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65-568: The Fifteenth Air Force ( 15 AF ) is a numbered air force of the United States Air Force 's Air Combat Command (ACC). It is headquartered at Shaw Air Force Base . It was reactivated on 20 August 2020, merging the previous units of the Ninth Air Force and Twelfth Air Force into a new numbered air force responsible for generating and presenting Air Combat Command’s conventional forces. Established on 1 November 1943, Fifteenth AF

130-575: A command level between major commands and air divisions . Although variations existed, and number air forces were often reassigned, this basic arrangement persisted throughout the Cold War . The role of numbered air forces changed in the 1990s during the Air Force reorganization initiated by Air Force Chief of Staff General Merrill McPeak . The goal of the reorganization was to "streamline, take layers out, flatten (Air Force) organizational charts, while at

195-522: A few weeks, the other 301st Bomb Group's squadrons had joined the first. Later on 28 July, Bombardment Group left Rapid City AFB , South Dakota for RAF Scampton , in the United Kingdom . The 307th Bombardment Group left MacDill AFB , Florida for RAF Marham and RAF Waddington in the UK. Numbered air force A Numbered Air Force ( NAF ) is a type of organization in the United States Air Force that

260-641: A force of 183 bombers to the Oberstraubing Messerschmidt assembly plant. Some 118 bombed with good results but fourteen were shot down. The next day the 15th sent 102 bombers to the Steyr ball-bearing works in Austria where they destroyed twenty percent of the plant. On 24 February, over 180 Liberators inflicted considerable damage to the Messerschmitt Bf 110 assembly plant at Gotha , losing 28 aircraft in

325-523: A global scale. Elements of 15th Air Force engaged in combat operations during the Korean War , the Vietnam War , and Operation Desert Storm . 15 AF was redesignated Fifteenth Expeditionary Mobility Task Force (15 EMTF) on 1 October 2003. 15 EMTF provided support for strategic airlift for all United States Department of Defense agencies as well as air refueling for the Air Force in both peace and wartime for

390-868: A peacetime restructuring in March 1946, the United States Army Air Forces were reorganized into three major operating commands: the Strategic Air Command (SAC), the Tactical Air Command (TAC), and the Air Defense Command (ADC). These commands reflected the basic air combat missions that evolved during the war, and each reported directly to General Carl Spaatz , the Commanding General, Army Air Forces. Numbered air forces served as an intermediate headquarters between these commands and

455-490: A strategic air force. It commenced combat operations the day after it was formed. The first commander was General Jimmy Doolittle . 15th AF resulted from a reorganization of American air forces in the Mediterranean in late 1943. Lewis H. Brereton 's Ninth Air Force (9th AF) was moved to England, taking over the medium bomber units of Eighth Air Force , while Twelfth Air Force gave its strategic units to 15th AF, becoming

520-452: A temporary steel control tower. Six-man tents were used for billeting, lined up in rows with the orderly room and the mess hall at one end. There was one dimly lit light bulb at the center of each tent. The tent floor was grass or more commonly dirt. Eventually, plywood was scavenged for flooring, wooden cots were used for beds, and ubiquitous 55-gallon drums were converted into stoves and other items. As many of these airfields were captured from

585-577: A total of 1,836 enemy aircraft destroyed. The Fifteenth was inactivated in Italy 15 September 1945. On 31 March 1946, Fifteenth Air Force was reactivated at Colorado Springs AAB , Colorado and assigned to the ten-day-old Strategic Air Command . 15th AF assumed the assets and personnel of the former Continental Air Forces Second Air Force , which was inactivated on 30 March. The original bomb groups assigned to 15th Air Force were: .*Group became subordinate element to wing. However, demobilization

650-712: Is agricultural area with no structures or any facilities in existence, faint scarring of land shows remains of main runway, taxiways and hardstands visible in aerial photography. Abandoned German fighter base, was located approximately 1 km (0.62 mi) west-northwest of Foggia , 41°33′4″N 015°33′32″E  /  41.55111°N 15.55889°E  / 41.55111; 15.55889 Semi-permanent heavy bomber airfield used by Fifteenth Air Force. Built by COE in early 1944 with one 6,000-foot-long PSP runway with extensive taxiway and hardstand parking areas. Steel control tower. Opened 15 February 1944. Last combat operations flown in late April 1945. Closed October 1945. Today

715-406: Is agricultural area with no structures or any facilities in existence, very faint scarring of land shows remains of main runway, taxiways and hardstands visible in aerial photography. Abandoned, was located 6-miles west of Cerignola , 41°14′32.42″N 015°48′18.90″E  /  41.2423389°N 15.8052500°E  / 41.2423389; 15.8052500 note: airfield name is not listed in

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780-1001: Is agricultural area with no structures or any facilities in existence. Almost no evidence of its visibility on aerial photography, however light land scarring of location of main runway is still faintly visible in aerial photography. Abandoned, was located approximately 22 km (14 mi) east-southeast of Campomarino . Airfield was 150" x 5,500" of PSP with 43 hardstands 41°51′48″N 015°18′41″E  /  41.86333°N 15.31139°E  / 41.86333; 15.31139 . Temporary airfield used by Twelfth and Fifteenth Air Force fighter units. Built by COE in early in 1944 with single main PSP runway, with large parking area for aircraft. Possibly steel control tower, and large containment area for personnel. Supported numerous fighter groups during 1944 and 1945, with last combat operations flown in September 1945 and closed and dismantled soon afterwards. Today

845-825: Is an agricultural area with no structures or any facilities in existence, however light evidence of land scarring still is visible in aerial photography. Located approximately 55 km (34 mi) southeast of Campomarino , on the Adriatic coast. Airfield was 150 x 6,000" of PSP with 85 hardstands 41°55′22″N 015°04′31″E  /  41.92278°N 15.07528°E  / 41.92278; 15.07528 . Temporary airfield used by Twelfth and Fifteenth Air Force fighter groups beginning in November 1943 until end of war. Built by COE with PSP runway (possibly two) with parking area and possible blister hangars. Closed in May 1945 and dismantled. Today

910-575: Is designated as Air Force Northern (AFNORTH) in its role as the air component of the United States Northern Command . Most C-NAFs have an Air and Space Operations Center (AOC) to provide command and control of air and space operations for the supported combatant commander. The table below lists current and historical numbered air forces of the US Air Force, their C-NAF designation (if applicable), their current shield and station, and

975-819: Is for San Giovanni, which is indeed visible in aerial photography. Now Foggia-Gino Lisa Airport ( Italian : Aeroporto di Foggia ) ( IATA : FOG , ICAO : LIBF ) Located approximately 3 km (1.9 mi) southwest of Foggia . 41°26′15″N 015°32′15″E  /  41.43750°N 15.53750°E  / 41.43750; 15.53750 Captured Regia Aeronautica airfield used by Twelfth and Fifteenth Air Force as both operational airfield and as major command and control headquarters. Elevation 243', runway direction NNW ~ SSE, 400 x 6,000" sod & earth, 41 hardstands on compacted gravel. Open dispersal on east taxiway. Vacated February 1946 and turned over to Allied Italian Co-Belligerent Air Force (Aviazione Cobelligerante Italiana, or ACI). Today commercial airport. Abandoned,

1040-849: Is in agricultural area with little or no evidence of its existence. Former main runway now used as agricultural road. Abandoned, was located approximately 13 km (8.1 mi) west-northwest of Foggia , 41°29′52.72″N 015°25′10″E  /  41.4979778°N 15.41944°E  / 41.4979778; 15.41944 Semi-permanent heavy bomber airfield used by Fifteenth Air Force. Built by COE beginning in late 1943. One PSP runway with extensive taxiway and hardstand parking areas. Steel control tower. Opened early February 1944. Supported B-17 Flying Fortress operations as well as command and control headquarters. Last combat operations flown in late April 1945. Was home of P-51 Mustang equipped 332d Fighter Group " Tuskegee Airmen " while awaiting return to United States after war ended. Closed October 1945. Today it

1105-1320: Is in use as small private airfield, supporting operations of light general aviation aircraft. Remains of wartime runways visible although not in use. Abandoned, was located approximately 5 miles south of Cerignola -10 miles west of Canosa. Field was 100" x 6,000" of PSP and Gravel with 62 hardstands, secondary runway was all weather 100 x 6,000" with an additional 62 hardstands 41°08′30″N 015°55′20″E  /  41.14167°N 15.92222°E  / 41.14167; 15.92222 . Semi-permanent heavy bomber airfield used by Fifteenth Air Force. Built by COE in early 1944. Single (possibly double) PSP main runway with extensive taxiway and hardstand parking areas. Steel control tower. Opened March 1944. Very large and expansive facility used by two heavy bomb groups, composed of six operational squadrons. Capacity for approximately 150 heavy bombers with large support facilities with blister hangars as well as wooden structures. Airfield remained in operation until end of war, closing in July 1945. Abandoned and land returned to agricultural use. Faint scarring of land still visible from former airfield use visible on aerial photography, however little or no physical evidence on ground of existence. Abandoned, Ramitelli Airfield

1170-415: Is located .75-miles north from the field at 41°54′27″N 015°06′27″E  /  41.90750°N 15.10750°E  / 41.90750; 15.10750 . Abandoned. Field was 150" x 6,000" of grass with 54 hardstands 41°37′00″N 015°23′00″E  /  41.61667°N 15.38333°E  / 41.61667; 15.38333 . Abandoned, was located approximately 3.5 miles north of Foggia . Field

1235-1575: Is still used by the Italian Air Force ( Aeronautica Militare ). The airfield complex consisted of the following major airfields. In addition, there were numerous auxiliary landing airstrips not listed. Now Amendola Air Base ( ICAO : LIBA ) Located approximately 16 km (9.9 mi) northeast of Foggia . 41°32′29.98″N 015°42′44.92″E  /  41.5416611°N 15.7124778°E  / 41.5416611; 15.7124778 Captured Regia Aeronautica airfield used by Fifteenth Air Force, primarily for heavy bombardment units. Repaired by COE in September 1943 and put into use immediately. Last USAAF unit left in March 1946 and airfield turned over to Allied Italian Co-Belligerent Air Force (Aviazione Cobelligerante Italiana, or ACI). Today Italian Air Force ( Aeronautica Militare ) air base. Extensive remains of wartime use visible in aerial photography. Now Bari International Airport ( Italian : Aeroporto di Bari ) ( IATA : BRI , ICAO : LIBD ) Located approximately 7 km (4.3 mi) west of Bari . 41°08′19.41″N 016°45′41.24″E  /  41.1387250°N 16.7614556°E  / 41.1387250; 16.7614556 Captured Regia Aeronautica airfield used by Fifteenth Air Force as command and control facility, using airfield for reconnaissance and liaison units. Last USAAF unit left in September 1945 and airfield turned over to Allied Italian Co-Belligerent Air Force (Aviazione Cobelligerante Italiana, or ACI). Military airfield until

1300-449: Is subordinate to a major command (MAJCOM) and has assigned to it operational units such as wings, squadrons, and groups. A Component Numbered Air Force ( C-NAF ) has the additional role as an Air Force Component Command exercising command and control over air and space forces supporting a Unified Combatant Command . Unlike MAJCOMs, which have a management role, a NAF is a tactical organization with an operational focus, and does not have

1365-568: The 609th Air Operations Center is a unit subordinate to the Ninth Air Force . This is no longer completely accurate, due to regular reorganization of Wings and Numbered Air Forces. Numbered air forces began as named organizations in the United States Army Air Corps before World War II. The first four NAFs were established as the Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, and Southwest Air Districts on 19 October 1940 to provide air defense for

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1430-681: The Armistice between Italy and Allied armed forces in September, 1943 these airfields were seized by the German Luftwaffe . While under Axis control, the airfields were heavily bombed by the U.S. Army Air Forces and Royal Air Force in 1943 before being seized by the British Eighth Army in October 1943 during the Italian Campaign . After the area was captured, the facilities were repaired by

1495-674: The B-50 Superfortress , began joining the inventory replacing the older aircraft. The 15 AF returned to a combat-ready role as a result of the 1948 Berlin Crisis , a squadron from the 301st Bombardment Group was deployed with its B-29s at Fürstenfeldbruck Air Base , Germany. SAC immediately ordered the group's other two squadrons to Goose Bay Air Base , Labrador to prepare for immediate deployment to Germany. The 307th and 28th Bombardment Groups were placed on alert and ordered to be ready to deploy within three and twelve hours respectively. Within

1560-746: The Balkans which were inaccessible from England. In addition to the air forces, Foggia was a major Allied command center for ground forces in southern Italy and naval forces operating in the Adriatic Sea , with numerous headquarters being assigned. In addition to the captured airfields, several temporary and semi-permanent airfields were constructed for operations by both Twelfth and Fifteenth Air Force and RAF units. These airfields, by and large, consisted of grass or Pierced Steel Planking (PSP) runways and parking and dispersal areas, with support structures quickly constructed out of wood or tents, along with (if needed)

1625-1954: The Mediterranean – would be able to operate when the Eighth Air Force (8th AF) in England was socked in by bad English weather. The 9th AF would later move to England to serve as a tactical unit to take part in the invasion of Europe . Once bases around Foggia in Italy became available, the 15th was able to reach targets in southern France, Germany, Poland , Czechoslovakia , and the Balkans , some of which were difficult to reach from England. Airfields: Amendola Airfield (2d BW), Celone Airfield (463d BW), Cerignola Airfield (97th BW), Foggia (2d BW, 463d BW), Lucera Airfield (301st BW), Manduria, (68th RG), Maricianise (97th BW), Sterparone (483d BW), Tortorella (99th BW, 483d BW) Airfields: Brindisi (98th BG), Grottaglie (449th BG), Lecce (98th BG), Manduria (98th BG), San Pancrazio (376th BG, 450th BG) Airfields: Gioia del Colle (451st BG), San Pancrazio (451st BG), Torretta (484th BG) Airfields: Gioia (464th BG), Pantanella (465th BG), Spinazzola Airfield (460th BG), Venosa Airfield (485th BG) Airfields: Giulia Airfield (455th BG), San Giovanni Airfield (454th BG, 455th BG, 456th BG) Airfields: Gioia del Colle Airfield (1st FG), Lesina (14th FG 82d FG), Salosa (1st FG), Triolo Airfield (14th FG), Vincenzo Airfield (82d FG) Airfields: Capodichino (332nd FG), Cattolica (332d FG), Madna Airfield (52nd FG), Mondolfo (31st FG. 325th FG), Montecorvino (332nd FG), Piagiolino (52nd FG), Ramitelli (332nd FG), Rimini (325th FG), Vincenzo Airfield (325th FG) .* Sent to Aghione, Corsica from 10–21 August 1944 for Operation DRAGOON (Invasion of Southern France) The 15th Air Force began its operations on 1 November 1943, attacking

1690-769: The United States Army Corps of Engineers (COE) to make them usable for heavy bomber operations by the new Fifteenth Air Force and the Royal Air Force . Weather in southern Italy was much better than in England where the Eighth Air Force was conducting daylight strategic bombing of Occupied Europe and Nazi Germany . Using the Foggia Airfield Complex for strategic bombing missions would allow Allied heavy bombers to attack targets in France , Germany , Austria and

1755-713: The War in Iraq ; and, with a more recent start, air refueling and other support in regard to the Yemeni Civil War . Source: Spinazzola Airfield Before World War II , the Italian Royal Air Force Regia Aeronautica constructed a series of airfields in the Foggia area. They consisted of hard-surfaced runways and taxiways, concrete parking areas and permanent buildings for the support units and barracks. After

1820-606: The Air Force Combat Command in 1941. Several of the numbered air forces began as named air forces. Since World War II other named air forces have existed in both operational and support commands. Air Forces Iceland , and the Central, Eastern, Japan, and Western Air Defense Forces, have provided air defense capability. The USAF Special Operations Force controlled operational special forces. The Crew, Flying, and Technical Training Air Forces served Air Training Command both in

1885-464: The Air Force contribution to United States Space Command , in addition to its Northern Command and Continental NORAD roles. Contains components of the inactivated 24, and 25 AF's. Named Air Forces operate at the same level as Numbered Air Forces. General Headquarters Air Force, the first named air force of the United States Army 's air arm, began operations in 1935. The GHQ Air Force became

1950-569: The Americans' Mediterranean tactical air force. The new air force was activated with a strength of ninety B-24 Liberators and 210 B-17 Flying Fortresses , inherited from the Twelfth Air Force and Ninth Air Force . In December, new groups, most of which were equipped with B-24s soon started arriving from the United States. 13 new groups were added. It was hoped that the 15th AF – stationed in

2015-620: The Corp of Engineering Plans dated 1 June 1944 - marked on Vesuvio, Italy Aeronautical chart dated 1 March 1945 Captured Regia Aeronautica airfields used by Twelfth and Fifteenth Air Force for both heavy bombers and tactical fighters. Also major command and control headquarters. Opened late 1943 with combat operations commencing as soon as operationally capable. Last combat operations flown in mid 1944, used by 526th Air Service Group until July 1945 as support base. Closed afterwards. Very clear outline visible today in aerial photography. Correction There

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2080-520: The Italians and Germans, wrecked enemy aircraft were a common sight, with metal from their fuselages and wings, glass and other useful parts finding their way into the support areas. By mid-1944, about two dozen airfields were in operation in the Foggia area supporting strategic bombing missions; escort missions; tactical fighter operations, reconnaissance and air defense missions. Albert Speer , Hitler's Minister for Armaments, declared: I could see omens of

2145-638: The Mustangs claimed eight jets downed - actual Luftwaffe records show only 3 x Me 262's lost in this engagement. The 47th BW and 55th BW fragged Fliegerhorst Neuburg damaging / destroying 54 x Me 262A-1’s from III./KG (J) 54, 304th BW attacked Fliegerhorst Münich-Riem destroying 13 x Me 262's. The NASM's Me 262 shows a claim credit for a B-17 shot down this date. The last major effort came on 25 April when 467 bombers struck rail targets in Austria, severing communications into Czechoslovakia. The 15th's final bombing mission

2210-633: The Pacific region. 15 EMTF inactivated on 20 March 2012. On 20 August 2020, 15 AF was reactivated as an Air Combat Command numbered air force, taking over the previous conventional flying forces of both the Ninth and Twelfth Air Forces. Fifteenth Air Force (15th AF) was established on 1 November 1943 in Tunis , Tunisia as part of the United States Army Air Forces in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations as

2275-731: The Philippine Department Air Force (became Fifth Air Force ), the Panama Canal Air Force (became Sixth Air Force ), the Hawaiian Air Force (became Seventh Air Force ), and the Alaskan Air Force (became Eleventh Air Force ). After World War II, the US Air Force continued to use both named and numbered air forces. While named air forces were used in both tactical and support roles, numbered air forces were generally employed only in tactical roles. As part of

2340-727: The Rimini Marshalling yard with 28 B-25's assigned to the 321st BG (M). On 1 December 1943, the Headquarters was moved to Bari Airfield , Italy. On 4 January 1944, the Fifteenth, along with Twelfth Air Force , were organized into Mediterranean Allied Air Forces , along with the Royal Air Force 205 Group. MAAF was the southern component of U.S. Strategic Air Forces, Europe , the overall USAAF command and control organization in Europe. The first major operation carried out by Fifteenth Air Force

2405-530: The United States. These Air Districts were redesignated as the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Air Forces, respectively, on 26 March 1941. Over a year after the establishment of the United States Army Air Forces on 20 June 1941, the Arabic numerals were changed to the First , Second , Third , and Fourth Air Forces on 18 September 1942. Other organizations established during this period and that became Numbered air forces include

2470-481: The air and on the ground. Pacific Air Force/FEAF (Rear) controlled both operational and support forces of Far East Air Forces . Air Materiel Force, European Area, and Air Materiel Force, Pacific Area, on the other hand, served primarily as logistics support establishments. Since 2001 United States Air Forces Central has supervised U.S. Air Force elements engaged in the War in Afghanistan (2001–2021) ; since 2003 for

2535-701: The bombers to roam widely across southern and eastern Europe, attacking targets at Brüx in Reichsgau Sudetenland , Bratislava in Slovakia , Budapest , Komárom , Győr , and Pétfürdő in Hungary, Belgrade and other cities in Yugoslavia , and Trieste in north-eastern Italy. By June 1944, the 15th Air Force was bombing railway networks in southeast Europe in support of Soviet military operations in Romania . Throughout

2600-646: The immediate area, and has erected memorials to "All airmen who flew from Biferno, Canne, Madna, Ramitelli, and Nuova airfields during World War II." Abandoned, was located approximately 15 km (9.3 mi) south of Foggia , 41°19′11.69″N 015°32′40.71″E  /  41.3199139°N 15.5446417°E  / 41.3199139; 15.5446417 Semi-permanent heavy bomber airfield used by Fifteenth Air Force. Built by COE in early 1944 with one PSP runway with extensive taxiway and hardstand parking areas. Steel control tower. Opened 15 March 1944. Last combat operations flown in late April 1945. Closed August 1945. Today

2665-523: The invasion of Southern France. Marseilles , Lyon , Grenoble , and Toulon were all attacked by B-24s and B-17s. After the Romanian 1944 coup , the 15th Air Force bombed the German-occupied airports of Băneasa and Otopeni . Between 31 August and 3 September 1944, aircraft from the 15th AF carried out Operation Reunion by airlifting the released Allied prisoners from Romania. I could see omens of

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2730-413: The late 1960s when opened for civilian airline use. Today evidence of wartime use still visible in older military airfield area. Construction stopped and cancelled. Runway was to be 150' x 6000" with 62 hardstands 41°12′40″N 015°30′00″E  /  41.21111°N 15.50000°E  / 41.21111; 15.50000 Abandoned airfield The airfields runway was located almost on and parallel to

2795-469: The major command (MAJCOM) to which they are currently assigned. Note that the lineage of some numbered air forces is continued by non-NAF organizations (e.g., the 15th Expeditionary Mobility Task Force continues the lineage of the Fifteenth Air Force). Boldface indicates a NAF or C-NAF that is currently active. In May 2022, First Air Force was officially designated as "Air Forces Space" (AFSPACE),

2860-742: The oil refineries and the factories producing synthetic fuels. The 15th started the offensive on 5 April when it dispatched 235 B-17s and B-24s from Italy to transportation targets in the vicinity of the Ploiești oilfields in Romania . The refineries were attacked again on 15 and 24 April, inflicting additional damage. Attacks on oil targets had assumed top priority by October and vast fleets of heavy bombers, escorted by P-38 Lightning and P-51 Mustang fighters, attacked refineries in Germany, Reichsgau Sudetenland , Slovakia and Romania. The P-51 escorts were able to establish an environment of air superiority, enabling

2925-551: The operational wings and groups. Eleven of the sixteen wartime air forces remained. The Eighth and Fifteenth Air Forces were assigned to SAC; the Third, Ninth, and Twelfth Air Forces were assigned to TAC; and the First, Second, Fourth, Tenth, Eleventh, and Fourteenth Air Forces were assigned to ADC. Second Air Force would later be transferred to SAC in 1949. The numbered air forces had both operational and administrative authority, and existed as

2990-626: The original hardstand parking bays. The old runway was made of PSP, many pieces of which are now used as garden seats and roofs of small sheds in the vicinity. The old headquarters can be seen, as well as possibly Officers mess building, now a two-storey building. Runway, taxiway composed of concrete reinforced with large limestone pebbles still showing near the start of old runway. Used by No. 241 Squadron RAF (Spitfires) December 1943 – May 1944 and afterwards by parts of Italian Co-belligerent Air Force, and Yugoslav Air Force until end of war. Campomarino council has now put up signs for all five of airfields in

3055-617: The process. On 25 February 114 B-17s and B-24s were dispatched to Steyr again, but the force became separated and the Liberators bombed the Fiume oil refinery instead. Seventeen bombers were lost. Despite these losses, it was believed that the USSTAF had dealt the German aircraft industry a severe blow. In April, General Eisenhower ordered the USSTAF to attack German fuel production centers by striking both

3120-473: The same functional staff as a MAJCOM. Numbered air forces are typically commanded by a major general or a lieutenant general . Numeric designations for Numbered Air Forces are written in full using ordinal words (e.g., Eighth Air Force), while cardinal numerals are used in abbreviations (e.g., 8 AF). Units directly subordinate to a NAF were traditionally numbered 6XX (where XX is the NAF number). For example,

3185-436: The same time clarifying the roles and responsibilities of essential supporting functions." Numbered air forces were reorganized into tactical echelons focused on operations, and their administrative staff functions were eliminated. This reorganization also reduced the number of major commands, and eliminated the air divisions to place numbered air forces directly in command of operational wings. The role of numbered air forces

3250-758: The shore. 41°58′00″N 015°2′55″E  /  41.96667°N 15.04861°E  / 41.96667; 15.04861 It was in use by the Balkan (Yugoslav), Desert (RAF), South African and 15th (US) Air Forces, as well as by the Italian Cobellligerent Air Force. completely swallowed-up by the rising Adriatic Sea Located approximately 2.2 miles South-east of Campomarino, 41°55′58″N 015°4′14″E  /  41.93278°N 15.07056°E  / 41.93278; 15.07056 mostly now agricultural land. Airfield named after grass plants still growing round field edges. The houses of Cianaluca have been built on

3315-542: The summer of 1944, Austrian aircraft manufacturing centers at Wiener Neustadt were bombed and oil producing centers were attacked. On 2 June, the 15th Air Force flew its first "shuttle" mission when 130 B-17s and P-51 escorts landed in Russian controlled territory after a raid in Hungary. Two more shuttle missions followed. In August, the 15th began attacking targets in Southern France in preparation for Operation Anvil ,

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3380-722: The war's end almost every day in the blue southern sky when, flying provocatively low, the bombers of the American Fifteenth Air Force crossed the Alps from their Italian bases to attack German Industrial targets. With the end of the war in May 1945, most of the airfields were abandoned and the land returned to the owners, or the Italian government. Today, most of the airfields are long since returned to agriculture, and little or no evidence remains of their use as wartime airfields. A few, however, still exist as commercial airports and one

3445-481: The war’s end almost every day in the blue southern sky when, flying provocatively low, the bombers of the American Fifteenth Air Force crossed the Alps from their Italian bases to attack German Industrial targets. The only 15th AF mission to Berlin was on 24 March 1945 when 666 bombers struck the capital, Munich , and other German targets, as well as Czechoslovakia . The Berlin force was attacked by Me 262 jets that inflicted losses (one bombers and five fighters) while

3510-485: Was 450' x 6,000" grass with 100 hardstands 41°32′54″N 015°27′27″E  /  41.54833°N 15.45750°E  / 41.54833; 15.45750 Temporary airfield used by Fifteenth Air Force 1st Fighter Group. PSP runway with parking area. Built by COE in late 1943. Used by 1st FG until March 1945, closing in April 1945 and airfield dismantled. Today no evidence of existence visible on aerial photography, land completely returned to agricultural use. Abandoned,

3575-400: Was a United States Army Air Forces combat air force deployed to the European Theater of World War II, bombing Europe from bases in southern Italy and engaging in air-to-air fighter combat against enemy aircraft. During the Cold War , 15 AF was one of three Numbered Air Forces of the United States Air Force Strategic Air Command (SAC), commanding USAF strategic bombers and missiles on

3640-426: Was again changed in 2006 with the implementation of the Component Air Force (C-NAF) concept. Some numbered air forces have an additional mission as the Air Force Component Command exercising command and control over air and space forces supporting a Unified Combatant Command . C-NAFs have a second designation to identify their role. For example, First Air Force , a numbered air force assigned to Air Combat Command ,

3705-434: Was bombing missions in support of the Anzio Landings in Italy, Operation Shingle beginning on 22 January 1944. Strikes on German and fascist Italian targets were carried out and caused widespread damage to Axis forces. "Big Week" was the name of an intense Eighth and Fifteenth Air Forces series of attacks on Germany in a series of co-ordinated raids on the German aircraft industry. The plan, code-named "Operation Argument,"

3770-433: Was flown 1 May when 27 B-17s escorted by 51 P38's of the 14th FG attacked Salzburg rail targets. With the German surrender in Italy, 15th Air Force aircraft began dropping supplies over Yugoslavia and evacuating Allied prisoners of war. It performing its last mission on 16 May 1945. A total of around 2,110 bombers were lost on operations by its 15 B-24 and six B-17 bombardment groups , while its seven fighter groups claimed

3835-450: Was in full swing and few of these groups were fully equipped or manned. All of these groups were equipped with B-29 Superfortresses , most or all of which were aircraft which returned from Twentieth Air Force groups returning from the Pacific War . When SAC was established in 1946, its primary bomber aircraft was the B-29. Although there were many in storage, they were war-weary. The plane was greatly improved and soon new models, designated

3900-536: Was located 6 km (3.7 mi) northeast of Cerignola , 41°18′15″N 015°50′30″E  /  41.30417°N 15.84167°E  / 41.30417; 15.84167 Semi-permanent heavy bomber airfield used by Fifteenth Air Force. Built by COE beginning in late 1943. One PSP runway NNW ~ SSE, 100 x 6,000 base of gravel and oiled subsurface; with extensive taxiway and 67 hardstand parking areas. Steel control tower. Opened January 1944. Supported B-24 Liberator operations, and airfield closed in late July 1945. Today

3965-711: Was located approximately 4 miles south-southeast of Campomarino , on the Adriatic coast. Airfield was 150 x 5,500 PSP over gravel with 43 hardstands 41°53′43″N 015°07′08″E  /  41.89528°N 15.11889°E  / 41.89528; 15.11889 . Temporary airfield used by Fifteenth Air Force 332d Fighter Group. PSP runway with parking area. Built by COE in early 1944. Used by 322d FG until end of war, used by 523d Air Service Group and 949th Air Engineering Squadron after May 1945, closing in October 1945 and airfield dismantled. Today no evidence of main runway visible on aerial photography, land completely returned to agricultural use. The original 332nd FG operations block

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4030-407: Was located approximately 40 km (25 mi) north-northwest of Foggia , 41°42′45″N 015°25′48″E  /  41.71250°N 15.43000°E  / 41.71250; 15.43000 Temporary airfield used primarily by 31st FG and Reconnaissance units of 15th Air Force. Built by COE in late September 1943; last combat operations flown in March 1945. Airfield closed in September 1945. Today

4095-987: Was located approximately 9 km (5.6 mi) west-southwest of Cerignola , 41°14′21.90″N 015°48′06.57″E  /  41.2394167°N 15.8018250°E  / 41.2394167; 15.8018250 Semi-permanent heavy bomber airfield used by Fifteenth Air Force. Built by COE in late 1943. Single (possibly double) PSP main runway with extensive taxiway and hardstand parking areas. Steel control tower. Opened January 1944. Very large and expansive facility used by two heavy bomb groups, composed of eight operational squadrons. Capacity for approximately 150 heavy bombers with large support facilities to east of airfield with blister hangars as well as wooden structures. Airfield remained in operation until end of war, closing in October 1945. Abandoned and land returned to agricultural use. Faint scarring of land still visible from former airfield use visible on aerial photography, however little or no physical evidence on ground of existence. Abandoned,

4160-505: Was no Cerignola airfield per se . Cerignola town hosted the headquarters of 304 Bomb Wing, a command unit, not an operational one. Cerignola here conflates four separate airfields located to the west of the town: San Giovanni, Giulia, Stornara and Torretta, listed separately below. The Bomb Groups under 304 Bomb Wing's command, operated out of San Giovanni, Giulia and Stornara. 301 Bomb Group operated temporarily out of Giulia, and 330 Wing RAF, temporarily out of Torretta. The grid reference given

4225-538: Was to use both American strategic air forces in Europe, with support by the Royal Air Force with night bombing raids to destroy or seriously cripple the German ability to produce combat aircraft. The Americans were facing strong Luftwaffe fighter opposition to their daylight bombing raids over Nazi-occupied Europe, and it was planned to initiate Operation Argument at the earliest possible date. On 22 February 1944, Fifteenth Air Force made its first attack on Germany, with an attack on Regensburg . The Fifteenth dispatched

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