Later on, a 20th AF group, the 509th Composite Group, famously dropped two atomic bombs, one each on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, which led to Japanese surrender, ending World War II.įor 40 years beginning March 1, 1951, the 20th AF was deactivated until Sept. Twentieth AF B-29 Superfortresses conducted heavy bombardment against targets in Japan, Thailand, Burma and Formosa during Operation MATTERHORN in World War II. Originally an Army Air Forces unit, the 20th AF was established April 4, 1944, and first commanded by General of the Army Henry H. 'Today we honor those that have served and those that are serving, and I am proud to be part of your team.' Jack Weinstein, 20th Air Force commander, in an email to Airmen. 'Today marks the 70th anniversary of 20th Air Force,' said Maj. Today, the 20th Air Force, arguably one of the most storied organizations in the U.S.
