68th Airlift Squadron


The 68th Airlift Squadron is a United States Air Force Reserve squadron, assigned to the 433d Operations Group, stationed at Kelly Field Annex, Joint Base San Antonio, Texas. The squadron operates Lockheed C-5M Super Galaxy aircraft providing global airlift. If mobilized, the wing is gained by Air Mobility Command.

History

World War II

The 68th flew troop carrier missions in New Guinea, Philippines, and the western Pacific from 1943 to 1945 and participated in the airborne assault at Aparri, Luzon, 23 June 1945.

Activation in the reserve and Korean War mobilization

The squadron was activated in the reserve in 1947 and conducted flying training until it was mobilized in 1950. It served on active duty until 1952, moving to Germany in 1951.

Reserve airlift operation

Between 1955 and 1985, the squadron trained for and flew tactical airlift missions at home and abroad, often taking part in joint exercises, humanitarian airlift operations, and firefighting missions.
In 1985, it converted to strategic airlift missions. The 68th took part in Operation Just Cause in 1989-1990, flying medical supplies, tanks, and field rations to Panama. The squadron also took part in the defense of Saudi Arabia and liberation of Kuwait in 1990 and 1991, airlifting men and materiel destined for southwestern Asia.

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