19th Military Airlift SQ

• Origins in World War II: The 19th Military Airlift Squadron traces its roots back to World War II, when it was first constituted as the 363rd Troop Carrier Squadron in 1942. • Multiple Redesignations: Over its history, the squadron underwent several redesignations, including as the 19th Air Transport Squadron and later the 19th Military Airlift Squadron. • Korean War Service: The unit was reactivated during the Korean War and supported airlift operations in the Pacific theater. • C-124 Globemaster II Operators: The squadron operated the Douglas C-124 Globemaster II, a heavy-lift cargo aircraft known as "Old Shaky," enabling strategic airlift missions worldwide. • Vietnam War Involvement: The 19th played a key role in transporting troops, equipment, and supplies to Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. • Operation "Big Lift": In 1963, the squadron participated in Operation Big Lift, rapidly deploying thousands of troops and equipment to Germany as a demonstration of NATO’s mobility. • Humanitarian Missions: The 19th supported humanitarian operations, including disaster relief flights after earthquakes, floods, and other emergencies around the globe. • Strategic Airlift Command: The squadron was assigned to the Military Airlift Command (MAC), the USAF’s major command dedicated to global air mobility. • Stationed at Dover AFB: The 19th Military Airlift Squadron was based at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, a major East Coast hub for military airlift operations. • Inactivation and Legacy: The squadron was inactivated in 1969, but its traditions and honors continue as part of the United States Air Force’s airlift heritage.