting in January 1942.[8] However, the 88th Squadron air echelon did not proceed across the Pacific with the other elements of the 7th Group, but remained behind to serve in the air defense of Hawaii until 10 February 1942. It spent a brief period flying missions from Nandi Airport in the Fiji Islands, before proceeding to Townsville Airfield, Australia later that month.[4][2] However, by the time the squadron arrived in the Southwest Pacific, it had been determined that the 7th Group would not remain there, but would be sent forward to reinforce Allied forces in India. The squadron continued to fly missions from Australia until March 1942, when it moved to India.[8]

Operations from India

[edit]
436th B-24J Liberator unloading fuel after flying "The Hump"[d]

The squadron arrived in India in March 1942. It was redesignated the 436th Bombardment Squadron in April 1942. It flew its first mission in the China Burma India Theater on 4 June 1942. Later that month, the need for reinforcements against General Erwin Rommel's attacks in the Middle East resulted in the withdrawal of most of the 7th Bombardment Group's heavy bombers from the theater, and two of the group's squadrons converted to North American B-25 Mitchells, leaving the 436th as the only remaining squadron in the group flying B-17s.[9] However, Clayton Bissell, commander of Tenth Air Force considered the B-17 unsuitable for the long range operations from India, and in August 1942, the decision was made to convert the group to a Consolidated B-24 Liberator unit.[10]

Squadron operations were primarily directed against Japanese installations in Burma (Myanmar). The squadron attacked airfields, supply dumps, locomotive manufacturing facilities, and vulnerable sites in the Japanese line of communications, including docks, warehouses and shipping. Other targets included power plants in China oil refineries and railroads in Thailand, and shipping in the Andaman Sea.[8]

On 10 June 1944, the squadron was taken off combat operations and provided support for Boeing B-29 Superfortress raids by transporting fuel to bases in China, an operation that continued through November 1944, then the squadron returned to attacking warehouses, shipping, and troop concentrations in Burma, although it maintained a detachment based at Luliang Airfield, China that continued the fuel transportation mission through January 1945. It received a Distinguished Unit Citation for an attack on railroads and bridges in the Kra Isthmus of Thailand, the narrowest point on the Malay Peninsula. on 19 March 1945, which disrupted Japanese lines of communication between Singapore and Bangkok. The mission lasted over 17 hours and was the longest formation flight in the CBI.[10] In June 1945 it moved to Tezpur Airfield, India, which placed the squadron on the same station as the 7th Group for the first time since it left the United States.[4][8]

However, later that month, the squadron resumed transporting fuel over the Hump to China. It continued this mission past V-J Day, ending it in September 1945. The squadron departed India in December 1945 and was inactivated on reaching Camp Kilmer, New Jersey, the Port of Embarkation, on 6 January 1946.[4]

Bridge over the river Kwai

[edit]

The bridge that was the subject of the film The Bridge on the River Kwai, based on the novel The Bridge over the River Kwai has been identified with Bridge 277 of the Burma Railway, over the Khwae Noi River. The real bridge was two parallel bridges, one wooden as depicted in the movie and one concrete. The bridges were constructed by prisoners of war in a forced labor camp. On 13 December 1943, an attack was made on the bridge, with the 436th providing flak suppression. Finally, on 13 February 1944, the concrete bridge was rendered unusable, although damage to the wooden bridge was repaired. On 3 April 1945, in an attack led by a crew from the 436th, the wooden bridge was destroyed and not rebuilt during the war.[10]

Strategic Air Command

[edit]
early B-36 of the 7th Bombardment Wing

B-36 era

[edit]

In October 1946, the squadron was reactivated at Fort Worth Army Air Field, along with other elements of the 7th Bombardment /group and equipped initially with B-29 Superfortress bombers,[4][2] and trained in global bombardment operations, flying simulated bombing missions over various cities, as well as performing intercontinental training missions over the Pacific and later to Europe. In late June 1948 the first five Convair B-36A Peacemakers were delivered to the 7th Bombardment Wing. The B-36As lacked combat equipment and were used primarily for transition and conversion training.[11] In November 1948, the wing began to receive B-36Bs, which were capable of carrying nuclear weapons,[12] By 1951, almost all B-36As and B-36Bs had been withdrawn from service to be modified to newer configuration. The 7th Wing conducted the first overseas deployment of the B-36 in January 1951, to RAF Lakenheath.[13]

Strategic Air Command (SAC)’s mobilization for the Korean War highlighted that SAC wing commanders focused too much on running the base organization and not spending enough time on overseeing actual combat preparations. To allow wing commanders the ability to focus on combat operations, the air base group commander became responsible for managing the base housekeeping functions. Under the plan implemented provisionally in 1951, combat squadrons reported directly to the wing commander, who focused primarily on the wing's combat units and the maintenance necessary to support them. The plan became permanent in June 1952, as the 7th Bombardment Group was inactivated.[14] From July to September 1955, the squadron deployed with the wing to Nouasseur Air Base, Morocco.[15]

B-52F dropping conventionalbombs

B-52 era

[edit]

In 1958, the squadron began to replace its B-36s with Boeing B-52F Stratofortresses. SAC bases with large concentrations of bombers made attractive targets. SAC’s response was to break up its wings and scatter their aircraft over a larger number of bases.[16] SAC began to disperse its B-52 bombers over a larger number of bases, thus making it more difficult for the Soviet Union to knock out the entire fleet with a surprise first strike.[17] On 15 April 1958, SAC ended its B-47 operations at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, when the 301st Bombardment Wing moved to Lockbourne Air Force Base, Ohio, where it replaced the 26th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing.[18] 1 August 1958, the 436th dispersed to Barksdale. where it became the strike element of the new 4238th Strategic Wing.[4]

Starting in 1960, one third of the squadron's aircraft were maintained on fifteen minute alert, fully fueled and ready for combat to reduce vulnerability to a Soviet missile strike. This was increased to half the squadron's aircraft in 1962.[19]

Soon after detection of Soviet missiles in Cuba in 1962, on 20 October all B-52 units, including the 436th, were directed to put two additional planes on alert.[20] On 22 October 1/8 of the B-52s were placed on airborne alert.[21] On 24 October SAC went to DEFCON 2, placing all aircraft on alert.[22] On 21 November SAC returned to normal airborne alert posture.[23] On 27 November SAC returned to normal ground alert posture as tensions over Cuba eased.[24]

In February 1963, The 2nd Bombardment Wing moved on paper from Hunter Air Force Base, Georgia[25] and assumed the aircraft, personnel and equipment of the 4238th Strategic Wing, which was discontinued. The 4238h was a Major Command controlled (MAJCON) wing, which could not carry a permanent history or lineage,[26] and SAC wanted to replace it with a permanent unit. The 436th was inactivated and its mission, personnel and equipment were transferred to the 2nd Wing's 20th Bombardment Squadron. While these actions were almost tantamount to redesignation, they were not official redesignations."[27][28]

Training operations

[edit]

The squadron reactivated in July 1986 at Carswell Air Force Base, Texas as the 436th Strategic Training Squadron to supported the SAC mission through classroom instruction, multimedia production, and training aid fabrication. With the disestablishment of SAC and Tactical Air Command in June 1992, the term "strategic" was dropped from the squadron name and the squadron was reassigned to Air Combat Command as the 436th Training Squadron. In 1993, the squadron moved to Dyess Air Force Base, Texas when Carswell became a joint reserve base. The squadron continues to provide classroom instruction for over 10 courses to students from every major command and multimedia productions used throughout the Department of Defense.[4][3]

Lineage

[edit]
  • Organized as the 88th Aero Squadron 18 August 1917
Redesignated 88th Aero Squadron (Corps Observation) on 28 May 1918
Redesignated 88th Aero Squadron on 27 June 1919
Redesignated 88th Squadron (Observation) on 14 March 1921[1]
Redesignated 88th Observation Squadron on 25 January 1923
Inactivated on 1 August 1927
  • Activated on 1 June 1928
Redesignated 88th Observation Squadron (Long-range, Amphibian) on 1 March 1935
Redesignated 88th Reconnaissance Squadron on 1 September 1936
Redesignated 88th Reconnaissance Squadron (Long Range) on 6 December 1939
Redesignated 88th Reconnaissance Squadron (Heavy) on 20 November 1940
Redesignated 436th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) on 22 April 1942
Redesignated 436th Bombardment Squadron, Heavy on 3 July 1943
Inactivated on 6 January 1946
  • Redesignated 436th Bombardment Squadron, Very Heavy on 1 October 1946
Activated on 1 October 1946
Redesignated 436th Bombardment Squadron, Heavy on 20 July 1948
Discontinued and inactivated on 1 April 1963
  • Redesignated 436th Strategic Training Squadron on 14 February 1986
Activated on 1 July 1986
Redesignated 436th Training Squadron on 1 June 1992[4]

Assignments

[edit]
  • Post Headquarters, Kelly Field, 18 August-11 October 1917
  • Aviation Concentration Center, 11–27 October 1917
  • American Expeditionary Forces, 9–16 November 1917
  • 1st Air Depot, 16 November 1917
  • 1st Observation Group School, 1 February-28 May 1918
  • I Corps Observation Group, 28 May 1918
  • III Corps Observation Group, 4 August 1918 (attached to V Corps Observation Group, 12–17 September 1918)
  • VII Corps Observation Group, 29 November 1918
  • American Expeditionary Forces, 1–10 June 1919
  • Post Headquarters, Mitchell Field, 27 June 1919
  • Post Headquarters, Scott Field, 11 July 1919
  • 2d Wing, 5 September 1919 (attached to 1st Army Observation Group), October 1919
  • 1st Army Observation Group, 24 March 1920
  • Air Service Field Officer's School, 10 February 1921 – 14 October 1921 (attached to 1st Provisional Air Brigade for operations, 6 May – 3 October 1921)
  • Fifth Corps Area 15 October 1921
  • 5th Division Air Service, 1 July 1923[29]
  • Air Corps Training Center 1 May–1 August 1927
  • Eighth Corps Area 1 June 1928 (attached to Field Artillery School)
  • 14th Observation Group, 8 May 1929[30] (attached to Field Artillery School)
  • 12th Observation Group 30 June 1931 (attached to Field Artillery School until November 1931)
  • 1st Wing 1 March 1935 (attached to 7th Bombardment Group after 1 September 1936, air echelon attached to 31st Bombardment Squadron, 10 December 1941 – 8 February 1942, United States Navy)
  • 7th Bombardment Group 25 February 1942 – 6 January 1946 (air echelon attached to United States Navy until 14 March 1942)
  • 7th Bombardment Group, 1 October 1946 – 15 June 1952 (attached to 7th Bombardment Wing after 14 February 1951)
  • 7th Bombardment Wing 16 June 1952
  • 4238th Strategic Wing, 1 August 1958 – 1 April 1963
  • Strategic Air Command, 1 July 1986
  • Air Combat Command, 1 June 1992
  • 7th Bomb Wing 1 October 1993
  • 7th Operations Group 1 July 1994
  • 552nd Operations Group, 30 Sep 2015
  • 552nd Training Group, 17 Aug 2018 – present[31]

Stations

[edit]
  • Kelly Field, Texas, 18 August 1917
  • Aviation Concentration Center, Garden City, New York, 11–27 October 1917
  • Colombey-les-Belles Airdrome, France, 16 November 1917
  • Amanty Airdrome, France, 1 February 1918
  • Ourches Aerodrome, France, 28 May 1918
  • Francheville Aerodrome, France, 7 July 1918
  • Ferme des Greves Aerodrome, France, 4 August 1918
  • Goussancourt Airdrome, France, 4 September 1918
  • Ferme des Greves Aerodrome, France, 9 September 1918
  • Souilly Aerodrome, France, 12 September 1918
  • Pretz-en-Argonne Airdrome, France, 14 September 1918
  • Souilly Aerodrome, France, 20 September 1918
  • Bethelainville Aerodrome, France, 4 November 1918
  • Villers-la-Chevre Aerodrome, France, 29 November 1918
  • Trier Airfield, Germany, 6 December 1918
  • Le Mans, France, 1–10 June 1919
  • Mitchel Field, New York, 27 June 1919
  • Scott Field, Illinois, 1 July 1919
  • Langley Field, Virginia, 5 September 1919 (detachment operated from Charleston, West Virginia, 3–8 September 1921, detachment remained at Charleston until October 1921)
  • Godman Field, Kentucky, 15 October 1921
  • Wilbur Wright Field, Ohio, 11 October 1922
  • Brooks Field, Texas, 7 May – 1 August 1927
  • Post Field, Oklahoma, 1 June 1928
  • Brooks Field, Texas, 5 November 1931
  • Hamilton Field, California, 28 September 1935
  • Fort Douglas, Utah, 7 September 1940
  • Salt Lake City Army Air Base, Utah, c. 15 January – 11 November 1941
  • Archerfield Airport, Australia, 22 December 1941 – 4 February 1942 (air echelon operated from Hickam Field, Hawaii, 7 December 1941 – 10 February 1942; Nandi Airport, Fiji Islands, 12–17 February 1942; RAAF Base Townsville, Australia, 20 February – c. 14 March 1942
  • Karachi, India, 12 March 1942 (operations from Townsville continued to c. 14 March 1942)
  • Allahabad, India, 1 June 1942
  • Gaya Airfield, India, 14 November 1942
  • Bishnupur Airfield, India, 25 February 1943
  • Panagarh Airfield, India, 25 September 1943
  • Madhaiganj Airfield, India, 13 December 1943
  • Tezgaon Airfield, India, 14 June 1944
  • Madhaiganj Airfield, India, 6 October 1944 (detachment based at Luliang Airfield, China, December 1944 – January 1945)
  • Tezpur Airfield, India, 1 June – 7 December 1945
  • Camp Kilmer, New Jersey, 5–6 January 1946
  • Ft Worth Army Air Field (later Carswell Air Force Base), Texas, 1 October 1946
  • Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, 1 August 1958 – 1 April 1963
  • Carswell Air Force Base, Texas 1 July 1986
  • Dyess Air Force Base, Texas 5 March 1993 – present[4]

Aircraft

[edit]

Awards and campaigns

[edit]
Award streamer Award Dates Notes
Distinguished Unit Citation 19 March 1945 Thailand 436th Bombardment Squadron[4]
Air Force Meritorious Unit Award 1 June 2013-31 May 2015 436th Training Squadron[4]
Air Force Meritorious Unit Award 1 June 2015-31 May 2016 436th Training Squadron[4]
Air Force Meritorious Unit Award 1 June 2020-31 May 2021 436th Training Squadron[4]
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award 1 July 1986-30 June 1988 436th Strategic Training Squadron[4]
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award 1 July 1988-30 June 1990 436th Strategic Training Squadron[4]
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award 1 July 1990-29 May 1990 436th Strategic Training Squadron[4]
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award 1 June 1992-30 June 1994 436th Training Squadron[4]
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award 1 June 1996-31 May 1998 436th Training Squadron[4]
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award 1 June 1998-31 May 2000 436th Training Squadron[4]
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award 1 June 2002-31 May 2004 436th Training Squadron[4]
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award 1 June 2005-31 May 2007 436th Training Squadron[4]
Campaign Streamer Campaign Dates Notes
Champagne-Marne 15 July 1918 – 18 July 1918 88th Aero Squadron[4]
Aisne-Marne 18 July 1918 – 16 August 1918 88th Aero Squadron[4]
Oise-Aisne 18 August 1918 – 11 November 1918 88th Aero Squadron[4]
St Mihiel 12 September 1918 – 16 September 1918 88th Aero Squadron[4]
Meuse-Argonne 26 September 1918 – 11 November 1918 88th Aero Squadron[4]
Champagne 88th Aero Squadron[4]
Ile-de-France 88th Aero Squadron[4]
Lorraine 88th Aero Squadron[4]
World War I Army of Occupation (Germany) 12 Nov 1918–1 June 1919 88th Aero Squadron[4]
Central Pacific 7 December 1941 – 14 March 1942 88th Reconnaissance Squadron[4]
East Indies 1 January 1942 – 14 March 1942 88th Reconnaissance Squadron[4]
Burma 12 March 1942 – 26 May 1942 88th Reconnaissance Squadron (later 436th Bombardment Squadron)[4]
India-Burma 2 April 1943 – 28 January 1945 436th Bombardment Squadron[4]
Central Burma 29 January 1945 – 15 July 1945 436th Bombardment Squadron[4]
China Defensive 4 July 1942 – 4 May 1945 436th Bombardment Squadron[4]
China Offensive 5 May 1945 – 2 September 1945 436th Bombardment Squadron[4]
Air Combat, Asiatic–Pacific Theater 7 December 1941 – 10 September 1945 436th Bombardment Squadron[4]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]

Notes

[edit]
Explanatory notes
  1. ^ Approved 20 July 2016.
  2. ^ Approved 2 February 1924. Description: A rough rider in black in silhouette on an orange disc. This emblem was based on one approved for the 88th Aero Squadron on 15 November 1918 by the American Expeditionary Force. "World War I Aero Squadrons". Cross and Cockade Journal. 5 (2). Society of World War I Aero Historians: 145. 1964.
  3. ^ The squadron commander also served as the Commander, 5th Division Air Service, which included the 7th Photo Section in addition to the squadron. See lists of commanders, Clay, pp. 1271, 1432. Although the division headquarters was inactive, its 10th Infantry Brigade was active and 5th Division support units were attached to the 10th Brigade during this period. Clay, p. 212. In addition, the 88th was designated as the associate unit for the 38th Pursuit Squadron, another Regular Army inactive unit. Clay, p. 1402.
  4. ^ Aircraft is B-24J-185-CO Liberator, serial 44-40852. Taken at 1944 Kunming, China on 6 September 1944.
Citations
  1. ^ a b c d e f Clay, p. 1432
  2. ^ a b c d e f Maurer, Combat Squadrons, pp. 538-540
  3. ^ a b c No byline. "436th Training Squadron". 7th Wing Public Affairs. Retrieved 10 February 2024.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao ap aq ar Lahue, Melissa (18 July 2023). "Factsheet 436 Training Squadron (AC)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Retrieved 10 February 2024.
  5. ^ a b Clay, p. 212
  6. ^ See Clay, pp. 1413, 1432 (simultaneous inactivation of 88th and activation of 52nd at Brooks Field on 1 August 1927.)
  7. ^ Morton, pp. 245-248
  8. ^ a b c d Maurer, Combat Units, pp. 43-45
  9. ^ Bergin; Maurer, Combat Squadrons, pp. 51 (9th Bombardment Squadron deployed to Palestine), 116 (22d Bombardment Squadron converted to B-25s).
  10. ^ a b c Bergin
  11. ^ Knaack, p. 21
  12. ^ Knaack, p. 25
  13. ^ Knaack, p. 32
  14. ^ Deaile, pp. 175-176
  15. ^ Ravenstein, pp. 18-19
  16. ^ Knaack, p. 252
  17. ^ "Abstract (Unclassified), Vol 1, History of Strategic Air Command, Jan-Jun 1957 (Secret)". Air Force History Index. Retrieved 4 March 2014.
  18. ^ Ravenstein, pp. 47-49, 144-146
  19. ^ "Abstract (Unclassified), History of the Strategic Bomber since 1945 (Top Secret, downgraded to Secret)". Air Force History Index. 1 April 1975. Retrieved 4 March 2014.
  20. ^ Kipp, et al., p. 34
  21. ^ Kipp, et al., pp. 34-35
  22. ^ Kipp, ‘’et al’’., p. 35
  23. ^ Kipp, et al., p. 47
  24. ^ Kipp, et al., p. 61
  25. ^ Ravenstein, p. 9
  26. ^ Ravenstein, Charles A. (1984). A Guide to Air Force Lineage and Honors (2d, Revised ed.). Maxwell AFB, AL: USAF Historical Research Center. p. 12.
  27. ^ The Development of the Strategic Air Command 1946-1986, pp. 117-118.
  28. ^ Mueller, p. 23
  29. ^ Clay, p. 1271
  30. ^ Clay, p. 1307. This was a Regular Army inactive unit.
  31. ^ Assignment information in LaHue, except as noted.
  32. ^ Aircraft through March 1963 in Maurer, Combat Squadrons, pp. 538-540

Bibliography

[edit]

Public Domain This article incorporates public domain material from the Air Force Historical Research Agency Bergin, Bob (2019). "Bombing Burma's Bridges". Vol. 18, no. 3. WW II History. Retrieved 4 April 2024.