"The 36th Air Division was activated to solve the organizational and jurisdictional problems caused by placing two combat wings atDavis–Monthan Air Force Base in 1951. The division first flewBoeing B-29 Superfortresses andBoeing B-50 Superfortresses for bombardment operations, but by late 1954 it was completely equipped withBoeing B-47 Stratojet medium bombers. Conversion from KB-29s to KC-97s for refueling began in the summer of 1952 and ended in 1954."[2]
"The division constantly flew training missions, engaged in simulated combat operations, and participated in joint exercises with theAir Defense Command. Until 1960, it continued its task of manning, training, and equipping the assigned bombardment wings with B-47s so that they would be ready foraerial warfare on a global scale."[2] Inactivated with the turnover of Davis Monthan toTactical Air Command in 1960.[2]
Reactivated as part ofFirst Air Force (Air Defense Command), April 1966. "The division administered, trained, and placed all available combat capable forces, including surveillance and control elements, in a maximum state of readiness for air defense missions, and participated in numerous exercises."[2] Assumed additional designation of36th NORAD Region after activation of the NORAD Combat Operations Center at theCheyenne Mountain Complex, Colorado and reporting was transferred toNORAD from ADC atEnt Air Force Base in April 1966.
Inactivated in 1969[2] due to budget reductions and the diminished air defense threat to the United States.
43d Bombardment Wing: 4 September 1951 – 6 June 1952. 16 June 1952 – 15 March 1960 (detached c. 10 March – 5 June 1953, 5 September – 10 December 1954, and 1 July – 1 October 1957)
303d Bombardment Wing: 4 September 1951 – 16 June 1952. 16 June 1952 – 15 March 1960 (detached 5 October – 6 November 1952, 4 March – 5 June 1954, 4 July – 4 October 1956, and 5 April – 4 July 1958)[2]
^The simultaneous discontinuation and activation in June 1952 represents a change between a table of distribution unit and a table of organization unit.
United States
United States Air Force
This article incorporatespublic domain material from the Air Force Historical Research Agency
