443rd Military Airlift Wing

The 443rd Military Airlift Wing was an active unit of the United States Air Force, first established in 1952. Initially organized as a troop carrier wing in the Air Force Reserve, it was later activated for service during the Korean War. Over time, the wing transitioned to an airlift mission, primarily operating out of Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, where it became a key training unit for aircrew on large transport aircraft, including the C-5 Galaxy and the C-141 Starlifter. The 443rd Military Airlift Wing played a crucial role in preparing aircrews for global airlift operations until it was inactivated in 1992, as part of post-Cold War force restructuring.