The Air Force Reserve plans to reactivate the 489th Bomb Group and associated elements during a ceremony Saturday at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas.
The bomb group reactivation includes the 345th Bomb Squadron, the 489th Maintenance Squadron and the 489th Aerospace Medical Flight.
The 489th is a geographically separated unit under the 307th Bomb Wing, which is at Barksdale Air Force Base. It will operate in a classic association with the 7th Bomb Wing at Dyess flying the B-1B Lancer. The 7th Bomb Wing recently was placed under the operational control of the Eighth Air Force at Barksdale, part of a centralization of all national bomber components in one bomber community.
“Now, more than ever, our nation demands dominance from our Air Force,” said Col. Bruce Cox, 307th Bomb Wing commander, who will preside at the reactivation ceremony.
“As the Air Force Reserve Command’s only bomber wing, it is my great honor to partner with the 7th Bomb Wing in the B-1 mission area," Cox said in a statement. "The citizen airmen of the 489th [Bomb Group] are incredibly excited to join the professional airmen of the 7th Bomb Wing in their quest to fly, fight and win with the mighty Bone.” Bone is the nickname for the B-1 bomber.
Col. Denis A. Heinz will take command of the 489th Bomb Group, which will have about 260 personnel assigned.
“I’m excited about being a part of the 489th Bomb Group legacy,” said Heinz "As I read books published by former group members, I was in awe of their ability to fly, fight and win under such austere conditions. I am proud to now be part of a heritage that dates back to the early days of World War II when the original 489th fought a much different war.”
More: http://www.shreveporttimes.com/story/news/2015/10/13/489th-bomb-group-reactivates/73887934/?from=global&sessionKey=&autologin=
