About this Unit
The 21st Air Force (21st AF) was established as part of the United States Air Force’s air mobility structure, initially activated in 1942 as the 21st Ferrying Group. Over the decades, it evolved into a major component of the Military Airlift Command (MAC) and later Air Mobility Command (AMC), overseeing strategic airlift and air refueling operations. Headquartered at McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey, the 21st AF played a critical role in supporting global operations, humanitarian missions, and rapid deployment of U.S. forces. In 2003, it was redesignated as the 21st Expeditionary Mobility Task Force before its inactivation in 2012 as part of a broader restructuring of Air Force mobility forces.
Historical Facts
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Origins in World War II: The 21st Air Force (originally the 23rd Army Air Forces Ferrying Wing) traces its roots to the Air Transport Command during World War II, supporting the rapid movement of personnel and materials.
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Strategic Airlift Command: Renamed and redesignated several times, the unit became responsible for strategic airlift missions as part of the Military Airlift Command (MAC), ensuring rapid global mobility for the US.
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Berlin Airlift Role: The 21st AF and its ancestral units played a part in the Berlin Airlift (1948–1949), delivering essential supplies to West Berlin during the Soviet blockade.
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Vietnam War Involvement: The unit managed massive logistical operations to support US and allied forces during the Vietnam War, moving troops, cargo, and medical evacuations.
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Desert Storm Contributions: During Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm (1990–1991), the 21st AF was pivotal in deploying and sustaining coalition forces in Southwest Asia.
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Operation Deep Freeze: The unit oversaw airlift missions to Antarctica, supporting scientific research by transporting personnel and materiel as part of Operation Deep Freeze.
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Humanitarian Missions: 21st AF managed numerous humanitarian operations, including relief after Hurricane Andrew (1992) and the Rwanda crisis (1994).
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Aircraft Operated: The unit operated and managed a fleet including C-5 Galaxy, C-17 Globemaster III, and C-141 Starlifter, essential for large-scale air mobility.
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Command Headquarters: 21st AF was headquartered at McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey, serving as a command hub for air mobility operations.
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Transition to 21st Expeditionary Mobility Task Force: In 2003, the 21st AF was redesignated as the 21st Expeditionary Mobility Task Force, reflecting a new focus on rapid deployment and expeditionary operations in the 21st century.
