Due to a shortage of new B-29s, the group was equipped with B-17 Flying Fortress heavy bombers; being equipped with newly-manufactured B-29 Superfortresses at Grand Island Army Airfield, Nebraska during the summer of 1944.
Due to a shortage of B-29s, the group was equipped with former II Bomber Command B-17 Flying Fortresses previously used for training heavy bomber replacement personnel. The group was eventually equipped with newly-manufactured B-29 Superfortresses at Grand Island Army Airfield, Nebraska during the summer of 1944.