742nd Missile Squadron
US Air Force unit / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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The 742d Missile Squadron is a United States Air Force unit stationed at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota. The squadron is equipped with the LGM-30G Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile, with a mission of nuclear deterrence.
742d Missile Squadron | |
---|---|
Active | 1943–1945; 1947–1949; 1956–1957; 1962–present |
Country | United States |
Branch | United States Air Force |
Role | Intercontinental ballistic missile |
Part of | Air Force Global Strike Command |
Garrison/HQ | Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota |
Nickname(s) | Wolfpack[citation needed] |
Motto(s) | Clavis Pacis (Latin for 'The Key to Peace') |
Engagements | Mediterranean Theater of Operations |
Decorations | Distinguished Unit Citation Air Force Outstanding Unit Award |
Commanders | |
Current commander | Lt. Col. Jared Nelson |
Insignia | |
742d Missile Squadron emblem[lower-alpha 1][1] | |
742d Bombardment Squadron emblem[2][lower-alpha 2] |
The squadron was first activated as the 742d Bombardment Squadron in June 1943. After training in the United States with the Consolidated B-24 Liberator bombers, the 742d deployed to the Mediterranean Theater of Operations, participating in the strategic bombing campaign against Germany. It earned two Distinguished Unit Citations for its combat operations. Following V-E Day, it remained in Italy without its flight echelon until inactivating in September 1945
The squadron was activated in the reserve in 1947, but apparently was not fully manned or equipped before inactivating in June 1949 and transferring its resources to another unit. It was redesignated the 742d Fighter-Day Squadron and activated, but did not become operational before inactivating in July 1957. In November 1962 it was organized as the 742d Strategic Missile Squadron, an LGM-30B Minuteman I squadron. In 1971 it upgraded to the Minuteman III, and is currently a part of the 91st Operations Group.