After beginning life in the United States as a numbered air support command, this establishment became the major tactical air force in the European Theater of Operations during World War II. Ninth Air Force first entered combat in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations, then moved to R.A.F Burtonwood, England in 1943. Following the war, Ninth Air Force served as one of the tactical air forces of Tactical Air Command.

Presently assigned to Air Combat Command, Ninth Air Force also serves as the Air Force component to the United States Central Command. It is headquartered at Shaw Air Force Base in Sumter, South Carolina.

Commands During World War II

• IX Bomber Command 1942-45
• IX Air Defense Command 1944-45
• IX Fighter Command 1942-45
• IX Tactical Air Command 1943-45
• IX Troop Carrier Command 1943-44
• XIX Tactical Air Command 1944-45
• XXIX Tactical Air Command 1945

External links

• 9th Air Force web site
• GlobalSecurity.org 9th Air Force info page