The group was tasked with the operations of the 1st Helicopter Squadron, which supports Washington D.C. capital area airlift for the Executive Branch, high-ranking dignitaries, high-ranking military leaders and other VIPs. It operates Bell UH-1N Hueys. The 316th Operations Support Squadron provides the necessary support infrastructure for the Group and the 25 other tenant flying units on Andrews AFB.
History
World War II
Trained with I Troop Carrier Command with C-47 and C-53 aircraft. Moved to the Mediterranean theater, assigned to Ninth Air Force, and began operations in November 1942. Flew combat missions in North Africa Egypt/Libya campaign. Transported supplies and evacuated casualties in support of the Allied drive across North Africa. In February 1943 the 316th TCG became a part of the 52nd Troop Carrier Wing of the Northwest African Troop Carrier Command in the official Allied air force organization in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations. In May 1943, the group began training for the invasion of Sicily where they dropped paratroopers over the assault area on the night of 9 July, and carried reinforcements on 11 July, receiving DUC for carrying out that mission although severely attacked by ground and naval forces. They received another DUC for supporting aerial and ground operations in Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, and Sicily, 25 November 1942 – 25 August 1943, by transporting reinforcements and supplies. During this period, the group was under the command of Colonel Jerome McCauley. The 316th was assigned to Twelfth AF and moved to Sicily to take part in the invasion of Italy, where it dropped paratroops over the beachhead south of the Sele River on the night of 14 September 1943. They transported cargo in the theater until February 1944, then joined Ninth AF in England and prepared for the invasion of France. The unit dropped paratroops near Ste-Mere-Eglise on D—Day 1944 and flew a reinforcement mission on 7 June, receiving a third DUC for these operations. During Operation Market Garden, they dropped paratroops and released gliders carrying reinforcements. Again they dropped paratroops near Wesel on 24 March 1945 when the Allies made the airborne assault across the Rhine. They also provided transport services in Europe while not engaged in airborne operations, hauling supplies such as ammunition, gasoline, water, and rations; along with evacuating wounded personnel to rear-zone hospitals.
Cold War
Returned to the US in May 1945. Trained with C-47 C-82 and later C-119 aircraft as part of Tactical Air Command. Transferred, without personnel and equipment, to Japan on 15 November 1954. Assigned to Far East Air Forces, manned, and equipped with C-119s and performed theater airlift missions primarily to Japan, Okinawa, Philippines and South Korea. Inactivated in 1957.
Modern era
Reactivated in 2006 to be operational flying component of AFDW 316th Wing in Washington D.C. area.
Lineage
Constituted as 316th Transport Group on 2 February 1942
Redesignated 316th Operations Group, and activated 22 June 2006
