20th BS: A century of history in one room

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Joseph A. Pagán Jr
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  When walking through the halls of the 20th Bomb Squadron, the abundant history of the squadron is immediately noticeable. From the 20th BS's origin in 1917 to the present day bomber presence over the pacific, the 20th has reached and served all areas of the globe.

Serving in every major conflict since 1917, with exception to the Korean War, the 20th has moved several times and eventually found its home at Barksdale.

"This squadron has not always been where it is now," said Capt. Hunter Barnhill, 20th BS aircraft commander and historian. "It was originally formed and known as the 20th Aero Squadron at Kelly Field, Texas, and has been moved overseas and back to the states on several occasions."

The long life of the 20th has made it difficult to find artifacts from earlier years. However, the Bomber Appreciation/Heritage Room captures glimpses from that era to its current missions.

"We first moved to this building in 2008," said Barnhill. "At that time, one room was designated as the Heritage Room and it would be the job of not just the historian, but of everyone to create a room that would capture our history."

Photographs line the halls and lead to the heritage room where the most prized possessions are housed.

"When someone comes into the room they first notice the tables," said Barnhill. "The tables are refurnished doors from a previous base where the 20th was located. More recently, we have Raider 21 items, honoring our fallen brothers and items from our continuous bomber presence."

What makes this room special isn't what is in the room, but what has been taken from it because of its rarity.

"Due to the importance and legacy of the 20th, many items have found their way into the Global Power Museum," said Barnhill. "One item the museum acquired is an empty bottle of champagne bottle that has an incredible story."

Aircrew members acquired the champagne in Paris, France after WWI ended, added Barnhill.

"The crew took enough bottles to open a new one on every anniversary of the completion of the war," said Barnhill. "The museum has the last bottle opened by the last surviving member."

It's difficult to capture a centuries worth of history in one room, he said.

"The history of the 20th is what makes us who we are today," said Capt. William Graff, 20th BS aircraft commander. "Those who came before us with their courage and patriotism are models for how we should be in the present."