Tactical Air Command

TAC was the largest of the USAFs major Cold War combatant commands, formed in 1946 and inactivated in 1992. It operated a wide range of aircraft, including jet aircraft, tactical fighters, ground attack fighters, light bombers, tactical missiles, photographic reconnaissance, and special mission aircraft. It played a significant part in the Korean War, the Cuban missile crisis, and later the wars in SE Asia and the Gulf in 1991. In the 1980s, it was transformed by its new commander, General Wilbur 'Bill Creech, who organized, equipped, and prepared his units to deploy from the continental US to the frontline in Europe.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 96 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2023
Publisher: Key Publishing Ltd

The Tactical Air Command (TAC) was a major combatant command within the United States Air Force during the Cold War era. Established in 1946 and headquartered at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, TAC played a pivotal role in the defense of the United States and its allies. With a vast array of aircraft at its disposal, TAC operated for over four decades until it was inactivated in 1992.

At its inception, TAC was equipped with predominantly World War Two aircraft types, including the P-47 Thunderbolt and P-51 Mustang. However, the command quickly transitioned to jet aircraft operations with the introduction of the P-80 Shooting Star and F-86 Sabre. Over time, TAC expanded its fleet to include a wide range of tactical fighters, ground attack fighters, light bombers, tactical missiles, photographic reconnaissance, and special mission aircraft. These aircraft were designed to support various military operations, including air superiority, ground support, and special operations.

TAC played a significant role in several major conflicts during the Cold War, including the Korean War, the Cuban missile crisis, and the wars in Southeast Asia and the Gulf in 1991. The command deployed a large number of tactical fighter and attack aircraft, including the F-84 Thunderjet, F-100 Super Sabre, and F-105 Thunderchief. As the 1960s progressed, TAC was joined by advanced aircraft such as the A-7 Corsair II, F-111 Aardvark, and F-4 Phantom II. In the 1980s, the command further augmented its fleet with the addition of the A-10 Thunderbolt II, F-15 Eagle, and F-16 Fighting Falcon.

TAC's deployment capabilities were tested during the 1970s, particularly in the context of the Soviet threat. However, under the leadership of General Wilbur "Bill" Creech, who assumed command in 1978, TAC underwent a significant transformation. Creech organized, equipped, and prepared his units, including the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve elements, to deploy from the continental United States to the frontline in Europe. This preparation allowed TAC to respond quickly to any potential conflict and to engage in combat operations with minimal delay.

As the Soviet threat diminished towards the end of the 1980s, TAC's preparations, planning, and capabilities were put to the test. The command conducted numerous exercises and training missions to ensure that its units were ready for any contingency. TAC's transformation under Creech's leadership was a significant factor in the United States' ability to maintain peace and security during the Cold War era.

In conclusion, TAC was a vital component of the United States Air Force during the Cold War era. Established in 1946 and headquartered at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, TAC played a significant role in the defense of the United States and its allies. With a vast array of aircraft at its disposal, TAC expanded its fleet to include a wide range of tactical fighters, ground attack fighters, light bombers, tactical missiles, photographic reconnaissance, and special mission aircraft. TAC's deployment capabilities were tested during the 1970s, but under the leadership of General Wilbur "Bill" Creech, the command underwent a significant transformation that allowed it to respond quickly to any potential conflict and to engage in combat operations with minimal delay. The transformation of TAC under Creech's leadership was a significant factor in the United States' ability to maintain peace and security during the Cold War era.

Weight: 294g
Dimension: 170 x 242 x 9 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781802826739