on 15 december 1953, the 321st bombardment wing, medium was activated at pinecastle air force base, florida, absorbing the boeing b-47 stratojets and boeing kc-97 tankers of the discontinued 4240th flying training wing in late may 1954. two weeks later, on 1 january 1954, the wing was assigned to strategic air command (sac) as the b-47 combat crew training mission was transferred to sac. colonel michael n.w. mccoy was appointed commander of the 321st bombardment wing on 24 may 1954. he previously commanded the 306th bombardment wing at macdill air force base, florida, and was considered the "dean" of sac's stratojet operational wing commanders.