Country United States Garrison/HQ Whiteman AFB, Missouri | Type Squadron | |
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Branch United States Air Force Role Intercontinental ballistic missile Engagements World War II (EAME Theater) | ||
The 510th Missile Squadron (510 MS) is an inactive United States Air Force unit. It was last assigned to the 351st Missile Group, stationed at Whiteman AFB, Missouri.
Contents
- World War II
- Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Squadron
- Lineage
- Assignments
- Aircraft and missiles
- References
The 510 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 510th was inactivated on 28 July 1995.
The 510 MS was unique among the 20 Minuteman missile squadrons, as it was the only one that controlled Program 494L Emergency Rocket Communication System payloads atop its sorties.
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 15 November 1962 the 510th 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 29 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
Assignments
Aircraft and missiles
510th Missile Squadron Launch Facilities
Missile Alert Facilities (K-O flights, each controlling 10 missiles) are located as follows:The correct flights for the 510th squadron are FOXTROT INDIA MIKE NOVEMBER OSCAR.