B-66B Bomber Squadrons
Sculthorpe England

B-66B Bomb Wing

84th Bomb Squadron

Historical description: Not available... B-66B, 1958-1962

85th Bomb Squadron

History:
Activated on 15 Jan 1941 as the 85th BS (light) redesignated 85th BS (tactical) on 1 Oct. 1955 and deactivated on 22 June 1962.

Flying B-18, A-20, A-26 (B-26), B-45.

Operated as anti-submarine patrols in the American Theater, Algeria-French Morocco, Tunisia, Sicily, Naples-Foggia, Anzio, Rome-Arno, Southern France, North Apennines, Po Valley and Air combat in the European / African / Mediterranean Theater during WW II.

Distinguished Unit Citations: North Africa, 22 Feb 1943; Po Valley, 21-24 April 1945 Air Force Outstanding Award: 1 Jul 1958 and 30 Jun 1960.

NOTE: Concerning the B-66 conventional bomb load capability..."If you go to the A3 Skywarrior web site, they have the manual on its front page. You can open it up to the ordinance section, it was the early version the Navy used as a bomber. It was designed to carry the NUCLEAR BOMB and various numbers of General Purpose (GP) bombs.
If your not happy with that... I know a bombardier who flew the weapons. I am sure he could fill you in on the B-66 WEAPONS...
LET ME KNOW AN I'LL FOWARD YOUR REQUEST. Chief Joe, USN RET."
< chiefjoenavyret@neo.rr.com >

Additional info about the Navy A3D is available at: http://www.history.navy.mil/

Here's the conventional bomb capability posted on the A3D website:
12 each 500 pound GP
6 each 1,000 pound GP
8 each 1,600 pound AP
4 each 2,000 pound GP

86th Bomb Squadron

History:
On 23 March 1954, the 86th Bombardment Squadron, Light, jet was reactivated. It was stationed at Sculthorpe RAF Station and Alconbury RAF station, England, flying the B-45 and B-66 aircraft. On 1 Oct 1955, the 86th was redesigned as the 86th Bombardment Squadron, Tactical. The 86th remained in England, maintaining proficiency in a variety of tactical operations and was awarded the Air Force Unit Citation for operations from July 1958 to June 1960.

The 86th distinguished itself by acquiring eleven campaign streamers and three Distinguished Unit Citations.