Squadron History
The 98th FTS has its origins in 1941, being initially organized with B-18 Bolos in Hawaii with a mission to perform defensive reconnaissance over the Pacific approaches to the islands. After the Attack on Pearl Harbor, performed search and rescue and antisubmarine patrols. Re-equipped with B-17E Flying Fortresses and sent to South Pacific, engaging in long-range bombardment missions against Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands campaign. Re-equipped with long-range B-24 Liberators when the Flying Fortresses were reassigned to support British forces in Egypt. Engaged in combat operations in Central and South Pacific areas, also supported the liberation of the Philippines and seizure of Okinawa. Carried out attacks from Okinawa over China and Formosa until the end the war in the Pacific.
Awarded Distinguished Unit Unit Citation: South Pacific, 31 July-30 November 1942. Presidential Unit Citation: for actions in the Paupa New Guinea and Guadalcanal campaigns.
Re-equipped with B-29 Superfortresses in 1946; became part of Far East Air Forces; non-operational, 1947–1948. Reassigned to Carswell AFB, Texas in 1949 and became a B-36 Peacekeeper strategic bombardment squadron.
In 1959 was reassigned to SAC provisional 4123d Strategic Wing, being re-equipped with B-52E Stratofortress intercontinental heavy bombers. Was reassigned to Clinton-Sherman AFB, Oklahoma by SAC to disperse its heavy bomber force. Conducted worldwide strategic bombardment training missions and providing nuclear deterrent. Was inactivated in 1963 when SAC inactivated its provisional Strategic Wings, redesignating them permanent Air Force Wings. Squadron was inactivated with aircraft/personnel/equipment being redesignated 6th Bombardment Squadron in an in-place, name-only transfer.
The squadron was reactivated in 1988 as an undergraduate pilot training (UPT) squadron at Williams AFB, Arizona, and equipped with the Cessna T-37 Tweet. It was inactivated in 1992 with the closure of Williams AFB.
Read more about this topic: 98th Flying Training Squadron
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“Well gentlemen, this is it. This is what we’ve been waiting for. Tonight your target is Tokyo. And you’re gonna play ‘em the Star Spangled Banner with two-ton bombs. All you’ve got to do is to remember what you’ve learned and follow your squadron leaders. They’ll get you in, and they’ll get you out. Any questions? All right that’s all. Good luck to you. Give ‘em hell.”
—Dudley Nichols (1895–1960)
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