On 26 January 1945, the commanding general of the US Army Air Forces in the Pacific requested two mobile weather squadrons be activated for projected land operations in the theater's forward area.

The squadrons activated at Seymour Johnson Field, North Carolina, on 5 June 1945, and underwent intensive training.

Maj Gen Leon W. Johnson, a World War II Medal of Honor recipient, was a member of the initial cadre of officers assigned to the US Air Corps weather service when it was formed in 1937.

Detachments of the 28th at Lakenheath, Bentwaters, Woodbridge, Mildenhall, Upper Heyford, Fairford, and Alconbury Royal Air Force stations were activated simultaneously.

Additionally, as of 2010 it is the only OWS in the United States Air Force that focuses specifically on USCENTCOM military meteorology and product development.

The 28th Operational Weather Squadron's manning consisted of active duty, deployed in-place OL-E, reserve, civilian and contract personnel and is located on Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina.