63rd Military Air Command

• Origins in World War II: The 63rd Military Air Command traces its lineage back to the 63rd Troop Carrier Group, activated in 1940, which played a key role in transporting troops and cargo during World War II. • Berlin Airlift Contribution: Elements of the 63rd participated in the Berlin Airlift (1948–1949), helping to supply West Berlin during the Soviet blockade. • Heavy Airlift Missions: The unit was one of the first to operate the Douglas C-124 Globemaster II, a massive cargo aircraft used for strategic airlift during the Cold War. • Redesignation: The unit underwent several redesignations, including as the 63rd Troop Carrier Wing, 63rd Military Airlift Wing, and eventually the 63rd Military Airlift Command, reflecting its evolving missions. • Vietnam War Support: The 63rd provided essential airlift support during the Vietnam War, transporting troops and supplies to Southeast Asia. • Operation Homecoming: In 1973, aircraft from the 63rd were involved in "Operation Homecoming," which returned American POWs from North Vietnam. • Humanitarian Missions: The unit was instrumental in humanitarian efforts, including disaster relief missions in the United States and abroad, such as delivering aid after natural disasters. • Operation Babylift: The 63rd participated in Operation Babylift (1975), evacuating Vietnamese orphans to the United States at the end of the Vietnam War. • Stationed at Norton AFB: The unit was based at Norton Air Force Base, California, for much of its existence, making it a central hub for airlift operations on the West Coast. • Inactivation and Legacy: The 63rd Military Airlift Command was inactivated in 1994 following the closure of Norton AFB, but its legacy continues through successor units and its contributions to USAF air mobility history.