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=== World War II ===
=== World War II ===


On [[10 June]] [[1942]] '''Alamogordo Army Air Field''' was established at a site six miles (10 km) west of [[Alamogordo, New Mexico]]. Initial plans called for the base to serve as the center for the British Overseas Training program; the British hoped to be able to train their aircrews over the open New Mexico skies. However, everything changed when the [[Japan]]ese launched a [[Pearl Harbor attack|surprise attack against the Hawaiian Islands]] on [[December 7]], [[1941]]. The British decided to no longer pursue its overseas training program, and the United States military saw the location as an opportunity to train its own growing military. Construction began at the airfield on February 6, 1942 and forces began to move in on [[May 14]] [[1942]].
On [[10 June]] [[1942]] '''Alamogordo Army Air Field''' (AAF) was established at a site six miles (10 km) west of [[Alamogordo, New Mexico]]. Initial plans called for the base to serve as the center for the British Overseas Training program. The British hoped to be able to train their aircrews over the open New Mexico skies. However, everything changed when the [[Japan]]ese launched a [[Pearl Harbor attack|surprise attack against the Hawaiian Islands]] on [[7 December]], [[1941]]. The British decided to no longer pursue its overseas training program, and the United States military saw the location as an opportunity to train its own growing military. Construction began at the airfield on [[5 February]] [[1942]] and forces began to move into '''Alamogordo Bombing and Gunnery Range''' on [[14 May]] [[1942]].


The base was under the command of the [[United States Army Air Force]] (USAAF) [[Second Air Force]] with it's Headquarters at, [[Colorado Springs]], [[Colorado]]. The base was equipped with aprons, runways, taxiways and hangars during the summer of 1942 being renamed Alamagordo AAF in [[June]].
⚫
From 1942-1945, Alamogordo Army Air Field served as the training grounds for over 20 different groups, flying primarily B-17s, B-24s, and B-29s. Typically, these groups served at the airfield for about six months, training their personnel before heading to combat in either the [[Pacific Theater|Pacific]] or [[European Theater]]. The 450th Bombardment Group was one of the many to cut its teeth at Alamogordo. After training, the group went on to serve in nearly every major combat operation in [[Italy]], [[France]], Germany, [[Austria]], [[Hungary]], and the [[Balkans]]. During their combat service, the 450th garnered two distinguished unit citations and 11 campaign credits.

From 1942-1945, Alamogordo AAF served as the training grounds for over 20 different groups, flying primarily [[B-17|Boeing B-17 Flying Fortresses]], [[B-24|Consolodated B-24 Liberators]], and [[B-29|Boeing B-29 Superfortresses]]. Typically, these groups served at the airfield for about six months, training their personnel before heading to combat in either the [[Pacific Theater|Pacific]] or [[European Theater]].

Known USAAF groups which trained at Alamogordo AAF were:

⚫
The 450th Bombardment Group was one of the many to cut its teeth at Alamogordo. After training, the group went on to serve in nearly every major combat operation in [[Italy]], [[France]], Germany, [[Austria]], [[Hungary]], and the [[Balkans]]. During their combat service, the 450th garnered two distinguished unit citations and 11 campaign credits.


=== Holloman Air Development Center ===
=== Holloman Air Development Center ===

Revision as of 05:32, 15 January 2007

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File:49fw-f-117a.jpg

Holloman Air Force Base is a United States Air Force base in Otero County, about 6 miles SW of Alamogordo, New Mexico. It is the home of the 49th Fighter Wing.

49th Fighter Wing

The 49th Fighter Wing is the host unit at Holloman Air Force Base. It supports national security objectives with mission-ready F-117A Nighthawk Stealth Fighters, Air Transportable Medical Clinic and BEAR Base assets.

The wing deploys combat-ready and mission-support forces supporting Air Expeditionary Force operations, Global War on Terrorism and peacetime contingencies. It trains pilots in the F-117A and the T-38 Talon aircraft, and provides support to over 18,000 personnel to include German Air Force Tornado operations.

The 49th Operations Group (OG) supports national security objectives, as directed by the Joint Chiefs of Staff, by utilizing the Air Force's only F-117A Nighthawk aircraft and in training U.S. Air Force and allied aircrews in F-117A and T-38 transition, instructor and fighter weapons instructor courses. Operational squadrons are:

  • 7th Combat Training Squadron (T-38A, F-117A)
  • 8th Fighter Squadron (F-117A - Supports Pacific Operations)
  • 9th Fighter Squadron (F-117A - Supports Atlantic Operations)

All F-117A carry the "HO" Tailcode. The Operations Group took over the activities of the deactivated 37th Fighter Wing at Tonopah Test Range Airport when the F-117As were transferred to Holloman in 1993. In addition to the 49th OG, other components of the 49th Fighter Wing are:

  • 49th Logistics Group: Manages and conducts the wing's logistics functions
  • 49th Support Group: Provides support to all base operations, personnel, and family members.
  • 49th Medical Group: Provides medical services for active duty and retired military members and their families
  • 49th Materiel Maintenance Group: Maintains and deploys all equipment needed to build a "bare base" airfield

In February 2006 the Bush Administration announced that Holloman would cease to be home to the F-117A Nighthawk. This move coincides with an announcement that the F-117 will be removed from service around 2008. On 1 March 2006, it was announced by the United States Air Force that Holloman would be the new home of two squadrons of F-22A Raptors.

German Air Force Flying Training Center

File:Holloman-tornado.jpg

On 1 May 1996, the German Luftwaffe established the German Air Force Tactical Training Center in concept with the 20th Fighter Squadron.

The German Air Force Tactical Training Center activated at Holloman 1 May 1996 With the activation, 300 German military personnel and 12 Panavia Tornado aircraft joined Team Holloman. German aircrews come to Holloman for approximately three weeks for advanced tactical training and then return to Germany. The German Air Force also conducts a Fighter Weapons Instructor Course for the Tornado. Aircrews for this course come to Holloman for about six months.

As of November 2006 there are 650 German military personnel and 25 Tornado aircraft assigned to Holloman AFB.

There are numerous reasons the German Air Force trains at Holloman. The area offers great flying weather and has suitable air space. Other reasons are the proximity of Holloman to the German Air Force Air Defense Center at Fort Bliss, Texas and the centralizing of German aircrew training at a single location. To facilitate this, there is a memorandum of understanding between the two governments.

The U.S. rates Germany among its strongest allies and one of its partners in NATO. The strength of the alliance with Germany, as well as other European partners, was the cornerstone of victory in the Cold War and is the bedrock of what stability endures over most of Europe today.

By offering NATO allies the benefits of available space at Holloman as well as the use of the Southwest's excellent flying weather, the U.S. can help maintain the strength of NATO's forces without the expense of forward-basing U.S. forces in great numbers overseas.

On 29 September, 1999 two Luftwaffe Tornados crashed near Marathon Indian Basin, about 15 miles northwest of Carlsbad, New Mexico. The crash details were kept quiet from the American public, as the crash was investigated under Luftwaffe jurisdiction [1]. Subsequent questioning of the authorities revealed that a training agreement existed between the United States and various foreign national governments post World War II [2].

In September 2004, Luftwaffe chief of staff, Klaus-Peter Stieglitz announced a reduction in its training program of roughly 20%.

Geography

Location of Holloman Air Force Base
Location of Holloman Air Force Base

Holloman AFB is located at 32°50′29″N 106°4′46″W / 32.84139°N 106.07944°W / 32.84139; -106.07944Invalid arguments have been passed to the {{#coordinates:}} function (32.841331, -106.079486)Template:GR. Altitude: 4,093 feet (1248 m)

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 32.8 km² (12.7 mi²). 32.5 km² (12.5 mi²) of it is land and 0.4 km² (0.2 mi²) of it (1.18%) is water. The area of the airforce base is 59,639 acres (241 km²)

Supported population: Holloman AFB supports about 21,000 Active Duty, Guard, Reserve, retirees, DoD civilians and their family members.

Demographics

As of the censusTemplate:GR of 2000, there were 2,076 people, 393 households, and 380 families residing in the town. The population density was 64.0/km² (165.7/mi²). There were 427 housing units at an average density of 13.2/km² (34.1/mi²). The racial makeup of the town was 73.31% White, 13.20% African American, 0.58% Native American, 2.84% Asian, 0.58% Pacific Islander, 6.36% from other races, and 3.13% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 12.43% of the population.

There were 393 households out of which 67.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 88.8% were married couples living together, 4.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 3.3% were non-families. 2.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 0.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.29 and the average family size was 3.34.

In the town the population was spread out with 25.0% under the age of 18, 37.0% from 18 to 24, 33.9% from 25 to 44, 3.7% from 45 to 64, and 0.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 22 years. For every 100 females there were 152.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 180.4 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $37,206, and the median income for a family was $37,941. Males had a median income of $20,359 versus $15,425 for females. The per capita income for the town was $13,568. About 8.3% of families and 11.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.8% of those under age 18 and none of those age 65 or over.

History

Holloman Air Force Base was established in 1942 as Alamogordo Air Field six miles west of Alamogordo, New Mexico, it was renamed in 1948 after Col. George Holloman, a native of Rich Square, North Carolina and pioneer of early rocket and pilot-less aircraft research.

World War II

On 10 June 1942 Alamogordo Army Air Field (AAF) was established at a site six miles (10 km) west of Alamogordo, New Mexico. Initial plans called for the base to serve as the center for the British Overseas Training program. The British hoped to be able to train their aircrews over the open New Mexico skies. However, everything changed when the Japanese launched a surprise attack against the Hawaiian Islands on 7 December, 1941. The British decided to no longer pursue its overseas training program, and the United States military saw the location as an opportunity to train its own growing military. Construction began at the airfield on 5 February 1942 and forces began to move into Alamogordo Bombing and Gunnery Range on 14 May 1942.

The base was under the command of the United States Army Air Force (USAAF) Second Air Force with it's Headquarters at, Colorado Springs, Colorado. The base was equipped with aprons, runways, taxiways and hangars during the summer of 1942 being renamed Alamagordo AAF in June.

From 1942-1945, Alamogordo AAF served as the training grounds for over 20 different groups, flying primarily Boeing B-17 Flying Fortresses, Consolodated B-24 Liberators, and Boeing B-29 Superfortresses. Typically, these groups served at the airfield for about six months, training their personnel before heading to combat in either the Pacific or European Theater.

Known USAAF groups which trained at Alamogordo AAF were:

The 450th Bombardment Group was one of the many to cut its teeth at Alamogordo. After training, the group went on to serve in nearly every major combat operation in Italy, France, Germany, Austria, Hungary, and the Balkans. During their combat service, the 450th garnered two distinguished unit citations and 11 campaign credits.

Holloman Air Development Center

After World War II, the future of the base was uncertain. In fact, rumors spread concerning the closure of the site, fueled by the fact that most operations had ceased. However, in 1947, a new era began when Air Materiel Command announced the air field would be its primary site for the testing and development of pilot less aircraft, guided missiles, and other research programs. For the next 25 years the site, which became known as the Holloman Air Development Center, and later the Air Force Missile Development Center, launched many missiles including Tiny Tim (the first Army rocket), Rascal, V-2, XQ-2 Drone, Falcon, MACE, Matador, and Shrike.

On January 13 1948 the Alamogordo installation was renamed Holloman Air Force Base, in honor of the late Col. George V. Holloman, a pioneer in guided missile research.

Holloman Air Force Base wrote its name into the annals of American history in the 1950s and 1960s. On December 10, 1954, Lt Col (Dr.) John P. Stapp received the nickname "The fastest man alive" when he rode a rocket propelled test sled, Sonic Wind No. 1, to a speed of 632 miles per hour (283 m/s). Additionally, Captain Joseph W. Kittinger Jr. stepped out of an open balloon gondola at 102,800 feet (31,300 m) on August 16, 1960, in an attempt to evaluate techniques of high altitude bailout. Capt Kittinger’s jump lasted 13 minutes reaching a velocity of 614 miles per hour (274 m/s). That jump broke four world records: highest open gondola manned balloon flight, highest balloon flight of any kind, highest bailout, and longest free fall. A final noteworthy event occurred on November 29, 1961, when ENOS, a chimpanzee trained at Holloman’s HAM facility (Holloman Aero-Medical laboratory), was the first U.S. specimen launched into orbit. ENOS was launched in a Mercury-Atlas capsule that completed two orbits around the Earth and was safely recovered three hours, 21 minutes later.

366th Tactical Fighter Wing

On 12 July 1963, after serving at Chaumont Air Base, France as a conventional strike force in Europe, the 366th Tactical Fighter Wing moved to Holloman Air Force Base. The 366th arrived armed with the F-84 and converted to the F-4 in 1965. In support of combat operations in Vietnam, the wing moved to Phan Rang Air Base, South Vietnam in March 1966.

49th Tactical Fighter Wing

Another new era began in the Tularosa Basin on 1 July 1968, when the 49th Tactical Fighter Wing arrived at Holloman Air Force Base. The 49th's F-4 Phantom IIs introduced a new era of fighter aircraft training and operations, which continued for the next three decades and until today. In 1977 the 49th transitioned to the F-15 Eagle, the Air Force's top air-to-air weapon. In 1992, Holloman Air Force Base again garnered national attention when the Air Force's most technological fighter, the F-117A Nighthawk made its new home at Holloman.

The world's first operational aircraft fighter to exploit low observable (stealth) technology, the F-117A officially arrived at Holloman AFB May 9, 1992.

Holloman is home to the world's longest high speed test track of 50,788 feet (15.40 km). It is also the fastest test track at nearly 10,000 feet per second (3 km/s), or Mach 9. The 846th Test Squadron set the world land speed record for a railed vehicle with a recent run of 6,453 mph (2885 m/s or 10430 km/h), or Mach 8.5.

Holloman is also home to the 49th Medical Group and their physiological training facility, which includes the most advanced and fastest centrifuge, nicknamed the "Ought Nine", so called for its ability to jerk from zero to nine G's (88 m/s²) in less than two and a half seconds.

Aircraft flown from Holloman

Past aircraft flown at Holloman AFB: B-17, B-24, B-29, B-57, P-47, AT-38B, F-4D, F-15, F-84, F-100, HH-60G, QF-106, German Luftwaffe F-4F,

Present aircraft flown at Holloman AFB: T-38 Talon, F-117A Nighthawk, QF-4 drone, German Luftwaffe Tornado

References

  1. ^ http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=17204
  2. ^ http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=15358

External links

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