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68th Airlift Squadron

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68th Airlift Squadron
Squadron C-5 Galaxy approaches a tanker during air refueling
Active1943–1946; 1947–1952; 1955–present
Country United States
Branch United States Air Force
RoleAirlift
Part ofAir Force Reserve Command
Garrison/HQLackland Air Force Base, Joint Base San Antonio, Kelly Field Annex
Motto(s)Nulli Secundis Latin Second to None[1]
EngagementsSouthwest Pacific Theater
Desert Storm[1]
DecorationsAir Force Outstanding Unit Award
Philippine Presidential Unit Citation[1]
Insignia
68th Airlift Squadron emblem (approved 7 July 1961)[1]

The 68th Airlift Squadron is a United States Air Force Reserve squadron, assigned to the 433d Operations Group, stationed at Kelly Field Annex, Joint Base San Antonio, Texas. The squadron operates Lockheed C-5M Super Galaxy aircraft providing global airlift.[2] If mobilized, the wing is gained by Air Mobility Command.

History

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World War II

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The 68th flew troop carrier missions in New Guinea, Philippines, and the western Pacific from 1943 to 1945 and participated in the airborne assault at Aparri, Luzon, 23 June 1945.[1]

Activation in the reserve and Korean War mobilization

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The squadron was activated in the reserve in 1947 and conducted flying training until it was mobilized in 1950. It served on active duty until 1952, moving to Germany in 1951.[1]

Reserve airlift operation

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Between 1955 and 1985, the squadron trained for and flew tactical airlift missions at home and abroad, often taking part in joint exercises, humanitarian airlift operations, and firefighting missions.[1]

In 1985, it converted to strategic airlift missions. The 68th took part in Operation Just Cause in 1989-1990, flying medical supplies, tanks, and field rations to Panama. The squadron also took part in the defense of Saudi Arabia and liberation of Kuwait in 1990 and 1991, airlifting men and materiel destined for southwestern Asia.[1]

Lineage

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  • Constituted as the 68th Troop Carrier Squadron on 22 January 1943
Activated on 9 February 1943
Inactivated on 15 January 1946
  • Activated in the reserve on 3 August 1947
Redesignated 68th Troop Carrier Squadron, Medium on 27 June 1949
Ordered into active service on 15 October 1950
Inactivated on 14 July 1952
  • Activated in the reserve on 18 May 1955
Redesignated 68th Tactical Airlift Squadron on 1 July 1967
Redesignated 68th Military Airlift Squadron on 1 April 1985
Redesignated 68th Airlift Squadron on 1 February 1992[1]

Assignments

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Stations

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Aircraft

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References

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Notes

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Haulman, Daniel L. (20 December 2007). "Factsheet 68 Airlift Squadron (AFRC)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Retrieved 10 December 2017.
  2. ^ AirForces Monthly. Stamford, Lincolnshire, England: Key Publishing Ltd. August 2016. p. 21.

Bibliography

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