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{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2017}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2017}}
{{Use American English|date=August 2018}}
{{Infobox military unit
{{Infobox military unit
|unit_name= 3rd Airlift Squadron
|unit_name= 3d Airlift Squadron
<center>[[File:Air Mobility Command.svg|60px]]</center>
<center>[[File:Air Mobility Command.svg|60px]]</center>
|image=Boeing C-17A Lot XIII Globemaster III 01-0186.jpg
|image=Boeing C-17A Lot XIII Globemaster III 01-0186.jpg
|image_size=300px
|image_size=300px
|caption= 3rd Airlift Squadron [[C-17A Globemaster III]]<ref group=note>Aircraft is Boeing C-17A Globemaster III, serial 01-186.</ref>
|caption= 3d Airlift Squadron [[C-17A Globemaster III]]<ref group=note>Aircraft is Boeing C-17A Globemaster III, serial 01-186.</ref>
|dates=1942–1943; 1952–present
|dates=1942–1943; 1952–present
|country={{USA}}
|country={{USA}}
Line 33: Line 34:
}}
}}


The '''3rd Airlift Squadron''' is a squadron of the [[436th Airlift Wing]] of the [[United States Air Force|USAF]]. It is based at [[Dover Air Force Base]] near [[Dover, Delaware]].
The '''3d Airlift Squadron''' is a squadron of the [[436th Airlift Wing]] of the [[United States Air Force|USAF]]. It is based at [[Dover Air Force Base]] near [[Dover, Delaware]].


==History==
==History==
===World War II===
⚫
The [[squadron (aviation)|squadron]] goes back to the days of [[World War II]] when it was activated at [[Pope Field]], North Carolina, in March 1942, as the '''3d Air Corps Ferrying Squadron'''. Two months later, the 3d moved to India, where it was stationed at [[Chabua Airfield]], Upper Assam, India. It was part of the [[India-China Wing]] of [[Air Transport Command]] and carried supplies and equipment back and forth across [[The Hump]]. The squadron was disbanded in late 1943.

===Strategic airlift===
[[File:Douglas C-74 Globemaster 42-65402.jpg|thumb|Douglas C-74 Globemaster 42-65402, 3d ATS, early 1950s]]
[[File:Douglas C-74 Globemaster 42-65402.jpg|thumb|Douglas C-74 Globemaster 42-65402, 3d ATS, early 1950s]]
⚫
During the [[Korean War]], the 3d was reconstituted at [[Brookley Air Force Base]], Alabama as the '''3d Air Transport Squadron''', and began flying regularly scheduled airlift missions in its eight [[Douglas C-124 Globemaster II]]s to the Arctic, Caribbean, and South America. In June 1958, the squadron moved to [[Charleston Air Force Base]], South Carolina, where it continued to fly C-124s until August 1965, when it transitioned into jets with the arrival of the first [[Lockheed C-141 Starlifter]].
⚫
The 3d Airlift Squadron goes back to the days of [[World War II]] when it was activated at [[Pope Army Airfield|Pope Field]], [[Fort Bragg (North Carolina)|Fort Bragg]], North Carolina, in March 1942, as a ferrying squadron. During the war, the 3rd was stationed at Chabau, Upper Assam, India. Later, it transferred to the India-China Wing of the Air Transport Command and carried supplies and equipment back and forth across the treacherous "[[The Hump|Hump]]." The squadron was disbanded in late 1943.

⚫
During the [[Korean War]], the 3rd was reconstituted at [[Brookley Field]], [[Alabama]], and began flying regularly scheduled airlift missions in its eight [[C-124 Globemaster II]]s to the [[Arctic]], [[Caribbean]], and South America. In June 1958, the squadron moved to [[Charleston AFB]], South Carolina, where it continued to fly C-124s until August 1965, when it transitioned into jets with the arrival of the first [[C-141 Starlifter]].

In June 1970, the 3rd Military Airlift Squadron received the first operational [[C-5 Galaxy]] to be assigned to a Military Airlift Command flying organization. Three years later, the 3rd was transferred to its present home with the [[436th Airlift Wing]] at [[Dover AFB]].

Aircrews of the 3rd AS flew support missions for French troops in the [[Zaire]] peacekeeping effort. For their efforts, they were co-recipients with a 9th MAS crew of the [[Mackay Trophy]] for the 1978 airlift operation.

The 3rd has proven itself and the C-5 to be highly mission-ready by setting AMC records for departure reliability. In 1986, the 3rd received the 436th Military Airlift Wing's Flying Eagle award four times for having the highest percentage of on-time departures.


In June 1970, the squadron, now the '''3d Military Airlift Squadron''' received the first operational [[Lockheed C-5 Galaxy]] to be assigned to a [[Military Airlift Command]] (MAC) flying organization. Three years later, the 3d moved to its present home with the [[436th Airlift Wing]] at [[Dover Air Force Base]]. Aircrews of the 3d flew support missions for French troops in the Zaire peacekeeping effort. For their efforts, they were co-recipients with a [[9th Military Airlift Squadron]] crew of the [[Mackay Trophy]] for the 1978 airlift operation. The 3d proved itself and the C-5 by setting MAC records for departure reliability. In 1986, the 3d received the 436th Military Airlift Wing's Flying Eagle award four times for having the highest percentage of on-time departures in the [[wing (military organization)|wing]].
⚫
In April 1988, a 3rd MAS crew, overcoming the difficulties of flying into unfamiliar territory, airlifted drilling equipment into Semipolitinsk, [[U.S.S.R.]] The mission was part of a joint nuclear weapons detonation monitoring agreement signed by the United States and the [[Soviet Union]]. The crew was subsequently awarded the [[Mackay Trophy]] for the "most meritorious flight of the year".


⚫
In April 1988, a 3d crew, overcoming the difficulties of flying into unfamiliar territory, airlifted drilling equipment into [[Semipalitinsk]], in the Soviet Union. The mission was part of a joint nuclear weapons detonation monitoring agreement signed by the United States and the Soviet Union. The crew was subsequently awarded the Mackay Trophy for the "most meritorious flight of the year".
The 3rd AS continues its distinct history and support of AMC by flying humanitarian and contingency missions into such places as Southwest Asia, Somalia, Rwanda, and Haiti. The 3rd AS participated in the first-ever six-ship formation flights of C-5's in support of the Strategic Brigade Airdrop Test.


In October 2003 a crew from the 3rd Airlift Squadron landed the first [[C-5 Galaxy]] in Iraq at [[Baghdad International Airport]]. Until 2004 the unit was also the only [[Special Operations Low Level]] SOLL capable unit to fly the C-5 Galaxy. This capability was transferred to the smaller and more modern C-17 in 2001.
The 3d continues its distinct history and support of [[Air Mobility Command]] by flying [[humanitarian]] and contingency missions into such places as Southwest Asia, Somalia, Rwanda, and Haiti. The squadron participated in the first-ever six-ship formation flights of C-5's in support of the Strategic Brigade Airdrop Test. In October 2003 a crew from the 3d Airlift Squadron landed the first Galaxy in Iraq at [[Baghdad International Airport]]. Until 2004 the unit was also the only [[Special Operations Low Level]] capable unit to fly the C-5 Galaxy. This capability was transferred to the smaller and more modern C-17 in 2001.


In 2007 the 3rd AS transitioned from operation of the [[C-5 Galaxy]] to the newer [[C-17 Globemaster III]].
In 2007 the 3d Squadron transitioned from operation of the C-5 to the newer [[Boeing C-17 Globemaster III]].


==Lineage==
==Lineage==
* Constituted as the '''3rd Air Corps Ferrying Squadron''' on 18 February 1942
* Constituted as the '''3d Air Corps Ferrying Squadron''' on 18 February 1942
: Activated on 7 March 1942
: Activated on 7 March 1942
: Redesignated '''3rd Transport Squadron''' on 24 March 1943
: Redesignated '''3d Transport Squadron''' on 24 March 1943
: Disbanded on 1 December 1943
: Disbanded on 1 December 1943
* Reconstituted and redesignated '''3rd Air Transport Squadron''', Heavy on 20 June 1952
* Reconstituted and redesignated '''3d Air Transport Squadron''', Heavy on 20 June 1952
: Activated on 20 July 1952
: Activated on 20 July 1952
: Redesignated '''3rd Military Airlift Squadron''' on 8 January 1966
: Redesignated '''3d Military Airlift Squadron''' on 8 January 1966
: Redesignated '''3rd Airlift Squadron''' on 1 December 1991<ref name=3ASfacts/>
: Redesignated '''3d Airlift Squadron''' on 1 December 1991<ref name=3ASfacts/>


===Assignments===
===Assignments===
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* 1608th Air Transport Wing, 18 January 1963
* 1608th Air Transport Wing, 18 January 1963
* [[437th Military Airlift Wing]], 8 January 1966
* [[437th Military Airlift Wing]], 8 January 1966
* [[436th Military Airlift Wing]], 1 August 1973
* 436th Military Airlift Wing, 1 August 1973
* [[436th Operations Group]], 1 December 1991 – present<ref name=3ASfacts/>
* [[436th Operations Group]], 1 December 1991 – present<ref name=3ASfacts/>


===Stations===
===Stations===
* [[Pope Army Airfield|Pope Field]], North Carolina, 7 March 1942
* Pope Field, North Carolina, 7 March 1942
* [[Charleston Army Air Base]], South Carolina, 17–19 Mar 1942
* Charleston Army Air Base, South Carolina, 17–19 March 1942
* [[Karachi Airport]], India, 15 May 1942
* [[Karachi Airport]], India, 15 May 1942
* New Malir Cantonment, India, 17 May 1942
* New Malir Cantonment, India, 17 May 1942
* [[Chabua Airfield]], India, 1 Aug 1942 – 1 Dec 1943
* Chabua Airfield, India, 1 August 1942 – 1 December 1943
* [[Brookley AFB]], Alabama, 20 July 1952
* Brookley Air Force Base, Alabama, 20 July 1952
* [[Charleston AFB]], South Carolina, 18 June 1958
* Charleston Air Force Base, South Carolina, 18 June 1958
* [[Dover AFB]], Delaware, 1 Aug 1973–present
* Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, 1 August 1973 – present<ref name=3ASfacts/>


===Aircraft===
===Aircraft===
* [[C-46 Commando]], 1942–1943
* [[Curtiss C-46 Commando]], 1942–1943
* [[C-124 Globemaster II]], 1952–1965
* Douglas C-124 Globemaster II, 1952–1965
* [[C-74 Globemaster]], 1955
* [[Douglas C-74 Globemaster]], 1955
* [[C-141 Starlifter]], 1965–1970
* Lockheed C-141 Starlifter, 1965–1970
* [[C-5 Galaxy]], 1970–2007
* Lockheed C-5 Galaxy, 1970–2007
* [[C-17 Globemaster III]], 2007–present
* Boeing C-17 Globemaster III, 2007–present<ref name=3ASfacts/>


== References==
== References==

Revision as of 19:44, 1 August 2018

3d Airlift Squadron
3d Airlift Squadron C-17A Globemaster III[note 1]
Active1942–1943; 1952–present
Country United States
Branch United States Air Force
RoleStrategic Airlift
Part ofAir Mobility Command
Garrison/HQDover Air Force Base, Delaware
Motto(s)Safe, Swift, Sure
Third but First[citation needed]
Engagements
Asia-Pacific Theater (World War II)

Southwest Asia Service
  • Defense of Saudi Arabia
  • Liberation and Defense of Kuwait[1]
Decorations
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (13x)

Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm[1]
Commanders
Current
commander		Lieutenant Colonel Mark Radio
Notable
commanders		William J. Begert
Insignia
3d Airlift Squadron emblem (approved 31 July 1959)[1]

The 3d Airlift Squadron is a squadron of the 436th Airlift Wing of the USAF. It is based at Dover Air Force Base near Dover, Delaware.

History

World War II

The squadron goes back to the days of World War II when it was activated at Pope Field, North Carolina, in March 1942, as the 3d Air Corps Ferrying Squadron. Two months later, the 3d moved to India, where it was stationed at Chabua Airfield, Upper Assam, India. It was part of the India-China Wing of Air Transport Command and carried supplies and equipment back and forth across The Hump. The squadron was disbanded in late 1943.

Strategic airlift

Douglas C-74 Globemaster 42-65402, 3d ATS, early 1950s

During the Korean War, the 3d was reconstituted at Brookley Air Force Base, Alabama as the 3d Air Transport Squadron, and began flying regularly scheduled airlift missions in its eight Douglas C-124 Globemaster IIs to the Arctic, Caribbean, and South America. In June 1958, the squadron moved to Charleston Air Force Base, South Carolina, where it continued to fly C-124s until August 1965, when it transitioned into jets with the arrival of the first Lockheed C-141 Starlifter.

In June 1970, the squadron, now the 3d Military Airlift Squadron received the first operational Lockheed C-5 Galaxy to be assigned to a Military Airlift Command (MAC) flying organization. Three years later, the 3d moved to its present home with the 436th Airlift Wing at Dover Air Force Base. Aircrews of the 3d flew support missions for French troops in the Zaire peacekeeping effort. For their efforts, they were co-recipients with a 9th Military Airlift Squadron crew of the Mackay Trophy for the 1978 airlift operation. The 3d proved itself and the C-5 by setting MAC records for departure reliability. In 1986, the 3d received the 436th Military Airlift Wing's Flying Eagle award four times for having the highest percentage of on-time departures in the wing.

In April 1988, a 3d crew, overcoming the difficulties of flying into unfamiliar territory, airlifted drilling equipment into Semipalitinsk, in the Soviet Union. The mission was part of a joint nuclear weapons detonation monitoring agreement signed by the United States and the Soviet Union. The crew was subsequently awarded the Mackay Trophy for the "most meritorious flight of the year".

The 3d continues its distinct history and support of Air Mobility Command by flying humanitarian and contingency missions into such places as Southwest Asia, Somalia, Rwanda, and Haiti. The squadron participated in the first-ever six-ship formation flights of C-5's in support of the Strategic Brigade Airdrop Test. In October 2003 a crew from the 3d Airlift Squadron landed the first Galaxy in Iraq at Baghdad International Airport. Until 2004 the unit was also the only Special Operations Low Level capable unit to fly the C-5 Galaxy. This capability was transferred to the smaller and more modern C-17 in 2001.

In 2007 the 3d Squadron transitioned from operation of the C-5 to the newer Boeing C-17 Globemaster III.

Lineage

  • Constituted as the 3d Air Corps Ferrying Squadron on 18 February 1942
Activated on 7 March 1942
Redesignated 3d Transport Squadron on 24 March 1943
Disbanded on 1 December 1943
  • Reconstituted and redesignated 3d Air Transport Squadron, Heavy on 20 June 1952
Activated on 20 July 1952
Redesignated 3d Military Airlift Squadron on 8 January 1966
Redesignated 3d Airlift Squadron on 1 December 1991[1]

Assignments

Stations

  • Pope Field, North Carolina, 7 March 1942
  • Charleston Army Air Base, South Carolina, 17–19 March 1942
  • Karachi Airport, India, 15 May 1942
  • New Malir Cantonment, India, 17 May 1942
  • Chabua Airfield, India, 1 August 1942 – 1 December 1943
  • Brookley Air Force Base, Alabama, 20 July 1952
  • Charleston Air Force Base, South Carolina, 18 June 1958
  • Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, 1 August 1973 – present[1]

Aircraft

References

Notes

Explanatory notes
  1. ^ Aircraft is Boeing C-17A Globemaster III, serial 01-186.
Citations
  1. ^ a b c d e f g No byline (7 January 2008). "Factsheet 3 Airlift Squadron". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Retrieved 1 August 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

Bibliography

Public Domain This article incorporates public domain material from the Air Force Historical Research Agency

External links

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=3rd_Airlift_Squadron&oldid=853003756"