95th Wing honors its heritage with new tail flash

Offutt Air Force Base, Neb. — The 95th Wing has revived the World War II-era Square B tail flash, unveiling the first E-4B Nightwatch to carry the insignia on June 26 during the wing’s Heritage Week at Offutt. The marking, retired when the 95th Bombardment Group was inactivated after the war, returns 81 years later and was presented to members of the 95th Bomb Group Memorials Foundation alongside active-duty Airmen, their families and friends.

“The Square B is more than a symbol,” said Col. Brian Hassler, 95th Maintenance Group commander. “It represents one of the most decorated 8th Air Force bomb groups of WWII, a formation of Airmen who flew into the heart of danger over Europe and helped shape the outcome of the war through courage, discipline, sacrifice and an unshakable commitment to one another.

By placing the Square B on the E-4B, we are not simply honoring a proud chapter of Air Force history; we are reinforcing the connection between their mission and ours. Though the platforms and operational environment have changed, the obligation to deliver combat credibility, readiness, and excellence has not.”

The insignia traces to Aug. 17, 1943, when B-17 crews of the 95th Bombardment Group took part in the Eighth Air Force’s first deep strike into Nazi Germany, braving poor weather and heavy fighter attacks to reach the Messerschmitt 109 factory. Twenty-four Square B aircraft flew the mission; eight made it back.

Activated June 14, 1942, and inactivated Aug. 28, 1945, the 95th Bombardment Group flew 8,625 sorties across 321 combat missions, dropped 19,769 tons of munitions, delivered 456.5 tons of food to Dutch citizens and was the only group to receive three presidential citations during World War II.

A seven-person maintenance team led approvals, procurement and installation to restore the emblem to service. The initial Square B is a high-durability aviation vinyl costing approximately $2,500 per aircraft and will appear on half the fleet. The insignia will be permanently integrated into the paint scheme during scheduled depot-level repainting.

“Seeing the Square B displayed represents months of planning, teamwork, and a deep respect for our heritage across the entire maintenance group,” said Hassler. “Our Airmen work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the E-4B is ready whenever the nation calls. To see that effort now carried beneath a symbol so rich with heritage is both humbling and inspiring. It reminds us that we are part of something much larger than ourselves.”

“As a maintainer, seeing our wing’s heritage brought back to life and highlighted on the flight line brings me an immense sense of pride,” said Master Sgt. Ethan Bell, 95th MXG quality assurance superintendent. “It gives us a deep sense of ownership in our aircraft and our global mission. It is incredibly rewarding to be a part of something this historic — marking the first-ever major paint scheme redesign of the E-4B.”

The E-4B serves as the National Airborne Operations Center and a component to the National Military Command System for the president, secretary of war and the joint chiefs of staff. The aircraft also serves as a survivable command, control and communications center. The 95th Wing, activated Feb. 25, 2025, at Offutt, provides national-level command and control to senior U.S. officials.

“A tail flash is more than paint on an aircraft, it’s a symbol of our identity and a tribute to one of the greatest generations,” said Hassler. “To any veterans of the 95th BG or their families, your legacy is alive and well. Every time this E-4B takes to the skies to support the president and the secretary of war, it carries your spirit with it. We are incredibly honored to wear the Square B.”

“The Square B belongs on this aircraft because it reflects exactly who we strive to be: professionals forged by heritage, united by mission, and committed to excellence in every sortie, every inspection, and every task,” noted Hassler. “We are proud to honor the past, but even more proud to carry it forward.”