89th Tactical Missile Squadron

89th Tactical Missile Squadron

Emblem of the 89th Tactical Missile Squadron (BGM-109G Gryphon)
Active 1940-1966; 1985-1990
Country United States
Branch United States Air Force
Type Tactical Missile
Engagements World War II
89th Bombardment/Tactical Missile Squadron emblem

The 89th Tactical Missile Squadron is an inactive United States Air Force unit. Its last assignment was with the 38th Tactical Missile Wing, based at Pydna Missile Base) at Wüschheim Air Station, West Germany. It was inactivated on 22 August 1990.

History

Established in early 1941 as at B-18 Bolo medium reconnaissance squadron. After the Pearl Harbor Attack, flew antisubmarine missions over the southeast Atlantic coast.

Deployed to the Southwest Pacific in February 1942, flying A-20 Havoc and B-25 Mitchell medium bomberrs. Mission involved highly-dangerous skip bombings. During the Battle of the Bismarck Sea, engaged in the first sea-level attack by B-25 strafers in World War II and demonstrated that this tactic was extremely effective. The squadron also participated in the raids on Wewak, New Guinea, which were preemptive strikes that virtually ended the threat of enemy offensive air capabilities.

After World War II, moved to Japan and was re-assigned to the 38th Bombardment Group. Performed occupation duty throughout the late 1940s, inactivated in 1949 due to budget reductions.

Reactivated in 1962 as a MGM-13 Mace NATO tactical missile squadron, stationed in West Germany. Maintained missiles until Mace was withdrawn from service in 1966.

Reactivated as a BGM-109G Gryphon Cruise Missile squadron in April 1985. Maintained 80 operational missiles in a combat-ready state. Inactivated in August 1990 as a result of the INF treaty and the elimination of the BGM-109G missile from service.

Lineage

Activated on 15 January 1941
Redesignated: 89th Bombardment Squadron (Light) on 14 August 1941
Redesignated: 89th Bombardment Squadron (Dive) on 28 September 1942
Redesignated: 89th Bombardment Squadron (Light) on 25 May 1943
Inactivated on 1 April 1949
Organized on 25 September 1962.
Inactivated on 25 September 1966.
Inactivated on 22 August 1990

Assignments

Stations

50°02′37″N 007°25′32″E / 50.04361°N 7.42556°E / 50.04361; 7.42556 (Wueschheim AS)

Dispersed Mace missile location

Closed since 1967. Missile shelters torn down, in very dilapidated state, appears to be used as a storage yard.

Aircraft and missiles

See also

References

     This article incorporates public domain material from the Air Force Historical Research Agency website http://www.afhra.af.mil/.

    External links

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