Holloman Air Force Base

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 Northrup AT-38B 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 (AT-38B, 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.

46th Test Group

Along with the 49th FW, the 46th Test Group from Eglin Air Force Base Florida is based at Holloman. The 46th TG is responsible for operational testing and evaluation of new equipment and systems proposed for use by these forces. Current initiatives include advanced self-protection systems for combat aircraft, aircrew life support systems, aerial reconnaissance improvements, new armament and weapons delivery systems, and improved maintenance equipment and logistics support.

Squadrons of the group are:

• 586th Flight Test Squadron - Conducts flight testing
• 746th Test Squadron - Conducts Guidance/Navigational testing to include Internal Global Positioning Systems (GPS)
• 781th Test Squadron - National RCS Test Facility
• 846th Test Squadron - Rocket Sled Tests

German Air Force Flying Training Center

File:Holloman-tornado.jpg

GAF Panavia Tornado at Holloman

On 1 May 1996, the German Luftwaffe established the German Air Force Tactical Training Center at Holloman.

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 . Subsequent questioning of the authorities revealed that a training agreement existed between the United States and various foreign national governments post World War II .

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

Holloman AFB is located at 32°50′29″N 106°4′46″W (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

Alamogordo Army Air Field - 1944

Boeing B-17G-75-BO Fortress 43-38050 of the 303d Bombardment Group.

Consolidated B-24J-180-CO Liberator Serial 44-40807 of the 466th Bombardment Group.

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 initally Boeing B-17 Flying Fortresses then Consolodated B-24 Liberators. Typically, these groups served at the airfield for several months, training their personnel before heading to combat overseas.

Known USAAF groups which trained at Alamogordo AAF were:

• 301st Bombardment Group (27 May - 21 June 1942) (B-17)
  Trained with B-17s, Transfered to Eighth Air Force in England.
• 303d Bombardment Group (17 June - 7 August 1942) (B-17)
  Trained with B-17s, Transfered to Eighth Air Force in England.
• 330th Bombardment Group (1 August 1942 - 5 April 1943) (B-24)
  Functioned as an operational training and later as a replacement training unit, using B-24 aircraft.
• 392d Bombardment Group (18 April - 18 July 1943) (B-24)
  Trained with B-24s, Transfered to Eighth Air Force in England.
• 454th Bombardment Group (1 June - 1 July 1943) (B-24)
  Trained with B-24s, Transfered to Fifteenth Air Force in Italy.
• 455th Bombardment Group (1 June - 6 September 1943) (B-24)
  Trained with B-24s, Transfered to Fifteenth Air Force in Italy.
• 459th Bombardment Group (1 July - 31 August 1943) (B-24)
  Trained with B-24s, Transfered to Fifteenth Air Force in Italy.
• 460th Bombardment Group (1 July - 31 August 1943) (B-24)
  Trained with B-24s, Transfered to Fifteenth Air Force in Italy.
• 449th Bombardment Group (5 July - 12 September 1943) (B-25)
  Trained with B-25s, Transfered to Fifteenth Air Force in Italy.
• 450th Bombardment Group (8 July - 20 November 1943) (B-24)
  Trained with B-24s, Transfered to Fifteenth Air Force in Italy.
• 465th Bombardment Group (1 August - September 1943) (B-24)
  Trained with B-24s, Transfered to Fifteenth Air Force in Italy.
• 466th Bombardment Group (1 August - 31 August 1943 and 24 November 1943 - 5 February 1944 ) (B-24)
  Trained with B-24s, Transfered to Eighth Air Force in England.
• 36th Fighter Group (17 September - 24 November 1943) (P-47)
  Trained with P-47s, Transfered to Ninth Air Force in England.
• 400th Bombardment Group (19 September - 15 December 1943) (B-24)
  Functioned as an operational training unit of Second Air Force. Reassigned to First Air Force to train replacement crews.
• 492d Bombardment Group (1 October 1943 - 1 April 1944) (B-24)
  Trained with B-24s, Transfered to Eighth Air Force in England.
• 487th Bombardment Group (15 December 1943 - 13 March 1944) (B-24)
  Trained with B-24s, Transfered to Eighth Air Force in England.
• 418th Bombardment Group (11 March - 1 April 1944)
  Assigned to Second Air Force as a replacement training unit but had no aircraft assigned. Inactivated at Alamogordo.
• 25th Bombardment Group (6 April - 20 June 1944) (B-17)
  Trained with B-17s, Inactivated at Alamogordo.
• 680th Bombardment Squadron (4 December 1944 - 10 May 1945) (B-29)
  Squadron of 504th Bombardment Group Trained with B-29s, assigned to Twentieth Air Force at Tinian.
• 467th Bombardment Group (25 August - 8 September 1945) (B-24)
  Returned from Eighth Air Force in England for inactivation.

The host support unit at Alamogordo AAF was the 359th Base HQ and Air Base Squadron, activated on 10 June 1942. This was redesignated the the 231st AAF Base Unit on 25 March 1944, then 1073d AAF Base Unit on 24 August 1944.

On 16 April 1945 Alamogordo AAF was relieved of its training mission and assigned to Continental Air Forces, and was scheduled to be a permanent B-29 base. However postwar funding cutbacks did not allow an active bomb group to be based at the facility, and the base was temporarily inactivated on 28 February 1946.

Holloman Air Armament Center (AAC)

Rocket Sled Track at Holloman AFB

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, on 16 March 1947, a new era began when Air Materiel Command announced the airfield would be its primary site for the testing and development of pilotless 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 rocket, Ryan XQ-2 Drone, Falcon, MGM-13 Mace, MGM-1 Matador, and AGM-45 Shrike.

On 13 January 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.

Resulting from a major reorganization, the 2754th Experimental Wing was activated on 20 September 1949 at Holloman AFB overseeing all research and development projects. On 10 October 1952, the Holloman Air Development Center opened, under the command of Colonel Don R. Ostrander. Holloman Air Force Base wrote its name into the annals of American history in the 1950s and 1960s.

On 10 December 1954, Lt Colonel (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.

On 1 September 1957 the Holloman Air Development Center was renamed the Air Force Missile Development Center and deactivated on 1 August 1970.

Additionally, Captain Joseph W. Kittinger, Jr., stepped out of an open balloon gondola at 102,800 feet on 16 August 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. That jump broke four world records: highest open gondola manned balloon flight, highest balloon flight of any kind, highest bailout, and longest free fall.

On 31 January 1961, HAM, a three-year-old chimpanzee, blasted off from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station to an altitude of 157 miles inside a Mercury-Redstone capsule as a final check to man-rate a capsule and launch vehicle. HAM thus became the first chimpanzeeto go into Outer space.

A final noteworthy event occurred on 29 November 1961, when ENOS, a chimpanzee trained at Holloman’s Aero-Medical (HAM) laboratory, was the first US 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.

On 1 August 1970, per Air Force Systems Command Special Order G-94, the AFMDC was deactivated and Tactical Air Command assumed host responsibilities for Holloman Air Force Base. Associate units and programs transferred to other locations within Air Force Systems Command. The Test & Evaluation activities that remained were the Central Inertial Guidance Test Facility (CIGTF), the High Speed Test Track, the Radar Target Scatter Facility (RATSCAT), and the Target Drone Facility.

These organizations were combined to form the nucleus of a Holloman AFB tenant organization, the 6585th Test Group, with the Air Force Special Weapons Center (AFSWC) at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, designated as the headquarters for the Test Group.

In 1975, AFSWC was disestablished, and the 6585th Test Group at Holloman became part of the Armament Development and Test Center (ADTC) at Eglin AFB Florida. They were later renamed the Armament Division (AD). From 1 October 1993 under the objective wing reorganization, the Air Division at Eglin AFB became the Air Armament Center (AAC).

Today, the 46th Test Group from Eglin Air Force Base Florida is responsible for operational testing and evaluation of new equipment and systems proposed for use by these forces. Current initiatives include advanced self-protection systems for combat aircraft, aircrew life support systems, aerial reconnaissance improvements, new armament and weapons delivery systems, and improved maintenance equipment and logistics support.

366th Tactical Fighter Wing

On 12 July 1963, after serving at Chaumont-Semoutiers Air Base, France as a conventional strike force in Europe, the 366th Tactical Fighter Wing moved to Holloman. The move was a result of French president Charles DeGaulle’s deep suspicion of “supranational organizations” and his country’s shift away from the NATO orbit in the early 1960s that ultimately led to the closure of American air bases in France.

366th TFW was organized as follows:

• 389th Tactical Fighter Squadron (Blue striping)
• 390st Tactical Fighter Squadron (Yellow striping)
• 391st Tactical Fighter Squadron (Red striping)
• 480th Tactical Fighter Squadron (Green striping)

File:Ch-366tfw.jpg

At the time of the wing's arrival at Holloman, they flew the Republic F-84F Thunderstreak, which were former Air National Guard aircraft transferred to France during the 1961 Berlin Crisis as part of Operation Tack Hammer. At Holloman, the wing began converting to the new McDonnell Douglas F-4C Phantom II in February 1965.

Later that year, the wing sent its first squadron to the Republic of Vietnam. The 390th Fighter Squadron was assigned to Da Nang AB, and the 391st went to Cam Ranh Bay AB in early 1966.

On 20 March 1966 the rest of the wing entered the conflict and moved to Phan Rang AB, Republic of Vietnam in support of combat operations in Vietnam. With the transfer of the 366th to Vietnam, the 6583d Air Base Group became the host unit at Holloman.

49th Tactical Fighter Wing

On 1 July 1968, the 49th Tactical Fighter Wing arrived at Holloman Air Force Base from Spangdahlem AB West Germany, becoming the first dual-based tactical fighter wing. The 6583d Air Base Group was deactivated in place.

Under the dual-basing concept, the 49th, stationed at Holloman, deployed individual squadrons periodically to Europe, fulfilling their NATO commitment. The operational squadrons of the 49th TFW upon its arrival were:

• 7th Tactical Fighter Squadron (HB, blue)
• 8th Tactical Fighter Squadron (HC, yellow)
• 9th Tactical Fighter Squadron (HD, red)

All three squadrons flew the McDonnell Douglas F-4D Phantom II. In 1972 squadron aircraft tail codes were stanardized on "HO".

In 1969, the wing participated in it's first dual-basing exercise, Crested Cap I, deploying 2,000 personnel and 72 aircraft to NATO bases in Europe. Also in 1969, the 49th earned the coveted MacKay Trophy for the "most meritorious flight of the year," for the redeployment from Germany to Holloman after Crested Cap II. The MacKay Trophy recognized the 49th for the fastest non-stop deployment of jet aircraft accomplished by a wing's entire fleet.

In May 1972, the 49th deployed their F-4 aircraft and 2,600 personnel to Takhli Air Base, Thailand. During this deployment, Operation Constant Guard, the 49th flew more than 21,000 combat hours over just about every battle zone from An Loc to vital installations in the Hanoi vicinity. During five months of combat, the wing did not lose any aircraft or personnel -- a testament to the outstanding training and proficiency of all members of the 49th. The unit officially closed out its Southwest Asia duty October 6, 1972, receiving an Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Combat "V" Device for its participation.

On Dec. 20, 1977, the wing began converting from the F-4 to the F-15. The transition was completed June 4, 1978.

History was made during February 1980, when two pilots from the 49th each flew their F-15s, 6,200 miles in just over 14 hours, establishing a record for the longest flight of a single-seat fighter aircraft. The flights required six aerial refuelings, proving the global power of the 49th Tactical Fighter Wing.

In July 1980, the wing acquired the commitment of a primary Rapid Deployment Force unit. This tasking, which lasted for a year, required the wing to be ready to deploy its aircraft, crews, and support personnel on short notice. The wing served with the Rapid Deployment Force until July 1981, when the tasking was transferred to the 1st Tactical Fighter Wing, Langley Air Force Base, Virginia.

The 49th demonstrated its capabilities in the fall of 1988, winning top honors at the William Tell air-to-air weapons competition. The wing outdistanced the nearest competitor by more than 2,000 points. The 49th won a variety of awards, including the coveted "Top Gun" for best fighter pilot.

In 1992, the 49th underwent a number of transitions. The last F-15 departed Holloman June 5, 1992, ending 14 years of Eagle operations. On May 9, 1992, four F-117 stealth fighters from Tonopah Test Range, Nevada, arrived at Holloman. Also, F-4s returned to Holloman, as part of the 9th Fighter Squadron, in May 1992.

The 48th Rescue squadron served at Holloman AFB from 1 May 1993-1 February 1999. With its six HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters, the personnel of the 48th deployed six times in support of Operations Northern and Southern Watch. Additionally, during its six years of service, the 48th saved 33 lives in real-world rescues in the American Southwest.

The 8th and 9th Fighter Squadrons deployed to Aviano Air Base, Italy and Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany from 21 February-1 July 1999, in support of Operation Allied Force. Flying more than 1,000 total sorties, pilots flew into heavily defended skies, littered with surface-to-air missiles and anti-aircraft fire. In particular, F-117A pilots bravely trusting in their aircraft's low observable technology struck some of the most valuable, and highly guarded targets in Serbia. The F-117s successfully penetrated the heavily defended areas, which conventional aircraft could not reach.

People, airplanes, and equipment of the 49th Fighter Wing played a key role in the continued global war against terrorism and particularly in Operation Iraqi Freedom. The wing's F-117s played a major role, dropping the first bombs against an Iraqi leadership target in Baghdad on March 19, 2003. In all, F-117 pilots flew more than 80 missions and dropped nearly 100 enhanced guided bomb units against key targets. Approximately 300 people deployed with the air package and provided direct support to the F-117 mission. Additionally, hundreds of other 49ers such as explosive ordinance disposal teams of the 49th Civil Engineer Squadron served on the frontline of the war against Iraq providing freedom for the people of Iraq and security for the people of the world.

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

See Also

• Air Combat Command
• Air Forces Southern
• United States Army Air Force
• Air Force Materiel Command
• Tactical Air Command

References

• Airport Master Record (FAA Form 5010), also available as a printable form (PDF)

This article includes content from Holloman Air Force Base History Website, which as a work of the U.S. Government is presumed to be a public domain resource. That information was supplemented by:

• Active Air Force Bases Within the United States of America on 17 September 1982 USAF Reference Series, Office of Air Force History, United States Air Force, Washington, D.C., 1989
• Donald, David, "Century Jets - USAF Frontline Fighters of the Cold War".
• Endicott, Judy G., USAF Active Flying, Space, and Missile Squadrons as of 1 October 1995. Office of Air Force History
• Maurer Maurer, Air Force Combat Units Of World War II, Office of Air Force History, 1983
• Martin, Patrick, Tail Code: The Complete History Of USAF Tactical Aircraft Tail Code Markings, 1994
• Ravenstein, Charles A., Air Force Combat Wings Lineage and Honors Histories 1947-1977, Office of Air Force History, 1984
• Rogers, Brian, "United States Air Force Unit Designations Since 1978", 2005
• USAAS-USAAC-USAAF-USAF Aircraft Serial Numbers--1908 to present
• [1] Joe Baugher's Encyclopedia Of Military Aircraft

External links

• Resources for this U.S. military airport:
  • FAA airport information for HMN
  • AirNav airport information for KHMN
  • ASN accident history for HMN
  • NOAA/NWS latest weather observations
  • SkyVector aeronautical chart for KHMN
  • FAA Airport Diagram (PDF), effective May 16, 2024