864th Bombardment Squadron
| 864th Bombardment Squadron | |
|---|---|
B-52 stratofortress as flown by the squadron | |
| Active | 1943–1946; 1958–1960; 1963–1966 |
| Country | United States |
| Branch | United States Air Force |
| Role | Heavy bomber |
| Motto(s) | Optimus Maximus (Latin for 'The Best and Greatest') (1958–1960) |
| Engagements | Pacific Theater of Operations |
| Decorations | Philippine Presidential Unit Citation |
| Insignia | |
| 864th Bombardment Squadron emblem (SAC era) | |
| 864th Strategic Missile Squadron emblem | |
| 864th Bombardment Squadron emblem (World War II) | |
_061127-F-1234S-019.jpg){kind=link}
The 864th Bombardment Squadron is an inactive United States Air Force unit. Its last assignment was with the 494th Bombardment Wing at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, where it flew Boeing B-52 Stratofortresses under Strategic Air Command. It was inactivated on 2 April 1966.
The squadron was first activated in late 1943 for service during World War II. After training in the United States, it deployed to the Pacific, where it participated in the strategic bombing campaign against Japan. It returned to the United States and was inactivated in 1946. In 1958, it was redesignated the 864th Strategic Missile Squadron and conducted training on the SM-78 Jupiter missile until again inactivating in 1960. In 1963, it returned to its original designation and was activated at Sheppard.