The B-66 Destroyer was the last tactical nuclear bomber built for the US Air Force. During its tenure as a Cold War bomber, it served as the USAF's mainstay in Europe. All three B-66 bomber squadrons were based in the United Kingdom at two bases, RAF Alconbury and RAF Sculthorpe. The B-66 was retired in 1966 and the nuclear bombing mission was subsequently assigned to the faster F-105 and F-111 fighter-bomber aircraft.
The Destroyer's other versions continued to perform their missions. The RB-66B was the tactical air forces only night photo reconnaissance aircraft during the 1950's and 60's. The RB-66B served in Europe, Japan, Korea and Vietnam/Southeast Asia providing valuable intelligence information. Tan Son Nhut AB, Vietnam; Toul-Rosieres AB, France; Shaw AFB,SC; and RAF Chelveston were a few of the RB-66B stations.
The longest serving version was the electronic surveillance and reconnaissance RB-66C/EB-66C. During its life it also served in Europe, Japan, Korea and Vietnam/Southeast Asia. During the Southeast Asia conflict, it was upgraded with a jamming capability allowing it to provide fighter-bombers safe passage through surface-to-air missile areas. Tactical Air Command’s last EB-66C was retired on March 20, 1974.
To enhance the tactical jamming mission several B-66B aircraft were equipped with jamming equipment and designated EB-66B. They were initally used in Europe but transfered to the 6460th TRS which had been formed at Takhli RTAFB. These aircraft were later joined by more capable EB-66E’s which were rebuilt RB-66B’s. The EB-66B's were stationed at Takhli RTAFB, Thailand and the EB-66C and EB-66E were based at Takhli and later transfered from the 355th Tactical Fighter Wing to the 388th TFW at Korat RTAFB. After all EB-66’s were retired, the F-111 was modified in later years to perform this mission. With the retirement of the Air Force EF-111, the Air Force and Navy have jointly established five EA-6B expeditionary squadrons manned by personnel from both services who train and are home-based at NAS Whidbey Island. |
