20th Bomb Squadron
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The 20th Bomb Squadron is a unit of the 2d Operations Group of the United States Air Force located at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana. The 20th is equipped with the Boeing B-52H Stratofortress.
20th Bomb Squadron
 | |
|---|---|
 A 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron B-52 Stratofortress releases flares over the Indian Ocean following a mission in 2020. | |
| Active | 1917–1946; 1947–present |
| Country |  United States |
| Branch |  United States Air Force |
| Type | Squadron |
| Role | Bomber |
| Part of | Global Strike Command |
| Garrison/HQ | Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana |
| Nickname(s) | Buccaneers[citation needed] |
| Engagements |
|
| Decorations | Distinguished Unit Citation Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Combat "V" Device Air Force Outstanding Unit Award Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm[1] |
| Insignia | |
| 20th Bomb Squadron emblem (updated 2019) |  |
| 20th Bomb Squadron emblem (modified c. 1995)[1] |  |
| 20th Bombardment Squadron emblem (approved 12 June 1924)[2] |  |
| 20th Aero Squadron emblem (approved by AEF 18 November 1918)[3] |  |
| Tail Code | LA |
| Aircraft flown | |
| Bomber | Boeing B-52 Stratofortress |
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Formed in May 1917 as the 20th Aero Squadron, the squadron saw combat in France on the World War I Western Front. It took part in the St. Mihiel offensive and Meuse-Argonne offensive.
After the war, it served with the Army Air Service and Army Air Corps as the 20th Bombardment Squadron During the 1920s and 1930s, the squadron was involved in field service testing of new bomber aircraft, notably the Y1B-17 Flying Fortress.
During World War II the squadron fought in the North African and Italian Campaigns. It was awarded a Distinguished Unit Citation for its actions during a raid on Steyr, Austria.
It was a part of Strategic Air Command during the Cold War. As a medium bomber squadron it deployed to stand alert at forward bases in "Reflex" operations. After equipping with Boeing B-52 Stratofortresses stood nuclear alert, but during the Viet Nam War the squadron deployed frequently to perform Operation Arc Light bombing missions. Since 1993, the 20th Bomb Squadron has flown the B-52H Stratofortress long-range strategic bomber, which can perform a variety of missions. Today the squadron is engaged in the Global War on Terrorism.