311th Airlift Squadron

The 311th Airlift Squadron (311 AS) is part of the 375th Airlift Wing at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado. It operates C-21 aircraft providing executive airlfit for Combatant Commanders.

History

The 311th Troop Carrier Squadron trained in the United States from 1943–1944 and later flew cargo and personnel missions. It transferred to Hawaii in February 1945 and flew cargo in the Hawaiian Islands. When Lieutenant General Millard F. Harmon crashed in the Pacific, the squadron participated in an intensive air search for survivors. In August 1945 it moved to Okinawa and continued its airlift mission until May 1946.

The 311th trained in C-46 aircraft from June 1949-April 1951.

In Vietnam, the 311th flew cargo and passengers in support of I and II Corps. In addition, the unit flew flare, communications cover, air evacuation, and search and rescue missions for downed aircraft.

The flight replaced the 11th Airlift Flight and was equipped with C-21A aircraft in 1997. It has since supported the Commander, US Strategic Command, providing passenger airlift for high-level Defense Department officials and members of Congress throughout the US.

Operations

• World War II
• Vietnam War

Lineage

Assignments

Bases stationed

Aircraft operated

• C-47 Skytrain (1943–1945)
• C-53 Skytrooper (1943–1944)
• C-46 Commando (1945–1946, 1949–1951)
• C-123 Provider (1963–1971)
• C-21 (1997 – Present)

References

• USAF 311th Airlift Squadron History
• 375th Operations Group Fact Sheet

External links