96th Bomb Squadron
The 96th Bomb Squadron is a unit of the United States Air Force 2d Operations Group located at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana. The 96th is equipped with the Boeing B-52H Stratofortress.
| 96th Bomb Squadron | |
|---|---|
96th Bomb Squadron members with B-52H Stratofortress | |
| Active | 1917–1946; 1947–1963; 1993–present |
| Country | United States |
| Branch | United States Air Force |
| Type | Squadron |
| Role | Bombardment |
| Part of | Global Strike Command |
| Garrison/HQ | Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana |
| Nickname(s) | Red Devils |
| Colors | Red and Black |
| Mascot(s) | Red Devil |
| Tail Code | "LA" |
| Engagements |
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| Decorations |
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| Insignia | |
| 96th Bomb Squadron emblem (Air Force Historical Research Agency version) | |
| 96th Bomb Sq emblem (The Institute of Heraldry version) | |
| 96th Bombardment Squadron emblem (approved 4 March 1924) | |
Formed in August 1917, the 96 BS saw combat on the World War I Western Front, in France. It took part in the St. Mihiel offensive and Meuse-Argonne offensive. Later, it served with the Army Air Service and Army Air Corps in the Inter-War period it participated in Brig. Gen. Billy Mitchell's 1921 off-shore bombing tests and during World War II fought in the North African and Italian campaigns. It was a part of Strategic Air Command during the Cold War. Since 1993, the 96th Bomb Squadron has flown the B-52H Stratofortress long-range heavy bomber, which can perform a variety of missions. Today the squadron is engaged in the Global War on Terrorism.