In August 1948, in response to the Berlin Blockade, the U.S. deployed long-range Boeing B-29 Superfortress strategic bombers to four English East Anglian bases.

The resulting growing size and complexity of the American military presence required a larger command and organizational structure, that could meet the needs of the increased operations.

In April 1964, the division switched from "Air Mail" B-47 / KC-97 to "Reflex" B-52 / KC-135 alert forces, again with aircraft and crews furnished in deployed status from U.S. based SAC wings.

In 1965, it became heavily involved in Arc Light and Young Tiger operations in the Far East and SE Asia (SEA).

In June 1965, Arc Light B-52s struck suspected Viet Cong targets in South Vietnam, commencing the first SAC combat missions.

B-52s began striking targets in North Vietnam on 11 April 1966; the initial attack against the Mu Gia Pass marked the largest single bomber raid since World War II.

By late 1969, most Arc Light operations staged from U-Tapao Royal Thai Navy Airfield, Thailand, while others were mounted from Kadena Air Base, Okinawa and Andersen.

Andersen AFB remained the primary base for SAC deployed forces from the U.S., however, and aircraft and crews were sent from Guam to Kadena and U Tapao for combat missions.

Effective 1 January 1975, 3rd Air Division again controlled all SAC operations in the Western Pacific, Far East, and Southeast Asia.