About this Unit
The 60th Military Airlift Wing (60th MAW) was activated on 1 January 1966 at Travis Air Force Base, California, as part of the Military Airlift Command. Throughout the Vietnam War and the Cold War era, the wing provided global airlift support, transporting troops, equipment, and humanitarian aid across the Pacific and worldwide. The 60th MAW operated a variety of aircraft, including the C-141 Starlifter and the C-5 Galaxy, playing a crucial role in strategic airlift operations. In 1991, following organizational changes, the wing was redesignated as the 60th Airlift Wing, continuing its legacy of rapid global mobility.
Historical Facts
• Origins: The 60th Military Airlift Wing (60th MAW) was originally established as the 60th Troop Carrier Wing, Medium, on July 1, 1948.
• Location: The unit has been based at Travis Air Force Base, California, since 1953, and is a key part of the base's identity as the "Gateway to the Pacific."
• Berlin Airlift Participation: Elements of the 60th were deployed to support the Berlin Airlift (1948–1949), one of the first major crises of the Cold War.
• Vietnam War Support: The 60th provided crucial airlift support during the Vietnam War, transporting troops, equipment, and supplies into and out of Southeast Asia.
• Humanitarian Missions: The 60th MAW played a critical role in humanitarian relief operations, including delivering aid to earthquake victims in Nicaragua (1972) and to flood victims in Bangladesh (1974).
• Operation Homecoming: In 1973, the 60th MAW helped repatriate American prisoners of war from North Vietnam, flying them back to the United States.
• Aircraft Operated: Over its history, the 60th has operated several iconic aircraft, including the C-124 Globemaster II, C-141 Starlifter, and later the C-5 Galaxy and C-17 Globemaster III.
• Operation Babylift: The 60th participated in Operation Babylift in 1975, evacuating orphans from South Vietnam during the fall of Saigon.
• Desert Shield/Desert Storm: During the Gulf War (1990–1991), the 60th MAW deployed personnel and aircraft to deliver vital supplies and equipment to coalition forces in Southwest Asia.
• Redesignation: In 1991, the 60th MAW was redesignated as the 60th Airlift Wing (60th AW) as part of an Air Force-wide reorganization, continuing its legacy of global air mobility.
