The 529th Bombardment Squadron's long and distinguished history came to an end on the last day of September 1991 during a deactivation ceremony at the Officer's Club at Plattsburgh AFB, NY. The squadron took part in World War II and flew B-47s during some of the chilliest years of the 'Cold War'. Finally, the 529th has served the Air force as part of the 380th Bombardment Wing, assisting the wing in fulfilling its primary mission, constant readiness for war.

The 529th was created at Davis-Monthan Field, Ariz. in November 1942 for service in World War II. The 529th moved one month later to Biggs Field, El Paso, Texas, for extensive flight training in the B-24 "Liberator". Lowry Field was the final stop for the squadron before deploying to Australia in April 1943.

The 529th was based to Long-Strip in the Northern Territory, while its parent group, the 380th was based 100 miles away at Fenton Field. The 529th, along with the rest of the group, was assigned the task to defend Australia against threatened Japanese invasion. From northern Australia, the 529th could strike the many Japanese strongholds in the Netherlands East Indies. Primary targets included Japanese oil refineries, dock facilities and supply lines. This campaign ended in February 1945 when the 529th moved its base of operations to San Jose, Mindoro, Philippine Islands. From there, the 529th participated in the neutralization of Formosa and the first heavy bomber strikes in China and French Indo-China. The 529th focused its weight of effort on Japanese facilities in cities such as Canton, Hong Kong, Saigon and the airfields of Formosa.

After a two-year period as a reserve unit , the 529th was put back into active service in July 1955. The squadron was assigned to the 380th Bombardment Wing at a new Strategic Air Command base, Plattsburgh AFB, NY. Because the base facilities were incomplete, the unit was sent on temporary duty to Pinecastle AFB, Fla. for training on the B-47. On January 27, 1956, Lt.Col. Herbert W.Reingardt, 529th BS commander, was at the controls of the 380th Bomb Wing's first B-47 to launch from Pinecastle. The first B-47 to land at Plattsburgh AFB was flown by a crew of the 529th on March 21, 1956, and upon landing was christened "The City of Plattsburgh". The rest of the squadron arrived at Plattsburgh in the middle of June as construction was completed and members began the training that made the unit ready to take part of the Strategic Air Command deterrence mission.

The 529th remained on active duty until the B-47 was phased out and on April 1, 1966, the squadron was again deactivated. It remained inactive until January 1, 1971 and was again assigned to the 380th BW with the Air Force's newest weapon system, the General Dynamics FB-111A. With this aircraft, the squadron remained with the 380th at Plattsburgh AFB until deactivation on the last day of September 1991. The 529th has been a major contributor to the wide recognition and praise that the 380th has received from all parts of the Air Force and civilian communities. Most noteworthy of these accomplishments was the winning of four consecutive Fairchild trophies, awarded to the best wing in the annual SAC Bombing and Navigation competition.

It was through the dedication of its people that the 529th was able to sustain an outstanding record over the years.

Lt.Col. Lou Buckner, 529th BS's commander, paid this tribute to the 529th at the deactivation ceremony, " To the hundreds of valiant men and women who fought the war while serving in the 529th, I can offer this; that on the door of the room where the 529th rests, we place a sign that reads, 'Here lies the brave 529th, who rest sleeplessly, and waits for its call to glory.'"