58th Airlift Squadron
Squadron C-17 Globemaster III during a joint exercise at Fort Sill
Active1942–1946; 1947–1950; 1965–1971; 1977–1993; 1996–present
Country United States
Branch United States Air Force
RoleAirlift Training
Part ofAir Education and Training Command
Garrison/HQAltus Air Force Base
Nickname(s)The Ratpack
EngagementsSouthwest Pacific Theater[1]
DecorationsAir Force Outstanding Unit Award
Philippine Presidential Unit Citation
Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm[1]
Insignia
58th Airlift Squadron emblem (approved 26 May 1967)[1][note 1]

The 58th Airlift Squadron is part of the 97th Air Mobility Wing at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma. It operates C-17 Globemaster III aircraft training pilots and loadmasters for airlift and airdrop operations.

Mission

The 58 AS is responsible for providing pilot and loadmaster initial qualification and advanced upgrades for all United States active duty, reserve, and guard units.

History

Constituted as 58 Troop Carrier Squadron on 12 Nov 1942. Activated on 18 Nov 1942 with C-47s at Bowman Field, KY. The 58th conducted aerial transportation in Pacific Theater, and participated in the airborne assault on Nadzab, New Guinea, on 5 September 1943 during World War II.[1]

The 58th were inactivated on 25 March 1946. Activated in the Reserve on 28 June 1947. Redesignated as 58 Troop Carrier Squadron, Medium, on 27 June 1949. Inactivated on 3 Oct 1950. Redesignated as 58 Military Airlift Squadron, Special, and activated, on 27 December 1965. Organized on 8 January 1966. Redesignated as 58 Military Airlift Squadron on 8 January 1967, operating C-141 Starlifters. Inactivated on 15 August 1971. Activated on 1 September 1977. Redesignated as 58 Airlift Squadron on 1 Jun 1992. Inactivated on 1 Oct 1993. Activated on 30 Jan 1996.[1]

The 58th provided global airlift from 1966–1971 and from 1977–1993. When it was organized in January 1966, it absorbed the personnel and equipment of the 7th Air Transport Squadron, Special.'

It has conducted C-17 aircrew training since 30 Jan 1996, when the stood-up as an Air Education and Training Command squadron.[1]

In September 2005, the 58th helped the victims in Louisiana form Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. They flew over 25 missions helping to supply essential equipment and supplies.[2]

In 2008 the squadron was again called upon to perform multiple evacuations from the Gulf Coast ahead of Hurricanes Gustav and Ike. Sixty percent of the squadron members participated in the effort, flying 55 missions and moving over 1 million pounds of cargo and equipment while evacuating 315 personnel and 100 patients.[2]

Lineage

  • Constituted as the 58th Troop Carrier Squadron on 12 November 1942
Activated on 18 November 1942
Inactivated on 25 March 1946
  • Activated in the Reserve on 28 June 1947
Redesignated 58th Troop Carrier Squadron, Medium on 27 June 1949
Inactivated on 3 October 1950
  • Redesignated 58th Military Airlift Squadron, Special and activated on 27 December 1965 (not organized)
Organized on 8 January 1966
Redesignated 58th Military Airlift Squadron on 8 January 1967
Inactivated on 15 August 1971
  • Activated on 1 September 1977
Redesignated 58th Airlift Squadron on 1 June 1992
Inactivated on 1 October 1993
Activated on 30 January 1996[1]

Assignments

Stations

Aircraft

Operations

References

Notes

Explanatory notes
  1. ↑ When activated in 1966, the squadron replaced the 7th Logistic Support Squadron. It adopted the chipmunk from that squadron's emblem.
Citations
  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Robertson, Patsy (22 July 2010). "Factsheet 58 Airlift Squadron (AETC)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Retrieved 16 December 2017.
  2. 1 2 "58th Airlift Squadron". Retrieved 19 March 2020.
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