Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

380th Bomb Wing

The 380th Bombardment Wing at Plattsburgh Air Force Base, NY, flew the B-47 bomber between 1955 and 1966. In 1968, plans were initiated to bring the Air Force's newest strategic aircraft, the FB-111A, to Plattsburgh AFB. By the end of 1970 the last B-52G left Plattsburgh AFB, and the initial FB-111 cadre of the 380th Bombardment Wing arrived at Plattsburg in 1971. In 1977 the 528th received the John D. Ryan Trophy as the best bombardment squadron in Strategic Air Command. The 393rd Bombardment Squadron, 529th Bomb Squadron and 715th Bombardment Squadron, flying FB-111A aircraft, were assigned to the 380th Bombardment Wing [also designated the 380th Strategic Wing]. In 1983-84 , the wing was awarded the Saunders Trophy for best SAC air refueling performance, the Fairchild Trophy for best SAC bombing performance and the Omaha Trophy for best SAC wing. On July 10, 1991, Strategic Air Command and the 380th Bomber Wing said goodbye to the FB-111A when the last 4 operational aircraft left Plattsburgh AFB.