740th Missile Squadron
The 740th Missile Squadron is a United States Air Force unit stationed at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota. The squadron is equipped with the LGM-30G Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile, with a mission of nuclear deterrence.
| 740th Missile Squadron | |
|---|---|
740th Missile Squadron combat crew on alert | |
| Active | 1943-1945; 1947–1949; 1956–1957; 1962–present |
| Country | United States |
| Branch | United States Air Force |
| Type | Squadron |
| Role | Intercontinental ballistic missile Operations, Nuclear Deterrence |
| Part of | Air Force Global Strike Command |
| Garrison/HQ | Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota |
| Nickname(s) | Vulgar Vultures |
| Motto(s) | Custodes Pacis (Latin for 'Custodians of Peace') |
| Mascot(s) | Vulgar Vulture |
| Engagements | Mediterranean Theater of Operations |
| Decorations | Distinguished Unit Citation Air Force Outstanding Unit Award |
| Insignia | |
| 740th Missile Squadron emblem | |
| 740th Strategic Missile Squadron emblem | |
| 740th Bombardment Squadron emblem (World War II) | |
The squadron was first activated as the 740th Bombardment Squadron in June 1943. After training in the United States with the Consolidated B-24 Liberator, the 740th deployed to the Mediterranean Theater of Operations, participating in the strategic bombing campaign against Germany. It earned two Distinguished Unit Citations for its combat operations. Following V-E Day, the squadron remained in Italy without its flight echelon until inactivating in September 1945.
The squadron was activated in the reserve in 1947, but apparently was not fully manned or equipped before inactivating in June 1949 and transferring its resources to another unit. It was redesignated the 740th Fighter-Day Squadron and activated, but did not become operational before inactivating in July 1957. In November 1962 it was organized as the 740th Strategic Missile Squadron, an LGM-30B Minuteman I squadron. In 1971 it upgraded to the Minuteman III, and is currently a part of the 91st Operations Group.