439th TAW

• Origins in World War II: The 439th Troop Carrier Group, predecessor to the 439th TAW, was activated in 1943 and participated in key WWII operations, including D-Day (Normandy), Southern France, and the Rhineland campaigns. • Post-War Transition: After World War II, the unit was inactivated in 1946 but was reactivated in the Reserve in 1949, reflecting the changing needs of the U.S. Air Force during the Cold War. • Redesignation: The unit was redesignated as the 439th Tactical Airlift Wing (TAW) in 1967, reflecting its evolving role in providing tactical airlift capabilities. • Vietnam War Support: The 439th TAW provided critical support during the Vietnam War by airlifting personnel, equipment, and supplies to Southeast Asia. • Aircraft Operated: Over the years, the 439th TAW has flown various aircraft, including the C-46 Commando, C-119 Flying Boxcar, C-130 Hercules, and C-5 Galaxy, demonstrating adaptability to new missions and technologies. • Westover Air Reserve Base: Since 1972, the 439th TAW has been based at Westover Air Reserve Base in Massachusetts, which is home to one of the longest runways in the Northeast U.S. • Humanitarian Missions: The unit has participated in numerous humanitarian missions worldwide, such as relief operations after natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina and the Haiti earthquake. • Operation Desert Storm: During the Gulf War, the 439th TAW played a vital role in airlifting troops and supplies to the Middle East in support of Operation Desert Storm. • Transition to Airlift Wing: In 1992, the unit was redesignated as the 439th Airlift Wing to better reflect its strategic airlift mission and integration into the Air Force Reserve Command. • Distinguished Service: The 439th has earned multiple Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards and campaign streamers for its exemplary performance in both combat and peacetime operations.