Operation Rolling Thunder Anniversary Graphic

Beginning March 2, 1965 and lasting until November 2, 1968, Operation Rolling Thunder was the longest air campaign in US History at the time. The 864,000 tons of bombs and missiles dropped during the operation totaled more than all the bombs dropped on Europe during the entirety of World War II. While strategically, the operation wasn't successful at turning the tide of the Vietnam War, it did pave the way for future innovations. Experience battling MiGs and other air defenses gained during Rolling Thunder led to improvements in air-to-air missile technology, electronic warfare, and improved command, control, communications, and intelligence.