With the creation of the United States Air Force as a separate service , the group became the combat component of the 509th Bombardment Wing on 17 November 1947 .
It was not operational until 14 September 1948 .
With the creation of the United States Air Force as a separate service , the group became the combat component of the 509th Bombardment Wing on 17 November 1947 , although it was not operational until 14 September 1948 .