94th Airlift Wing - History

History

For additional history and lineage, see 94th Operations Group

Established in 1949, the wing trained in the Reserve as a light bombardment wing, June 1949-March 1951. Called to active service during the Korean War, wing personnel augmented other USAF organizations.

Trained in the Reserve from June 1952, in turn, as a tactical reconnaissance, bombardment, troop carrier, and airlift wing. Served briefly on active duty during the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962. By 1958, wing personnel began taking part in regular airlift missions and exercises, both in the United States and overseas, including contingency operations in the Dominican Republic in 1965.

After converting to C-124s in 1966, the wing flew strategic airlift including troop and cargo-carrying missions to Southeast Asia until 1971, augmenting normal airlift resources of Military Airlift Command and Tactical Air Command. After converting to C-7 aircraft in mid-1972, the wing's primary operations involved support of U.S. Army airborne forces, tactical cargo airlift, and air evacuation missions.

From July 1973 to May 1975, the wing flew missions in Puerto Rico, airdropping 1.2 billion sterile screwworm flies as part of a project to eradicate the screwworm menace to Puerto Rico's livestock. It controlled the 907 TAG with an aerial spraying mission between 1981 and 1989. In 1981, the 94th became the second largest wing in the Air Force Reserve, flying three different types of transport aircraft. By 1987, it had given up C-7 and C-123 aircraft, retaining only C-130s. In 1990-1991, wing personnel transported passengers and materiel between the United States and Southwest Asia.