About this Unit
The 938th Troop Carrier Group (938 TCG) was an Air Force Reserve unit activated in 1963 at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. It was equipped primarily with C-119 Flying Boxcar aircraft, providing tactical airlift support for airborne operations and cargo missions. The group participated in numerous training exercises throughout the western United States, enhancing the mobility of both personnel and equipment. The 938th TCG was inactivated in 1966 as part of a broader reorganization of Air Force Reserve units.
Historical Facts
• Formation and Designation: The 938th Troop Carrier Group (938 TCG) was constituted in the early 1960s as part of the United States Air Force Reserve, supporting airlift operations during the Cold War era.
• Location: The unit was based at Hill Air Force Base in Utah, a strategic location for reserve and active-duty air operations in the western United States.
• Aircraft Operated: The 938 TCG primarily flew the Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar, a rugged twin-boom transport aircraft known for its cargo and paratroop capabilities.
• Cold War Mission: The group played a vital role in supporting military readiness and rapid troop deployment during tense periods of the Cold War, including crisis response exercises.
• Reserve Role: As an Air Force Reserve unit, the 938 TCG trained reservists to maintain high proficiency, ensuring rapid mobilization capability alongside regular Air Force units.
• Reorganization: In 1966, the Air Force implemented a reorganization that led to the inactivation or redesignation of many reserve units, including the 938 TCG, as part of a more streamlined structure.
• Humanitarian Missions: The unit supported domestic disaster relief efforts, transporting supplies and personnel in response to emergencies within the United States.
• Distinctive Emblem: The 938 TCG had a unique unit insignia reflecting its troop carrier mission and Air Force Reserve heritage.
• Legacy and Lineage: Although inactivated, the lineage of the 938 TCG contributed to later Air Force Reserve and Airlift Command units, preserving its traditions and honors.
• Preserved History: Artifacts, records, and stories from the 938 TCG are maintained in Air Force historical archives, serving as a reminder of the Reserve’s key role during pivotal years of American military history.