62nd Airlift Wing

62nd Airlift Wing
Unit name	62nd Airlift Wing
Caption	Emblem of the 62nd Airlift Wing
Dates	1947–present
Country	United States
Branch	United States Air Force
Type	Airlift wing
Role	Strategic and tactical airlift
Garrison	Joint Base Lewis–McChord
Battles	Korean War, Vietnam War, Gulf War, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom
Notable commanders	General John D. W. Corley, General David L. Goldfein

62nd Airlift Wing is a primary airlift formation of the United States Air Force based at Joint Base Lewis–McChord near Tacoma, Washington. The wing provides strategic and tactical airlift, aerial delivery, and aeromedical evacuation in support of United States Northern Command, United States Indo-Pacific Command, and allied operations. Its lineage traces to post-World War II reorganization and it has participated in major 20th- and 21st-century contingencies including operations linked to NATO, United Nations, and combined coalition efforts.

Overview

The wing functions as a major component of Air Mobility Command and hosts operational, maintenance, support, and medical groups to sustain global mobility. It operates Lockheed Martin C-17 Globemaster III aircraft and integrates with joint partners such as U.S. Army Pacific and Marine Forces Pacific for expeditionary deployments. The unit supports humanitarian missions tied to agencies like Federal Emergency Management Agency and multinational exercises including RIMPAC, Operation Bright Star, and Cobra Gold.

History

Activated in the postwar period, the wing emerged amid the Berlin Airlift era and Cold War force restructuring. During the Korean War era the wing's antecedents performed theater airlift and aeromedical tasks, linking with organizations such as Far East Air Forces and the Eighth Air Force. In the 1960s and 1970s the wing contributed to airlift demands in the Vietnam War and supported logistics for commands including Pacific Air Forces and Tactical Air Command. The 1990s saw deployments to support Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm and participation in Operation Provide Comfort and Operation Southern Watch. Following the 9/11 attacks the wing deployed for Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, also assisting multinational stabilization efforts in coordination with NATO Allied Command Operations. Throughout its history the wing adapted to technological shifts from piston transports to turboprops and jet airlifters, reflected in equipment transitions paralleling developments at Lockheed Martin and Boeing.

Mission and Operations

Primary missions include strategic airlift, intratheater lift, aerial delivery, and aeromedical evacuation supporting combatant commanders. The wing's airlift sorties enable force projection for units like XVIII Airborne Corps, 1st Cavalry Division, and aviation brigades during joint forcible entry and sustainment operations. Additionally, the wing conducts humanitarian assistance to regions affected by natural disasters, collaborating with United States Agency for International Development, United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, and regional militaries. Training and readiness events include participation in multinational exercises with partners from Australia, Japan, South Korea, and NATO members such as United Kingdom, Germany, and France.

Organization and Units

The wing comprises an operational group, maintenance group, mission support group, and medical group, each divided into squadrons and flights. Key subordinate units include the 4th Airlift Squadron, 7th Airlift Squadron, 8th Airlift Squadron, and maintenance squadrons responsible for engine, avionics, and structural repairs. It works closely with the 62nd Operations Group-equivalent and air mobility taskings from 15th Airlift Wing affiliations during combined exercises. The wing also embeds personnel into joint task forces and headquarters elements such as U.S. Transportation Command taskings and theater airlift control elements that coordinate with Air Mobility Operations Wing nodes.

Aircraft and Equipment

The wing transitioned through types operated by major manufacturers: early use of Douglas C-47 Skytrain and Curtiss C-46 Commando, later operating Lockheed C-130 Hercules variants and ultimately fielding the C-17 Globemaster III produced by McDonnell Douglas/Boeing. The C-17 enables strategic intercontinental lift, tactical airdrop, and short-field operations to austere airstrips in coordination with ground units such as U.S. Army Special Forces and Marine Expeditionary Units. The wing maintains airlift loading systems, precision airdrop equipment, life-support gear, and aeromedical modules for in-flight patient care integrated with Air Force Medical Service standards.

Bases and Deployments

Headquartered at McChord Air Force Base before the 2010 base realignment and joint basing, the wing operates from Joint Base Lewis–McChord supporting regional and global taskings. It has forward-deployed elements to locations across Europe, the Middle East, East Asia, and the Indo-Pacific region, staging through hubs like Ramstein Air Base, Al Udeid Air Base, Kadena Air Base, and Andersen Air Force Base. Temporary deployments have supported contingency operations, humanitarian relief in response to Typhoon Haiyan, earthquake relief alongside Japan Self-Defense Forces, and disaster response in coordination with the Pacific Partnership humanitarian missions.

Awards and Insignia

The wing and its subordinate units have received campaign streamers and unit awards recognizing service in conflicts and operations tied to Korean War campaigns, Vietnam War service, Southwest Asia campaign participation, and Global War on Terrorism efforts. Official emblems reflect heritage elements drawn from airlift lineage and unit heraldry registered with Air Force Historical Research Agency. Decorations include Meritorious Unit Awards and Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards presented in acknowledgment of exceptional performance during major mobilizations and humanitarian operations.

Category:United States Air Force wings Category:Air transport units and formations of the United States Air Force