Some Of The Unit's Original Members Attend Ceremony

The Air Force Reserve has to reactivated the 489th Bomb Group and associated elements during an Oct. 17 ceremony at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas.

The bomb group reactivation includes the 345th Bomb Squadron, the 489th Maintenance Squadron and the 489th Aerospace Medical Fight.

The 489th BG is a geographically separated unit under the 307th Bomb Wing, Barksdale AFB, Louisiana. It will operate in a classic association with the 7th Bomb Wing at Dyess flying the B-1B Lancer.

“Now, more than ever, our nation demands dominance from our Air Force,” said Col. Bruce Cox, 307th BW commander, who will preside at the reactivation ceremony.

“As the Air Force Reserve Command's only bomber wing, it is my great honor to partner with the 7th BW in the B-1 mission area. The Citizen-Airmen of the 489th [Bomb Group] are incredibly excited to join the professional Airmen of the 7th Bomb Wing in their quest to fly, fight and win with the mighty BONE.”

Col. Denis A. Heinz will take command of the 489th BG.

“I’m excited about being a part of the 489th Bomb Group legacy,” said Heinz "As I read books published by former group members, I was in awe of their ability to fly, fight, and win under such austere conditions. I am proud to now be part of a heritage that dates back to the early days of World War II when the original 489th fought a much different war.”

The Air Force continues to invest in Total Force Integration efforts. The reactivation of the 489th BG will provide a B-1 formal training mission element as well as support combat operations allowing reservists to work side-by-side with 7th Bomb Wing and regular Air Force counterparts on a daily basis.

(Source: USAF Reserve news release. USAF image)

FMI: www.af.mil