Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

11th Bomb Squadron

Affectionately known as the "School House", the 11th Bomb Squadron is the only unit in the world providing all aspects of B-52 aircrew training. All new aircrew members are provided academic classroom instruction as well as hands on cockpit training. All Fully Qualified B-52 crew members have or will have passed through the doors of the "School House". New students can expect hard work, long hours, and grueling training. Each student is provided with 127 days (not including weekends and holidays) of in depth classroom and cockpit instruction. Over 125 students per year are trained in the finer points of B-52 aircraft operations every year. 11th Bomb Squadron students graduate the program confident in their abilities to operate the most powerful bomber in the world.

The 11th Bomb Squadron is also responsible for training selected aircrew members to become the B-52's next flight instructors. Only the best of the best pilots, navigators, and weapons officers are selected for the Certified Flight Instructors Course (CFIC). This program consists of six months of extensive classroom and cockpit instruction in detailed aircraft systems and operation, including four to six weeks of intense instruction in detailed aircraft systems and operation. Additionally, the course allows instructor candidates the opportunity to develop and practice their ground and in-flight instructor skills. After completion, graduates return to their respective units, confident in their skills and instructor abilities.

The unit was first organized on 26 Jun 1917 as the 11th Aero Squadron, part of the 1st Day Bombardment Group at Camp Kelly, Texas. During the Great War (also known as WW I) the 11th was moved from Camp Kelly, and on 01 January 1918 was relocated to England. On 12 August 1918 it was sent to France, where it remained until 21 Apr 1919. WW II required the relocation to Brisbane, Australia, on 22 Dec 1941. For the duration of the War it was assigned to the 7th Bombardment Group and later to the 341st Bombardment Group and designated: 11th Bombardment Squadron (Medium) and operated in various places throughout the far east.

The 11th regained life on 17 June 1954 at Orlando AFB, Florida as the 11th Pilotless Bomber Squadron (Light) under 9th Air Force. It was subsequently redesignated the 11th Tactical Missile Squadron on 08 June 1955, and on 01 July 1956 the 11th returned to Europe attached to the 7382nd Guided Missile Group (Tactical) at Hahn AB, Germany, assigned to United States Air Forces in Europe. It was reassigned to the 587th Tactical Missile Group, also at Hahn AB, until 18 June 1958 when it was deactivated.

The 501st Tactical Missile Wing at Greenham Common, United Kingdom, reactivated the 11th Tactical Missile Squadron on 01 October 1982 and deactivated it again on 31 May 1991. The 11th designation was revivied on 01 July 1994 as the 11th Bomb Squadron, part of the 2nd Operations Group, 2nd Bomb Wing, 8th Air Force, Barksdale AFB, Louisiana.