305th Air Mobility Wing

305th Air Mobility Wing
Unit name	305th Air Mobility Wing
Dates	1942–1945; 1947–1949; 1951–present
Country	United States
Branch	United States Air Force
Type	Air Mobility
Role	Airlift and Aerial refueling
Size	Wing
Command structure	Eighteenth Air Force
Garrison	Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst
Motto	"Can Do"

305th Air Mobility Wing. The 305th Air Mobility Wing is a key operational unit of the United States Air Force, assigned to Eighteenth Air Force under Air Mobility Command. Headquartered at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in New Jersey, it provides global airlift and aerial refueling capabilities. The wing's history traces back to its origins as a World War II B-17 Flying Fortress heavy bomber group in the European Theater of Operations.

History

The wing's lineage began with the activation of the 305th Bombardment Group (Heavy) in 1942 at Salt Lake City Army Air Base. Equipped with the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress, the group deployed to the European Theater of Operations, becoming part of the Eighth Air Force in England. It conducted strategic bombing campaigns against Nazi Germany, participating in critical raids such as the Schweinfurt-Regensburg mission and operations against Berlin. The group was awarded two Distinguished Unit Citations for its actions over Germany and Gelsenkirchen. After World War II, the unit was inactivated, but was later redesignated and reactivated during the Cold War, transitioning through various aircraft including the B-29 Superfortress and B-47 Stratojet as part of Strategic Air Command. It moved to its current home at McGuire Air Force Base in 1954.

Mission and organization

The primary mission is to provide rapid, global air mobility through airlift and air refueling, supporting United States Department of Defense objectives worldwide. The wing is organized under several subordinate groups, including the 305th Operations Group, which oversees all flying operations, and the 305th Maintenance Group, responsible for aircraft servicing. Key functions include executing Air Mobility Command's tanker and airlift taskings, supporting United States Transportation Command's global reach, and maintaining a constant state of readiness for contingency operations. The wing also hosts and supports numerous associate units from the Air Force Reserve Command's 514th Air Mobility Wing and the Air National Guard.

Aircraft

The wing operates a fleet of Boeing C-17 Globemaster III strategic airlifters and Boeing KC-46 Pegasus aerial refueling tankers. The C-17 is capable of transporting large cargo, vehicles, and troops directly into austere airfields around the world. The KC-46 serves as the Air Force's newest multi-role tanker, replacing older KC-135 Stratotankers and providing enhanced refueling capabilities for United States Air Force, United States Navy, United States Marine Corps, and allied aircraft. This dual-fleet composition allows the wing to execute the full spectrum of air mobility missions.

Bases and units

The wing is permanently stationed at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, a tri-service installation managed by the United States Air Force. Key subordinate units collocated at the base include the 305th Operations Group, the 305th Maintenance Group, and the 305th Mission Support Group. The wing works in close partnership with the Air Force Reserve Command's 514th Air Mobility Wing and New Jersey Air National Guard units under the Total Force Integration concept. This co-location creates one of the largest air mobility complexes in the United States Department of Defense.

Notable operations and deployments

The wing has been continuously engaged in global operations since the end of the Cold War. It played a pivotal role in Operation Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom, providing critical airlift and refueling. Its aircraft regularly support United States Central Command and United States European Command theaters, conducting aeromedical evacuation, humanitarian aid delivery, and logistics support for coalition forces. Notable humanitarian efforts include missions following the 2010 Haiti earthquake and support for Operation Allies Refuge during the withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Emblem and heritage

The wing's emblem features a shield with a bend and three bombs, reflecting its World War II bombardment heritage. Its motto, "Can Do," signifies a tradition of mission accomplishment dating to its combat service with the Eighth Air Force. The wing honors the legacy of the 305th Bombardment Group and its commander, Colonel Curtis LeMay, who later became Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force. This heritage is preserved through historical displays and the continued use of its identifying tail code, "DM," on its aircraft.

Category:United States Air Force wings Category:Air Mobility Command