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NEWS | Feb. 16, 2011

This week in Air Force history

By Joint Base Charleston Public Affairs

Feb. 13, 1959 - The 5th Bombardment Wing at Travis Air Force Base, Calif., received Strategic Air Command's first B-52G. This model had more fuel tanks to increase its non-refueled range from 6,000 to 10,000 miles.

Feb. 14, 1939 - The XB-15 flew a mercy mission from Virginia to Chile in 29 hours, 53 minutes.

Feb. 15, 1948 - The XF-87 made its first flight at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif.

Feb. 16, 1966 - Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John P. McConnell presented astronaut wings to Col. L. Gordon Cooper, Col. Frank Borman and Lt. Col. Thomas P. Stafford.

Feb. 17, 1999 - The first C-130J transport arrived at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. for assignment with the 403rd Wing.

Feb. 18, 1977 - The Space Shuttle made its first captive flight atop a modified Boeing 747.

Feb. 19, 1993 - The 64th Flying Training Wing launches the first student sortie in the new T-1A Jayhawk trainer aircraft.