The unit was first organized during World War II as the 313th Bombardment Wing, part of Twentieth Air Force.

The 9th was assigned to Army Air Forces Training Command in Florida as part of its school of applied tactics.

After dealing with various training issues and also problems with the B-29s they received, the combat groups were ready to deploy to the Pacific Theater and departed for North Field, on the Tinian, arriving during late December 1944.

Once in place, the groups of the 313th "began flying missions, initially against Iwo Jima, the Truk Islands, and other Japanese held areas.

The 509th was given a base area near the airfield on the north tip of Tinian, several miles from the main installations in the center part of the island where the other groups were assigned.

"After the Japanese surrender in August, 313th Wing units dropped food and supplies to Allied prisoners and participated in show-of-force flights over Japan.

Throughout the years of the Cold War, the 313th assumed "responsibility for air defense of the Ryukyu Islands and tactical operations in the Far East, maintaining assigned forces at the highest possible degree of combat readiness.

Wings Groups Squadrons This article incorporates public domain material from the Air Force Historical Research Agency