4158th Strategic Wing

The 4158th Strategic Wing (4158th SW) is a discontinued United States Air Force unit. It was active in Alaska from 1960 to 1966 as a support organization for Strategic Air Command (SAC) units deployed to Elmendorf AFB, Alaska.

History and Operations
The 4158th Strategic Wing (SW) was organized as a command and control element for SAC units deployed to Elmendorf AFB, Alaska. It was originally established as the 4158th Combat Support Group, but was expanded to wing status in 1963. Throughout its existence it was subordinate to the Fifteenth Air Force and later the 18th Strategic Aerospace Division of Fifteenth Air Force and stationed at Elmendorf AFB.

The wing provided support and command functions for SAC elements deployed to Alaska during REFLEX deployments from United States bases. REFLEX deployments placed Boeing B-47 Stratojet strategic bombers on alert at forward locations, such as Elmendorf. Its major subordinate unit was the 73d Munitions Maintenance Squadron, which managed the special weapons for deployed units. It also supported deployed reconnaissance assets and a Tanker Task Force.

In 1964 wing facilities were damaged by an earthquake that impacted Elmendorf. The 4158th was inactivated in 1966 after SAC Tanker Task Force commitments at Elmendorf terminated at the end of 1965. SAC operations in Alaska continued at Eielson AFB.

Lineage

 * Designated as the 4158th Combat Support Group and organized on 1 July 1960
 * Redesignated 4158th Strategic Wing on 1 November 1963


 * Discontinued on 25 June 1966

Assignments

 * Fifteenth Air Force: 1 July 1960
 * 18th Strategic Aerospace Division: 1 July 1965 - 25 June 1966

Components

 * 73d Aviation Depot Squadron (later 73d Munitions Maintenance Squadron): 1 July 1960 - 25 June 1966

Stations

 * Elmendorf AFB, Alaska: 1 July 1960 - 25 June 1966