375th Operations Group

375th Operations Group

Emblem of the parent 375th Air Mobility Wing
Active 1943–1946; 1947–1952; 1952–1957; 1991–present
Country United States
Branch United States Air Force
Gates Learjet C-21A 84-0063. The aircraft is the military version of the Lear Jet 35A business jet

The 375th Operations Group (375 OG) is the operational flying component of the United States Air Force 375th Air Mobility Wing. It is stationed at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois.

The unit's World War II predecessor unit, the 375th Troop Carrier Group operated primarily in the Southwest Pacific Theater transporting men, supplies and ammunition to forward bases in New Guinea, New Britain and in the Solomon and Admiralty Islands. In 1943, the unit took part in the first airborne operation in the Southwest Pacific, dropping paratroops to seize enemy bases and cut overland supply lines in New Guinea. It was awarded the Philippine Presidential Unit Citation for its role in the liberation of the Philippines during 1944–1945. After the war, the unit served in the reserves and was elevated to active service during the Korean War. It returned to reserve duty until its inactivation in 1957; then again since 1991 after its reactivation.

Overview

The 375 OG comprises four airlift squadrons, an Operations Support Squadron, an Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, and an Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Flight. They provide operational airlift support with 20 C-21A aircraft, DV special airlift missions utilizing three C-40C aircraft, and operate Aeromedical Evacuation systems on seven air mobility platforms for inter/intratheater casualty movement. Responsible for C-21A aircraft maintenance, joint-use airfield services, and operations support for deployment of combat-ready aircrews and aircraft worldwide.

Collectively operate 20 C-21A aircraft out of three geographically separated locations including Scott AFB, Ill, Andrews AFB, Maryland, and Peterson AFB, Colorado. They provide first-class Operational Support Airlift and Aeromedical Evacuation with time, place and/or mission-sensitive requirements both at home and while deployed in steadfast support of our Expeditionary Air Force.
Partners with the 932d Airlift Wing as one of the first-ever AMC/AFRC active associate squadrons under the Total Force Integration model. The squadron flies three specially configured C-40C aircraft on Special Air Missions as directed by HQ USAF to transport members of the Presidential Cabinet and Congress, foreign heads of state, and other dignitaries executing global missions vital to US national security.
Provides rapid response aeromedical evacuation capability for any contingency. The unit trains, mobilizes, and deploys nearly 150 members to support a Theater Aeromedical Evacuation System conducting aeromedical evacuation missions aboard C-21A, C-17, C-130, and KC-135 aircraft for normal operations and missions aboard C-5, KC-10, Civil Reserve Air Fleet aircraft in contingent situations. The 375th AES provides command and control over the 775th Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Flight executing CONUS patient redistribution of our nation's wounded warriors. The 775th EAEF is composed of a command element located a Joint Base San Antonio-Kelly annex and strategically positioned detachments at Andrews AFB, Md., and Travis AFB, Calif.
Acta as the wing's executive agent for operations. A Total Force team, they are globally engaged providing world-class intelligence analysis, weather services, air traffic control, and joint-use airfield management, transient aircraft support, survival and aerospace ground equipment maintenance, life support, aircrew and aeromedical aircrew training and scheduling, flight records management, and command staff support to meet national objectives.

History

For additional lineage and history, see 375th Air Mobility Wing

Initially trained for overseas duty and moved to the Pacific theater, June–July 1943. Operated from New Guinea and Biak, July 1943 – February 1945, transporting troops, supplies, and equipment to forward bases on New Guinea, New Britain, the Solomon Islands, and the Admiralty Islands. Flew armed B-17 Flying Fortress's for the more hazardous missions that involved landing on fields that were under enemy attack. Took part in the first airborne operation in the Southwest Pacific, seizing enemy bases and cutting supply lines at Nadzab, New Guinea, on 5 September 1943.

Moved to the Philippines in February 1945, and during the next few months most of its missions were supply flights to ground forces on Luzon and neighboring islands. Transported cargo to forces in the Ryukyus, June–July 1945. After the war, transferred troops from Luzon to the Ryukyus for staging to Japan. Also ferried liberated prisoners from Okinawa to Luzon. Moved to Japan in September 1945, flying supply missions and courier flights until inactivated.

Trained in the Reserve from August 1947 until the group was called to active duty in October 1950. After a period of intensive training, the group supplied airlift for troop movements throughout the United States. Reallotted to the Reserve for training from July 1952 – November 1957.

Conducted operational support, aeromedical, and training missions from December 1991.

Lineage

Activated on 18 November 1942
Inactivated on 25 March 1946
Redesignated: 375 Troop Carrier Group, Medium on 10 May 1949
Ordered to active duty on 15 October 1950
Inactivated on 14 July 1952
Inactivated on 16 November 1957

Assignments

Attached to: 310th Bombardment Wing, 24 March – 31 May 1945

Components

Stations

Aircraft

  • C-47, 1942–1946
  • B-17, 1944
  • C-46, 1944–1946; 1948–1950; 1952–1955
  • C-82, 1950–1952
  • C-45, 1951
  • C-119, 1954–1957

C-118 prior to the * C-9,1991–2003

  • C-12, 1991–1994
  • C-21, 1991

References

 This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the Air Force Historical Research Agency.

      External links