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316th Wing
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316th Wing
316th Wing emblem
Active1947–1949; 1966–1975; 1980–1991; 2006–2010; 2020–present
CountryUnited States
AllegianceUnited States
BranchUnited States Air Force
RoleAir Base Management and Rotary-Wing Airlift
Part ofAir Force District of Washington
Garrison/HQAndrews Air Force Base
Motto"America's Airfield"[1]
Decorations DUC
AFOUA
Commanders
Current
commander		Colonel Todd Randolph[2]
Vice commanderColonel Parkin C. "Gage" Bryson
Command ChiefCommand Chief Master Sergeant Jackson A. Helzer

The 316th Wing (316 WG) is an active wing of the United States Air Force. It is the host wing at Joint Base Andrews Naval Air Facility, Maryland. As host wing, the 316 WG operates, administers and maintains the base. The 316th Wing was activated on June 11, 2020, becoming the host wing for JBA and taking on the Airmen and units of the 11th Wing.

The wing's Operations Group was a highly decorated C-47 Skytrain unit that served with Ninth Air Force and Twelfth Air Force in the European Theater of Operations and the Mediterranean theaters during World War II.

The wing's officially stated mission is "Respond, Honor, Defend, Support and Care...to project airpower and diplomacy from America's Airfield".

Overview

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As the host wing for Joint Base Andrews, Md., the 316th Wing is responsible for maintaining emergency reaction rotary-wing airlift and other National Capital Region contingency response capabilities critical to national security and for organizing, training, equipping and deploying combat-ready forces for Air and Space Expeditionary Forces (AEFs). The 316th Wing also provides installation security, services and airfield management to support the President, Vice President, other U.S. senior leaders and more than 50 tenant organizations and federal agencies.

The 316th Wing provides security, personnel, contracting, finance and infrastructure support for 5 Wings, 3 Headquarters, more than 80 tenant organizations, 148 geographically separated units, 6,500 Airmen in the Pentagon, as well as 60,000 Airmen and families in the national capital region and around the world. The 316th Wing supports contingency operations in our nation's capital with immediate response rotary-assets. It also provides security for the world's highest visibility flight line and is responsible for ceremonial support with the United States Air Force Band, Honor Guard and Air Force Arlington Chaplaincy.[3]

History

[edit]

The wing was originally established as the 316th Troop Carrier Wing in 1947 at the former Greeneville AFB, SC, primarily operating the C-47 and C-82. It was subsequently inactivated in 1949. In 1966, the unit was reactivated at Langley AFB, VA as the 316th Tactical Airlift Wing (316 TAW) of the Tactical Air Command (TAC). The 316 TAW conducted C-130 replacement training from January 1966 to November 1967 and C-130 maintenance training from February to December 1966. In late 1967, the 316 TAW relinquished its training mission and became a typical operational tactical airlift wing with the C-130E Hercules. As an operational wing, the organization operated three tactical airlift squadrons in addition to its various maintenance and support squadrons.

The 316 TAW participated in joint airborne training, glider training, exercises maneuvers, and ferried freight in the United States and overseas. It also participated in worldwide tactical airlift operations, humanitarian missions, and special exercises and maneuvers, including joint airborne training. In 1973, the wing also participated in repatriation of South Vietnamese and American prisoners of war from North Vietnam.

In 1975, all tactical airlift assets in TAC were transferred to the Military Airlift Command (MAC). With TAC Headquarters being at Langley AFB, and with the pending arrival of the 1st Tactical Fighter Wing (1 TFW) and the first operational F-15A Eagles at Langley, MAC and TAC agreed to inactivate the 316 TAW and two of its three tactical airlift squadrons. All of the wing's C-130 aircraft assets were redistributed to other C-130 wings with the exception of the 36th Tactical Airlift Squadron (36 TAS), now known as the 36th Airlift Squadron, which was reassigned with its personnel and C-130E aircraft to the 62nd Military Airlift Wing (62 MAW), now known as the 62nd Airlift Wing (62 AW), a then-C-141 Starlifter strategic airlift wing at McChord AFB, WA in the summer of 1975.

From 1980 to 1991, the 1776th Air Base Wing (1776 ABW) was the host wing that operated, administered and maintained Andrews AFB, MD for all its tenant commands. The 1776 ABW wing was consolidated with the newly established 316th Wing (316 WG) on 21 June 2006. In addition to base operations and support of Andrews AFB, the 316 WG also operated UH-1N Twin Huey aircraft for quick-reaction rotary-wing airlift in the National Capital Region. Upon the recommendation of Base Realignment and Closure, 2005, the 11th Wing of Bolling Air Force Base merged with the 316th Wing and was redesignated the 11th Wing at Joint Base Andrews Naval Air Facility.[4]

In June 2020, the Air Force and Navy agreed to transfer control of Joint Base Anacostia Bolling from the Navy to the Air Force, based on the predominance of Air Force 'mission sets" at the joint base. in connection with this transfer, the 11th Wing moved to Anacostia Bolling to assume responsibilities there. The 316th Wing was reactivated on 12 June 2020 and assumed the 11th Wing's responsibilities at Andrews.[5]

Units

[edit]
316th Operations Group
316th Mission Support Group
  • 316th Civil Engineer Squadron
  • 316th Contracting Squadron
  • 316th Logistics Readiness Squadron
  • 316th Force Support Squadron
316th Security Forces Group
  • 316th Security Forces Squadron
  • 816th Security Forces Squadron
  • 316th Security Support Squadron
316th Medical Group
  • 316th Dental Squadron
  • 316th Medical Squadron
  • 316th Medical Support Squadron
  • 316th Medical Operations Squadron
  • 316th Aerospace Medical Squadron
  • 316th Surgical Squadron

History

[edit]
See the 316th Operations Group for additional history and lineage and history prior to 1947

Lineage

[edit]
  • Established as 316th Troop Carrier Wing on 29 July 1947
Organized on 15 August 1947
Discontinued on 25 August 1948
  • Redesignated 316th Troop Carrier Wing, Medium, and activated on 23 August 1948
Inactivated on 20 October 1949
  • Redesignated 316th Troop Carrier Wing, Assault, and activated, on 15 November 1965
Organized on 25 November 1965
Redesignated: 316th Troop Carrier Wing on 1 March 1966
Redesignated: 316th Tactical Airlift Wing on 1 May 1967
Inactivated on 1 October 1975
  • Consolidated (21 June 2006) with 1776th Air Base Wing which activated on 15 December 1980
Inactivated on 12 July 1991
  • Redesignated 316th Wing on 21 June 2006
Activated on 22 June 2006
Inactivated on 30 September 2010
  • Activated on 12 June 2020[5]

Assignments

[edit]

Components

[edit]

'; Groups

  • 316th Troop Carrier Group (later 316th Operations Group): 15 August 1947 – 25 August 1948; 23 August 1948 – 20 October 1949; 22 June 2006 – 30 September 2010; 12 June 2020 – present
Squadrons
  • 29th Tactical Airlift Squadron: 1 April-15 November 1971
  • 36th Troop Carrier Squadron (later 36th Tactical Airlift Squadron): 1 April 1966 – 25 March 1968 (detached 28 March-29 June 1967); 5 July 1968 – 1 July 1975 (detached 25 February – 15 June 1969, 24 November 1969 – 7 February 1970, 13 August – 18 October 1970, 12 July – 10 September 1971, 20 May – 8 September 1972, 12 March – 18 May 1973, 14 January – 16 March 1974, and 13 August – 16 October 1974)
  • 37th Troop Carrier Squadron (later 37th Tactical Airlift Squadron): 1 October 1966 – 15 September 1975 (detached 24 September – 21 December 1967, 27 April – 13 May 1968, 24 November 1968 – 5 March 1969, 13 July – 26 September 1969, 1 March – 11 May 1970, 7 February – 13 April 1971, 5 January – 13 March 1972, 30 November 1972 – 15 March 1973, 31 August – 16 November 1973, 12 April – 29 June 1974, and 5 April – 15 June 1975)
  • 38th Troop Carrier Squadron (later 38th Tactical Airlift Squadron): 1 January 1967 – 1 July 1969 (detached 5 February – 22 July 1968); 15 November 1971 – 31 August 1975 (detached 13 March – 16 May 1972, 31 August – 5 December 1972, 18 May-13 July 1973, 29 August – 3 October 1973, 13 December 1974 – 15 February 1975; not operational, 1 July – 31 August 1975)
  • 316th Field Maintenance Squadron (TAC) 1 April 1966 – 15 September 1975

Stations

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  • Greenville Army Air Base (later Greenville Air Force Base), South Carolina, 15 August 1947 – 25 August 1948
  • Greenville Air Force Base, South Carolina, 23 August 1948 – 20 October 1949
  • Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, 25 November 1965 – 1 October 1975
  • Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland, 15 December 1980 – 12 July 1991
  • Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland, 22 June 2006 – 30 September 2010; 11 June 2020 – Present
  • Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, 12 June 2020 – present

Aircraft

[edit]

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

316th Wing

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from Grokipedia
The 316th Wing is an active wing of the that serves as the host organization for , located in the National Capital Region of , where it delivers critical base support functions such as security, personnel management, contracting, finance, and infrastructure to five tenant wings, three headquarters, over 80 organizations, and approximately 60,000 Airmen and families worldwide. Employing around 14,000 personnel—including 12,000 military members and 2,300 civilians—as of April 2025, the wing operates UH-1N Huey helicopters through its subordinate units and supports high-profile missions, including the security of the flight line for aircraft like the VC-25 . Established with roots tracing back to , the 316th Wing originated as the 316th Transport Group, activated on February 14, 1942, and redesignated the 316th Troop Carrier Group in July 1942, playing pivotal roles in airborne operations such as the invasions of , , , (D-Day), , and the Rhine crossing using C-47 and C-53 aircraft, for which it earned three Distinguished Unit Citations. Postwar, it transitioned through various designations, including training on C-82 and C-119 aircraft at Greenville Base, , until inactivation in 1957; the wing was reactivated on December 21, 1965, at , , as the 316th Troop Carrier Wing (Assault) for C-130 operations supporting the , including repatriation, until inactivation on October 1, 1975, followed by activation of the 316th Tactical Airlift Group in 1978 at for C-130, C-12, and C-21 operations until deactivation in 1989. In its modern iteration, the wing was reactivated on June 11, 2020, succeeding the as the primary host unit at , with its first Air Force flight at the base occurring on May 2, 1943. Its mission centers on projecting and enabling via resilient Airmen who respond to contingencies, defend assets, provide support, and deliver care, under the motto "America’s Airfield" and the vision of TEAM GRIFFIN—resilient, adaptive, and ready for future challenges. The wing comprises key components including the 316th Operations Group (encompassing the for rotary-wing missions), 316th Mission Support Group, 316th Security Forces Group, Andrews Medical Group, and various staff agencies like public affairs and chaplain services, contributing an annual economic impact of $1.2 billion to the region.

Mission and Role

Overview

The 316th Wing is an active wing of the , serving as the host unit for Joint Base Andrews-Naval Air Facility Washington, . Assigned to the , the wing was reactivated on June 11, 2020, to provide comprehensive base support in the National Capital Region. As the host wing, it manages essential functions including base security, personnel services, contracting, finance, and infrastructure maintenance to ensure operational readiness. The 316th Wing supports a vast network of military activities at , encompassing five wings, three headquarters, more than 80 tenant organizations, and approximately 60,000 Airmen and family members in the National Capital Region. Its official is to "project and enable through ready Airmen who respond, defend, support, and care." This encompasses delivering world-class services to a total force of around 14,000 personnel, including active-duty military and civilians. Strategically located near Washington, D.C., the wing plays a critical role in by maintaining emergency reaction rotary-wing airlift capabilities and providing contingency response for high-profile missions in the National Capital Region. These assets enable rapid support for presidential transport, dignitary movements, and defense operations, underscoring the wing's importance in projecting U.S. airpower and diplomatic efforts from America's airfield.

Current Operations

The 316th Wing serves as the host organization for , delivering essential base-level services that encompass , logistics readiness, communications, and force support to sustain operations for multiple headquarters, wings, tenant units, and over 60,000 personnel in the National Capital Region. The 316th Squadron manages infrastructure and emergency response, while the 316th Readiness Squadron oversees and transportation needs, ensuring seamless support for daily base functions. Complementing these efforts, the 316th Force Support Squadron handles personnel services, including programs, fostering community resilience among Airmen and families. A core operational focus for the wing involves rotary-wing airlift capabilities, primarily through the 1st Helicopter Squadron's fleet of UH-1N Huey helicopters, which provide rapid response for presidential and executive transport within the National Capital Region. These assets remain on constant alert to support high-priority missions, including secure evacuations and VIP movements, with ongoing maintenance contracts ensuring operational reliability. As part of the Air Force's modernization efforts, the wing anticipates transitioning to the MH-139A Grey Wolf , designed to enhance range, speed, and payload capacity over the aging UH-1N fleet, though full implementation continues into 2025. The 316th Wing plays a vital role in contingency response and security operations across the National Capital Region, maintaining readiness for rapid deployment in support of national emergencies. In January 2025, wing personnel coordinated UH-1N alert status and logistics during the for former President , exemplifying their capacity for immediate crisis support. Similarly, in June 2025, the wing facilitated joint operations for the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary celebrations, hosting nearly 50 rotary-wing aircraft and ensuring secure airspace coordination. These activities underscore the wing's contributions to humanitarian assistance and defense of key national assets, with the 316th Squadron providing layered protection for high-visibility flightlines. Recent initiatives highlight the wing's commitment to operational enhancements and as of late 2025. In March 2025, the 316th Medical Group at initiated personnel transfers to the Medical Command, streamlining healthcare delivery and aligning with broader Department of the reforms; this included the redesignation of elements supporting Anacostia-Bolling as the Bolling Medical Squadron. The wing successfully completed its first Combat Readiness Inspection in May 2025, validating its ability to execute missions under simulated combat conditions. Infrastructure efforts included preparations for the September 13-14, 2025, Air Show, where the 316th Wing coordinated logistics, safety protocols, and public outreach, drawing over 100,000 attendees to showcase aerial demonstrations and static displays.

History

World War II and Postwar Period

The 316th Wing's lineage traces to the 316th Troop Carrier Group, constituted as the 316th Transport Group on 2 February 1942 and activated on 14 February 1942 at Patterson Field, Ohio. Redesignated the 316th Troop Carrier Group on 1 July 1942, the unit trained with C-47 Skytrain and C-53 Skytrooper aircraft before deploying to the Mediterranean Theater of Operations in November 1942, where it supported the North African invasion (Operation Torch) under Ninth Air Force. Throughout World War II, the group conducted paratroop drops, glider towing, supply transport, and casualty evacuation in key campaigns including Tunisia, Sicily, Naples-Foggia, Rome-Arno, Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, and Central Europe, earning three Distinguished Unit Citations for operations in Egypt-Libya-Tunisia (25 November 1942–25 August 1943), Sicily (11 July 1943), and Normandy (6–7 June 1944). The group relocated to England in March 1944 to support Allied invasions, including D-Day and Operation Market Garden, before returning to the United States in July 1945 and inactivating on 14 November 1945 at Pope Field, North Carolina. In the immediate postwar period, the 316th Troop Carrier Wing was established on 29 July 1947 and activated on 15 August 1947 at Greenville Army Air Base (later ), , under , with the 316th Troop Carrier Group as its operational component comprising the 1st, 2nd, and 6th Troop Carrier Squadrons. The wing's initial mission focused on troop carrier operations, conducting domestic and overseas transport of personnel and cargo using C-47 Skytrain aircraft to build tactical airlift capabilities amid the U.S. Air Force's transition to peacetime roles. These efforts emphasized training for rapid deployment and logistics support, laying foundational doctrines for air mobility in potential future conflicts. The wing was discontinued on 25 August 1948 at Greenville but was redesignated the 316th Troop Carrier Wing, Medium, on 23 August 1948 and reactivated the same day at Greenville Base, , continuing under (and briefly Fourteenth Air Force from February 1949). Transitioning to heavier lift requirements, it operated C-82 Packet aircraft for enhanced troop and equipment transport, while supporting Reserve training programs and preparing for contingency operations such as the Berlin Airlift (Operation Vittles). These activities advanced early tactical airlift development, including exercises in mass troop movement and supply chain efficiency. The wing inactivated on 20 October 1949 at Greenville amid postwar budget cuts and force structure reductions following the end of and initial adjustments.

Cold War and Vietnam Era

The 316th Wing was reactivated and organized as the 316th Troop Carrier Wing, Assault, on 25 November 1965 at , , under , with an initial focus on C-130 replacement and maintenance training. It was redesignated as the 316th Troop Carrier Wing on 1 March 1966 and as the 316th Tactical Airlift Wing on 1 May 1967, transitioning to operational tactical airlift missions with the C-130E Hercules aircraft. In late 1967, the wing relinquished its training role to become a fully operational unit, supporting commitments through its subordinate squadrons, including the 36th, 37th, and 38th Tactical Airlift Squadrons. During the Vietnam War from 1967 to 1972, elements of the 316th Tactical Airlift Wing deployed to , providing critical tactical airlift for troop movements, resupply, and combat support operations. For instance, the 37th Tactical Airlift Squadron earned the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm for its contributions from 1 October 1967 to 28 January 1973, conducting missions that included airdrops and in support of U.S. and allied forces. The wing also participated in humanitarian airlifts worldwide, adapting its missions to include joint airborne training and special exercises amid evolving demands. In 1973, the 316th supported by flying C-130E missions to on 17 February, repatriating American prisoners of war to , , by 5 March, in coordination with broader efforts to return over 500 POWs. From 1974 to 1975, following reassignment to Twenty-First Air Force on 31 December 1974, the wing expanded its tactical airlift operations to include support for the European theater, conducting deployments and exercises that enhanced NATO readiness and humanitarian responses. These missions reflected adaptations to post-Vietnam strategic priorities, emphasizing global mobility and rapid response capabilities with the C-130E fleet. The wing was inactivated on 1 October 1975 at Langley AFB as part of broader U.S. Air Force force reductions in the aftermath of the Vietnam War, consolidating resources amid shifting defense needs.

Post-Cold War Reactivations

The 316th Tactical Airlift Wing was inactivated on 1 October 1975 at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, following its role in tactical airlift operations with C-130 Hercules aircraft during the Vietnam era. The lineage continued through subsequent activations, including as the 316th Tactical Airlift Group at Yokota Air Base, Japan, in 1978, where it operated C-130, C-12, and C-21 aircraft in support of Pacific theater missions until deactivation in 1989. It was briefly reactivated as the 316th Airlift Support Group at the same base from 1992 to 1994. Elements of the lineage also persisted through the 1776th Air Base Wing, activated on 15 December 1980 at Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland, under the 76th Airlift Division, serving as the host organization responsible for operating, administering, and maintaining the base for tenant commands and national capital region missions. This activation marked a post-Vietnam resurgence in the wing's administrative and support capabilities, emphasizing base infrastructure and logistical readiness rather than direct tactical airlift, though it drew on the legacy of C-130 operations from prior configurations. In the 1980s, squadrons tracing their heritage to the 316th Tactical Airlift Wing contributed to key contingency operations. The 36th Tactical Airlift Squadron, formerly assigned to the 316th, provided critical C-130 airlift support during Operation Urgent Fury, the 1983 intervention in , where it delivered troops and supplies to secure the island and evacuate American citizens amid political instability. Similarly, the squadron supported Operation Just Cause in 1989 by conducting airlift missions into to facilitate the removal of dictator , including troop deployments and logistical resupply under challenging conditions. These efforts highlighted the enduring tactical airlift expertise embedded in the 316th's historical components, even as the consolidated host wing focused on base sustainment at Andrews AFB. By 1991, amid the drawdown following the , the 1776th Air Base Wing—carrying the consolidated 316th lineage—was reassigned under the Twenty-First Air Force on 1 October 1985 before its inactivation on 12 July 1991. This period included contributions to airlift operations, with Andrews AFB serving as a major hub for strategic and tactical deployments under the host wing's oversight. Additionally, the wing's support framework facilitated humanitarian efforts such as in 1991, where airlift assets staged from U.S. bases aided relief deliveries to in northern following the Persian . These activities underscored a transition from combat-focused roles to base support and contingency enabling in the late and immediate post- environment.

21st Century Realignment

In 2006, the 316th Wing was redesignated and activated through the consolidation of the inactive 316th Tactical Airlift Wing with the 1776th Air Base Wing, establishing it as the host unit at under command. This merger integrated base support functions, including security, personnel, and infrastructure management, to streamline operations for the growing number of tenant units at the installation. The activation on June 22 formalized the wing's role in supporting National Capital Region missions, drawing on its historical airlift legacy. The wing was inactivated on October 1, 2010, as part of broader organizational adjustments, transferring its host responsibilities temporarily to other units at . It remained inactive for nearly a decade until reactivation on June 11, 2020, coinciding with the inactivation of the and the absorption of its missions to enhance control over base operations. This realignment positioned the 316th Wing as the primary host entity, assuming full responsibility for , emergency response, and support for presidential assets, including rotary-wing capabilities critical to VIP in the National Capital Region. Recent developments underscore the wing's evolving role in base security and sustainment. On November 7, 2025, personnel responded to a suspicious package incident at , where seven individuals reported illness after its opening; the 316th Wing's medical team assessed and treated them on base, releasing them after evaluation with no serious injuries, while initiated an investigation. Ongoing enhancements include roadway and traffic improvements completed in 2024 to boost mission readiness, as well as groundbreaking in October 2024 for a $25 million child development center set for completion in 2026 to support Airmen families. These efforts, discussed in the wing's June 2025 town hall, focus on modernizing facilities to accommodate expanding operational demands.

Organization

Current Units

The 316th Wing's current organizational structure is divided into primary groups that manage its operational, support, security, and medical functions at , . These groups oversee squadrons responsible for executing the wing's mission of providing security, installation support, and contingency operations. The 316th Operations Group directs all flying and airfield operations, ensuring safe and efficient and mission execution. It includes the 316th Operations Support Squadron, which handles weather, intelligence, and mission planning, and the , dedicated to rotary-wing missions such as emergency response, distinguished visitor transport, and support for national leadership using UH-1N Huey aircraft. The 316th Mission Support Group coordinates essential base infrastructure and , encompassing , contracting, force support, and readiness activities. Key subordinate units include the 316th Squadron, which maintains facilities, roads, and utilities; the 316th Logistics Readiness Squadron, responsible for , , and transportation; the 316th Force Support Squadron, providing personnel services like , welfare, , and ; and the 316th Contracting Squadron, handling and operations. The 316th Security Forces Group delivers comprehensive base defense, , and training to protect personnel, assets, and missions. It comprises the 316th Squadron for daily patrols, investigations, and entry control; the 316th Security Support Squadron for administrative and training support; and the 816th Squadron, focused on specialized security for high-profile areas. The Andrews Medical Group provides healthcare delivery, operational medicine, and preventive services across the National Capital Region, supporting readiness for Airmen and their families. Operating primarily through the Malcolm Grow Medical Clinics and Surgery Center, it includes the Andrews Dental Squadron for oral ; Andrews Healthcare Operations Squadron and Andrews Surgical Operations Squadron for clinical and ; Bolling Medical Squadron at Anacostia-Bolling for and support services; Andrews Medical Support Squadron for and administration; Andrews Operational Medical Readiness Squadron for and deployment ; and Inpatient Operations Squadron for specialized hospital integration. The group serves over 28,700 enrollees and up to 404,000 eligible beneficiaries. In total, the 316th Wing integrates these groups with staff agencies—such as the Comptroller Squadron, Judge Advocate Office, Public Affairs, and services—to form a cohesive force of approximately 14,000 active-duty, reserve, and civilian members supporting operations.

Historical Components

The 316th Wing's early historical components included the 316th Troop Carrier Group, which was active from 15 August 1947 to 25 August 1948 and again from 23 August 1948 to 20 October 1949, supporting troop carrier operations with C-47 and C-82 aircraft at Greenville Army Air Base, . This group focused on airborne and glider missions as part of the wing's initial activation under Ninth Air Force. During the wing's reactivation in the mid-1960s, the 316th Tactical Airlift Wing operated from 1966 to 1975, overseeing C-130 tactical airlift operations at , , including assault and resupply missions. Key subordinate squadrons under the wing during this era included the 29th Tactical Airlift Squadron, active from 1 April to 15 November 1971, which conducted short-term airlift support; the 36th Troop Carrier Squadron (later 36th Tactical Airlift Squadron), serving from 1 April 1966 to 25 March 1968 and 5 July 1968 to 1 July 1975 with multiple detachments for tactical operations; the 37th Troop Carrier Squadron (later 37th Tactical Airlift Squadron), active from 1 October 1966 to 15 September 1975 and detached several times for combat support; and the 38th Troop Carrier Squadron (later 38th Tactical Airlift Squadron), operating from 1 January 1967 to 1 July 1969 and 15 November 1971 to 31 August 1975, also with repeated detachments. These squadrons primarily handled C-130 operations for troop transport, cargo delivery, and , including temporary detachments to during the era for missions such as resupply and POW repatriation in 1973. Postwar restructuring in 2006 involved the consolidation of the 316th Tactical Airlift Wing with elements of the inactive 1776th Air Base Wing, which had been active from 15 December 1980 to 12 July 1991 and provided base support functions at , including logistics and infrastructure squadrons. This merger integrated historical base support squadrons into the wing's lineage, enhancing its role in mission sustainment without reactivating the full 1776th structure.

Lineage and Heraldry

Lineage

The 316th Wing traces its origins to the post-World War II reorganization of the , when it was established as the 316 Troop Carrier Wing on 29 July 1947 and activated on 15 August 1947. This initial incarnation was short-lived, as the wing was discontinued on 25 August 1948. On 1 October 1984, it was consolidated with another entity established as the 316 Troop Carrier Wing, Medium on 23 June 1948, which had been activated on 23 August 1948 and inactivated on 20 October 1949, preserving the lineage through this administrative merger. In the mid-1960s, amid evolving mission requirements during the , the lineage advanced with a redesignation to 316 Troop Carrier Wing, Assault on 15 November 1965, followed by organization on 25 November 1965. It was then redesignated as the 316 Troop Carrier Wing on 1 March 1966 and further as the 316 Tactical Airlift Wing on 1 May 1967, reflecting shifts toward tactical support roles. The wing was inactivated on 1 October 1975, marking a period of dormancy. A significant consolidation occurred on 21 2006, when the lineage merged with that of the 1776 Air Base Wing, which had been activated on 15 December 1980 and inactivated on 12 July 1991, to form a unified entity focused on base support functions. Concurrently redesignated as the 316 Wing on 21 2006, it was activated on 22 2006 but inactivated again on 1 October 2010. The wing was reactivated on 25 2020, assuming its current designation and role as an active unit under the .

Heraldry

The emblem of the 316th Wing features ultramarine blue and golden yellow, traditional colors of the , symbolizing vigilance and readiness. The griffin, a mythical creature with the body of a and head and wings of an eagle, represents the unit's death-defying vigilance, bravery, and role as defenders of both sky and land. Attached below the shield is a white edged with a narrow yellow border inscribed "316TH WING" in blue letters. The emblem was approved on an unspecified date by the U.S. Army Institute of .

Assignments and Stations

The 316th Wing was initially assigned to upon its activation on 15 August 1947, serving under this major command until its inactivation on 25 August 1948. Following a brief reactivation and consolidation, it was assigned to from 23 August 1948 to 1 February 1949, then to until 20 October 1949. During this period, the wing was stationed at Greenville Army Air Base (later Greenville Air Force Base), , from 15 August 1947 to 25 August 1948 and again from 23 August 1948 to 20 October 1949. In the mid-1960s, following redesignation and reactivation on 25 November 1965, the wing came under , with subsequent attachments to the 840th Air Division until 24 December 1969 and then to . It was further attached to the 839th Air Division from 31 March 1970 and to Twenty-First Air Force from 31 December 1974 until its inactivation on 1 October 1975, including a specific attachment to Operating Location A of Twenty-First Air Force from 31 December 1974 to 30 June 1975. Throughout this era, the wing was based at , , from 25 November 1965 to 1 October 1975. The wing's next activation occurred on 15 December 1980, initially assigned to the 76th Airlift Division, followed by attachment to Twenty-First Air Force from 1 October 1985 to 12 July 1991, during which it operated from , . It was inactivated on 12 July 1991 but reactivated on 22 June 2006 under , remaining at Andrews AFB until inactivation again on 1 October 2010. Since its most recent reactivation on 25 June 2020, the 316th Wing has been assigned to and stationed at -Naval Air Facility, . This transfer from the , which relocated to Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, enhanced the wing's integration within the National Capital Region by consolidating host unit responsibilities at .

Aircraft Operated

Throughout its history, the 316th Wing has operated a variety of tailored to its evolving missions in troop and cargo transport, tactical airlift, and base support operations. In the postwar period from 1947 to 1949, the wing, then designated as the 316th Troop Carrier Wing at Greenville Base, , primarily utilized fixed-wing for troop and cargo movements. It operated the for general troop transport duties between 1947 and 1949. Complementing this, the wing employed the from 1948 to 1949 to handle heavier cargo loads and the CG-15 glider for assault operations, marking an early shift toward more capable airlift platforms. These assignments supported the wing's initial focus on domestic and regional logistics in the newly independent U.S. . During the and Vietnam era, following its reactivation in 1966 as the 316th Tactical Airlift Wing at , , the wing transitioned to advanced tactical airlift capabilities with the Lockheed C-130E Hercules, which it operated from 1966 until its inactivation in 1975. The C-130E provided versatile tactical airlift support, including deployments to for operations in Vietnam starting in 1968. This period emphasized the wing's role in rapid-response airlift, with the C-130E's rugged design enabling operations in austere environments. In the , after reactivation in 2006 as the 316th Wing at , , the wing incorporated rotary-wing assets to enhance base support and security missions. The , operated by the since 2006 and continuing as of 2025, has been the primary helicopter for utility roles such as personnel transport, security patrols, and in the National Capital Region. Post-2020 plans have explored transitions to newer platforms, including evaluations of the Boeing MH-139 Grey Wolf (first production delivery in 2024) and potential adaptations of the Sikorsky HH-60W Jolly Green II, to replace the aging UH-1N fleet and improve range, speed, and survivability. This evolution reflects the wing's adaptation from propeller-driven fixed-wing transports to a mixed fleet integrating helicopters for multifaceted base operations.

References

  1. https://www.jba.af.mil/About/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/2216129/316th-wing/
  2. https://www.jba.af.mil/About/316th-WG-History/
  3. https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/3095690/316-wing-afdw/
  4. https://commerce.maryland.gov/Documents/BusinessResource/joint-base-andrews-naval-air-facility-washington.pdf
  5. https://www.jba.af.mil/News/Tag/177515/316th-civil-engineer-squadron/
  6. https://www.jba.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/337073/joint-team-andrews-hosts-more-than-25-foreign-leaders/
  7. https://www.jba.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/4220019/andrews-powers-joint-operations-for-armys-250th-in-the-nations-capital/
  8. https://www.jba.af.mil/News/Article/3825690/joint-base-andrews-welcomes-new-316th-wing-and-installation-commander/
  9. https://www.jba.af.mil/About/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/4282217/mh-139a-grey-wolf/
  10. https://www.af.mil/News/Features/Article/4028161/americas-airfield-honors-president-jimmy-carter-during-state-funeral/
  11. https://www.jba.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/4136669/air-force-medical-personnel-begin-transfer-to-afmedcom/
  12. https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/4183685/andrews-proves-mission-ready-in-first-ever-combat-readiness-inspection/
  13. https://www.jba.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/4194479/joint-base-andrews-announces-2025-air-show/
  14. https://www.jba.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/4298113/air-show-impacts-for-base-residents-employees/
  15. https://www.dafhistory.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/3095704/316-operations-group/
  16. https://www.dafhistory.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/3095690/316-wing-afdw/
  17. https://usafunithistory.com/PDF/0300/316%20WING.pdf
  18. https://www.dafhistory.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/432782/37-airlift-squadron/
  19. https://www.somdnews.com/enquirer_gazette/news/local/316th-wing-celebrates-73rd-af-birthday-reflects-on-history/article_cf6425dd-f671-5340-8a95-fa7b722f7449.html
  20. https://www.jba.af.mil/News/Article/2217555/jba-changes-command-and-reactivates-316th-wing/
  21. https://www.jba.af.mil/News/Article/2213601/spring-changes-in-the-air-jba-says-goodbye-to-11th-wing-welcomes-316th/
  22. https://www.wjbc.com/2025/11/07/suspicious-package-sickens-several-at-joint-base-andrews/
  23. https://www.dvidshub.net/news/487119/investing-families-andrews-breaks-ground-25m-child-development-center
  24. https://www.instagram.com/p/C8VEhDNupbt/?hl=en
  25. https://www.jba.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/4217529/joint-base-andrews-hosts-spring-town-hall/
  26. https://tioh.army.mil/Catalog/PageFlow.aspx?CategoryId=6749&grp=1&menu=Uniformed%20Services
  27. https://www.jba.af.mil/About/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/4285965/uh-1n-huey/
  28. https://www.airandspaceforces.com/air-force-helicopters-shakeup-hh-60-mh-139/
  29. https://www.defensenews.com/air/2024/08/06/first-huey-replacement-helicopter-delivered-to-us-air-force/
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