Fifteenth Air Force

Activated on November 1, 1943, the Fifteenth Air Force was established as part of the U.S. Army Air Force in the World War II Mediterranean Theater of Operations as a strategic air force and commenced combat operations the day after it was formed. The first commander was General Jimmy Doolittle.

Related Topics:
November 1 - 1943 - U.S. Army Air Force - World War II - Mediterranean Theater of Operations - Jimmy Doolittle

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The new air force drew its operational forces from heavy bombers of the IX Bomber Command, the strategic bomber command of the Ninth Air Force which was relocating to the United Kingdom to become a tactical air force in the European Theater of Operations.

Related Topics:
IX Bomber Command - Ninth Air Force - United Kingdom - European Theater of Operations

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Mainly operating out of bases in southern Italy, the Fifteenth Air Force, along with the Eighth Air Force and RAF Bomber Command, became the instruments used by the Allies to carry the strategic air offensive to Axis occupied Europe and Germany.

Related Topics:
Eighth Air Force - RAF Bomber Command

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The Fifteenth was de-activated in Italy September 15, 1945.

Related Topics:
September 15 - 1945

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In the postwar years it became one of Strategic Air Command's primary numbered air forces. Since its transfer to Air Mobility Command in 1992, Fifteenth Air Force has assumed responsibility for airlift and air refueling missions.

Related Topics:
Strategic Air Command - Air Mobility Command - Airlift - Air refueling

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