Through most of its existence the division controlled bombardment wings flying Boeing B-47 Stratojets and based at Schilling.

[4] The 40th wing was not manned until early February 1953, when it began receiving personnel from the Tactical and Maintenance Squadron, Provisional, 40th at Davis Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona.

This squadron had been formed as a holding organization for personnel surplus to the needs of the 43d Bombardment Wing.

Once the wings became combat ready in the B-47, they periodically deployed to advanced bases in England.

[1] Wings This article incorporates public domain material from the Air Force Historical Research Agency