What is the primary location and affiliation of the 512th Airlift Wing?

The 512th Airlift Wing is an associate unit of the Air Force Reserve Command, located at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware. As an associate unit, its members work alongside active-duty personnel to maintain, repair, and fly the same aircraft.

What aircraft are flown by the 512th Airlift Wing and its active-duty counterparts at Dover Air Force Base?

The 512th Airlift Wing, along with the 436th Airlift Wing, operates the Lockheed C-5M Galaxy and the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III. This collaborative effort between the two wings is known as the "Dover Team."

What is the stated mission of the 512th Airlift Wing?

The mission of the 512th Airlift Wing is to recruit, train, equip, and retain a qualified force capable of augmenting major commands. This force provides support for long-range transport aircraft during both peacetime and wartime operations.

What makes the 512th Airlift Wing unique in its role with the C-5 Galaxy?

The 512th Airlift Wing is one of only two reserve associate units in the Air Force that flies the C-5 Galaxy. The first all-reserve aircrew to fly this heavy transport aircraft departed from Dover in November 1973.

What are the main components of the 512th Airlift Wing?

The 512th Airlift Wing is composed of several major units, including the 512th Operations Group, the 512th Maintenance Group, the 512th Mission Support Group, and the 512th Aerospace Medicine Squadron.

Which specific squadrons are part of the 512th Operations Group, and what aircraft do they operate?

The 512th Operations Group includes the 709th Airlift Squadron, which flies the C-5M Super Galaxy, and the 326th Airlift Squadron, which operates the C-17A Globemaster III.

When was the 512th Airlift Wing first organized, and under what designation?

The wing was initially organized on September 2, 1949, at Reading Municipal Airport, Pennsylvania, as the 512th Troop Carrier Wing. It absorbed the personnel and equipment of the inactivated 319th Bombardment Wing.

When and where did the 512th Troop Carrier Wing transfer its operations?

In April 1950, the wing transferred its reserve operations from Reading Municipal Airport to New Castle County Airport in Delaware.

What happened to the 512th Troop Carrier Wing in March 1951?

In March 1951, the wing, along with all other reserve combat units, was mobilized for the Korean War. Its personnel and aircraft were assigned to other units, and the wing itself was inactivated just two weeks later.

When was the 512th Troop Carrier Wing reactivated, and what aircraft did it initially fly?

The 512th Troop Carrier Wing was reactivated in the reserve at New Castle County Airport, Delaware, in June 1952. Initially, the unit lacked aircraft until July 1952, after which its aircrews flew Curtiss C-46 Commandos.

What was Operation Sixteen Ton, and what role did the 512th play?

Operation Sixteen Ton was a two-week active duty training exercise conducted entirely by reserve troop carrier units in the summer of 1956. The 512th participated in this operation, which involved moving United States Coast Guard equipment from Floyd Bennett Naval Air Station to Puerto Rico and the Bahamas.

What were Operation Swift Lift and Operation Ready Swap?

Following the success of Operation Sixteen Ton, the 512th began using inactive duty training periods for Operation Swift Lift, which transported high-priority cargo for the Air Force, and Operation Ready Swap, which transported aircraft engines between Air Materiel Command depots.

How did budget cuts in 1957 affect the 512th Wing's structure?

Budget cuts in 1957 led to a reduction in the total number of reserve squadrons nationwide from 55 to 45. This also influenced the wing's organizational structure, including the relocation of the 328th Troop Carrier Squadron to Paine Air Force Base and later Niagara Falls Municipal Airport as part of the Detached Squadron Concept.

What was the purpose of the Detached Squadron Concept?

The Detached Squadron Concept was an Air Force program implemented to improve recruiting and manning by locating separate squadrons in smaller population centers. The goal was to facilitate the mobilization of reserve elements in various combinations when needed.

What aircraft did the 512th Wing convert to in 1957, and where did it transfer in 1958?

In 1957, the wing converted to Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcars. In July 1958, the wing transferred to Willow Grove Air Reserve Station in Pennsylvania.

How did the Berlin Crisis of 1961 highlight a weakness in reserve unit mobilization?

The partial mobilization of reserve units during the Berlin Crisis of 1961 demonstrated the difficulty of mobilizing just a single flying squadron and its supporting elements, revealing a weakness in the existing structure.

What reorganization did Continental Air Command implement in 1962 to address mobilization issues?

At the start of 1962, Continental Air Command decided to reorganize its reserve wings by establishing groups with support elements for each troop carrier squadron. This was intended to make mobilization of wing elements in various combinations more feasible.

How did the Cuban Missile Crisis impact the group reorganization plan?

The Cuban Missile Crisis led to another partial mobilization, which included the 512th Wing. This mobilization delayed the formation of troop carrier groups until February 1963 for wings that had been mobilized.

When was the 512th Troop Carrier Wing redesignated as a "Heavy" unit, and where did it transfer?

The wing was redesignated the 512th Troop Carrier Wing, Heavy in January 1965. In the same month, it was transferred without personnel or equipment to Carswell Air Force Base, Texas.

What aircraft did the 512th Wing fly while stationed at Carswell Air Force Base?

While stationed at Carswell Air Force Base, aircrews of the 512th conducted training and airlift operations using Douglas C-124 Globemaster IIs.

What were the wing's redesignations on December 1, 1965, and January 1, 1966?

On December 1, 1965, the wing was redesignated the 512th Air Transport Wing, Heavy, and on January 1, 1966, it was further redesignated as the 512th Military Airlift Wing.

When was the 512th Military Airlift Wing inactivated for the second time, and when was it reactivated?

The wing was inactivated for the second time on June 29, 1971. It was later redesignated the 512th Military Airlift Wing (Associate) and activated in the Reserve on July 1, 1973.

What aircraft was the 512th Military Airlift Wing (Associate) flying upon its activation at Dover Air Force Base in 1973?

Upon its activation at Dover Air Force Base on July 1, 1973, the 512th Military Airlift Wing (Associate) began flying the Lockheed C-5A Galaxy aircraft.

What happened to the 912th Military Airlift Group (Associate) when the 512th MAW activated at Dover?

When the 512th MAW activated at Dover AFB, it absorbed the personnel of the 912th Military Airlift Group (Associate). The 912th MAW had previously been assigned to the 514th MAW for administrative support and had moved from Willow Grove to Dover in September 1968.

What was significant about the 912th Military Airlift Group (Associate) regarding aircraft?

The 912th Military Airlift Group (Associate) was equipped with Lockheed C-141 Starlifter aircraft and became the third associate group in the Air Force Reserve to fly the C-141.

When was the 512th Airlift Wing redesignated to its current name?

The wing was redesignated as the 512th Airlift Wing on October 1, 1994.

What was the 512th Aerospace Medicine Squadron doing during a training exercise on November 2, 2014?

During a training exercise on November 2, 2014, at Dover Air Force Base, the 512th Aerospace Medicine Squadron simulated the first response treatment for a Delaware Civil Air Patrol cadet.

How did the 512th Airlift Wing contribute to Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm?

Over 1,300 members of the 512th Airlift Wing were recalled to active duty during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Personnel including fliers, maintenance specialists, aerial porters, medical personnel, and security police were deployed globally for over a year.

When did the 512th Airlift Wing begin flying the C-17 Globemaster III?

The 326th Airlift Squadron, part of the 512th Airlift Wing, began flying the McDonnell Douglas C-17 Globemaster III aircraft in 2007, receiving their first C-17 on May 31, 2007.

What was the 512th and 436th Airlift Wings' role in the 2015 Nepal earthquake response?

In April 2015, the 512th and 436th Airlift Wings dispatched the first U.S. Air Force aircraft to Nepal following the earthquake. The C-17 aircraft carried a United States Agency for International Development Disaster Assistance Response Team, the Fairfax County, Virginia Urban Search and Rescue Team, and 45 tons of cargo.

When was the 512th Troop Carrier Wing, Medium established?

The 512th Troop Carrier Wing, Medium was established on August 4, 1949.

What were the key redesignations of the 512th Wing between 1965 and 1973?

Between 1965 and 1973, the 512th Wing underwent several redesignations: it became the 512th Troop Carrier Wing, Heavy on January 8, 1965; the 512th Air Transport Wing, Heavy on December 1, 1965; the 512th Military Airlift Wing on January 1, 1966; and was inactivated on June 29, 1971, before being redesignated as the 512th Military Airlift Wing (Associate) on January 29, 1973.

When was the 512th Airlift Wing (Associate) redesignated to its current name?

The 512th Airlift Wing (Associate) was redesignated as the 512th Airlift Wing on October 1, 1994.

What were the initial assignments of the 512th Troop Carrier Wing upon its activation in 1949?

Upon its activation on September 2, 1949, the 512th Troop Carrier Wing was assigned to Ninth Air Force.

Which numbered air forces have been assigned to the 512th Airlift Wing throughout its history?

The 512th Airlift Wing has been assigned to Ninth Air Force, First Air Force, Fourteenth Air Force, Second Air Force Reserve Region, Fourth Air Force Reserve Region, Central Air Force Reserve Region, Eastern Air Force Reserve Region, and Twenty-Second Air Force.

What groups were assigned to the 512th Wing during the period of group activation in 1963?

On February 11, 1963, the 912th Troop Carrier Group and the 913th Troop Carrier Group at Willow Grove, along with the 914th Troop Carrier Group at Niagara Falls, were assigned to the 512th Wing.

Which groups were assigned to the 512th Wing between 1965 and 1971?

From 1965 to 1971, the 512th Wing was assigned the 916th Military Airlift Group (detached after April 1, 1971), the 917th Military Airlift Group (detached after April 1, 1971), and the 937th Military Airlift Group (detached after April 1, 1971).

Which squadrons were components of the 512th Wing during the period of 1959-1963?

During the period of 1959-1963, the 326th Military Airlift Squadron, the 327th Troop Carrier Squadron, and the 328th Troop Carrier Squadron were components of the 512th Wing.

Which squadron was reassigned directly to the 512th Wing in 1973?

In 1973, the 709th Military Airlift Squadron was reassigned directly to the 512th Wing.

What were the primary stations for the 512th Airlift Wing?

The 512th Airlift Wing has been stationed at Reading Municipal Airport, Pennsylvania; New Castle County Airport, Delaware; Naval Air Station Willow Grove, Pennsylvania; Carswell Air Force Base, Texas; and currently Dover Air Force Base, Delaware.

What aircraft types has the 512th Airlift Wing flown throughout its history?

The 512th Airlift Wing has flown Beechcraft AT-7 and AT-11, Curtiss C-46 Commando, Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar, Douglas C-124 Globemaster II, Lockheed C-141 Starlifter, Lockheed C-5 Galaxy, and McDonnell Douglas C-17 Globemaster III aircraft.

What aircraft did the 512th Troop Carrier Wing fly between 1957 and 1965?

Between 1957 and 1965, the 512th Troop Carrier Wing flew the Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar.

What aircraft did the 512th Military Airlift Wing fly between 1965 and 1971?

The 512th Military Airlift Wing flew the Douglas C-124 Globemaster II between 1965 and 1971.

What decorations has the 512th Airlift Wing been awarded?

The 512th Airlift Wing has received the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm.

What is the nickname of the 512th Airlift Wing?

The nickname of the 512th Airlift Wing is the "Liberty Wing."

When was the 512th Military Airlift Wing (Associate) redesignated as the 512th Airlift Wing (Associate)?

The 512th Military Airlift Wing (Associate) was redesignated as the 512th Airlift Wing (Associate) on February 1, 1992.

What was the 512th Wing's role during the Berlin Crisis of 1961?

During the Berlin Crisis of 1961, the 512th Wing was partially mobilized, which highlighted the challenges of mobilizing individual reserve units and led to future reorganization plans.

What aircraft did the 512th Wing fly from 1949 to 1951?

From 1949 to 1951, the 512th Wing flew Beechcraft AT-7, AT-11, and Curtiss C-46 Commando aircraft.

What aircraft did the 512th Wing fly from 1952 to 1957?

From 1952 to 1957, the 512th Wing flew the Curtiss C-46 Commando.

What aircraft did the 512th Wing fly in 1973?

In 1973, the 512th Wing flew the Lockheed C-5 Galaxy and the Lockheed C-141 Starlifter.

What is the approved date for the current 512th Airlift Wing emblem?

The current 512th Airlift Wing emblem was approved on December 21, 1993.

512th Airlift Wing Wiki: The Liberty Wing: Global Reach and Reserve Readiness

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Wing Overview

United States Air Force

The 512th Airlift Wing is an associate Air Force Reserve Command unit stationed at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware. It plays a crucial role in augmenting active-duty forces by maintaining, repairing, and operating strategic airlift aircraft.

The Dover Team

Members of the 512th work collaboratively alongside the active-duty 436th Airlift Wing, forming the renowned "Dover Team." This partnership ensures seamless execution of global airlift missions.

Mission Focus

The wing's primary mission is to recruit, train, equip, and retain a highly qualified force. This force provides essential personnel and units to support long-range transport aircraft operations during both peacetime and wartime contingencies.

Unique Role

As one of only two reserve associate units tasked with flying the formidable Lockheed C-5 Galaxy, the 512th AW holds a distinct and vital position within the United States Air Force's strategic airlift capabilities.

Key Units

Operations Group

The 512th Operations Group oversees the wing's flying squadrons, ensuring mission readiness and operational effectiveness.

709th Airlift Squadron – C-5M Super Galaxy
326th Airlift Squadron – C-17A Globemaster III

Maintenance Group

Responsible for the upkeep and repair of the wing's complex aircraft fleet, ensuring airworthiness and operational readiness.

Mission Support Group

Provides essential support functions, including logistics, security, civil engineering, and personnel services, enabling the wing's operational success.

Aerospace Medicine Squadron

Focuses on the health and well-being of aircrew and personnel, providing medical support and ensuring fitness for duty.

Historical Trajectory

Early Years and Mobilization

Established as the 512th Troop Carrier Wing in 1949, the unit underwent several activations and inactivations, notably during the Korean War mobilization in 1951. It served with various aircraft, including the Curtiss C-46 Commando.

Reorganizations and Re-designations

Throughout the Cold War era, the wing experienced numerous reorganizations, including the adoption of the Dual Deputy system and re-designations to reflect evolving roles, such as Troop Carrier Wing, Heavy; Air Transport Wing, Heavy; and Military Airlift Wing.

1957: Transitioned to Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcars.
1965: Transferred to Carswell AFB, Texas, operating Douglas C-124 Globemaster IIs.
1973: Activated at Dover AFB, Delaware, as the 512th Military Airlift Wing (Associate), flying Lockheed C-5A Galaxies.
1994: Redesignated as the 512th Airlift Wing.

Modern Operations

In 2007, the wing embraced the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III, enhancing its airlift capabilities. The 512th has consistently supported global operations, including deployments during Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm and humanitarian missions like the Nepal earthquake relief efforts in 2015.

Lineage and Assignments

Lineage

The wing's lineage traces back to its establishment as the 512th Troop Carrier Wing, Medium, on August 4, 1949. It has undergone numerous re-establishments, re-designations, and transfers between major commands throughout its history, reflecting its enduring service in airlift operations.

Established as 512th Troop Carrier Wing, Medium: 4 August 1949
Activated in reserve: 2 September 1949
Ordered to active service: 15 March 1951; Inactivated: 1 April 1951
Activated in reserve: 14 June 1952
Ordered to active service: 28 October 1962; Relieved: 28 November 1962
Redesignated 512th Troop Carrier Wing, Heavy: 8 January 1965
Redesignated 512th Air Transport Wing, Heavy: 1 December 1965
Redesignated 512th Military Airlift Wing: 1 January 1966; Inactivated: 29 June 1971
Redesignated 512th Military Airlift Wing (Associate): 29 January 1973; Activated in Reserve: 1 July 1973
Redesignated 512th Airlift Wing (Associate): 1 February 1992
Redesignated 512th Airlift Wing: 1 October 1994

Key Assignments

The wing has been assigned to various Air Force commands throughout its existence, including Ninth Air Force, First Air Force, Fourteenth Air Force, and currently Twenty-Second Air Force, demonstrating its integration within the broader Air Force structure.

Ninth Air Force: 2 September 1949
First Air Force: 1 August 1950 – 1 April 1951
First Air Force: 14 June 1952 – 14 January 1954
Fourteenth Air Force: 25 March 1958 – 15 August 1960
Ninth Air Force: 28 October 1962 – 28 November 1962
Twenty-Second Air Force: 1 July 1993 – present

Operational Bases

Primary Garrison

The 512th Airlift Wing is currently based at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, a major hub for strategic airlift operations.

Historical Locations

Throughout its history, the wing has operated from various locations, reflecting its dynamic operational footprint:

Reading Municipal Airport, Pennsylvania
New Castle County Airport, Delaware
Naval Air Station Willow Grove, Pennsylvania
Carswell Air Force Base, Texas

Aircraft Operated

Current Fleet

The wing currently operates state-of-the-art strategic airlift aircraft:

Lockheed C-5M Galaxy
Boeing C-17 Globemaster III

Historical Aircraft

The 512th has a rich history of operating various transport aircraft:

Beechcraft AT-7, AT-11
Curtiss C-46 Commando
Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar
Douglas C-124 Globemaster II
Lockheed C-141 Starlifter

Related Information

USAF Structure

Explore the broader organizational structure of the United States Air Force, including its major commands, numbered air forces, and wings.

USAF Structure ➡️

Air Force Reserve Command

Learn more about the Air Force Reserve Command, the parent organization for the 512th Airlift Wing, and its role in national defense.

AFRC Overview ➡️

References

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References

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Wing Overview ℹ️

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Wing Overview

United States Air Force

The Dover Team

Mission Focus

Unique Role

Key Units

Operations Group

Maintenance Group

Mission Support Group

Aerospace Medicine Squadron

Historical Trajectory

Early Years and Mobilization

Reorganizations and Re-designations

Modern Operations

Lineage and Assignments

Lineage

Key Assignments

Operational Bases

Primary Garrison

Historical Locations

Aircraft Operated

Current Fleet

Historical Aircraft

Related Information

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Air Force Reserve Command

References

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