85th Air Transport Squadron

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Branch

U.S. Air Force

Members

About 85th Air Transport Squadron

The **85th Air Transport Squadron** was an active unit of the United States Air Force, first constituted during World War II. Activated in 1943, the squadron was initially tasked with ferrying cargo, personnel, and equipment in the China-Burma-India Theater, playing a vital role in logistical airlift operations over the treacherous "Hump" route. After the war, the unit was inactivated, but it was later redesignated and reactivated during the early Cold War era as a part of the Military Air Transport Service (MATS), supporting global airlift missions. The squadron was eventually inactivated as part of broader postwar reorganization and modernization of Air Force airlift capabilities.

Unit Members

Michael Sutton

U.S. Air Force

85th Air Transport SquadronView Profile

James Wright

U.S. Air Force

85th Air Transport SquadronView Profile

Photos

Osan Korea Electronic Warfare Technician

51 Component Repair Squadron • U.S. Air Force • 1979

Boeing 767 Captain

U.S. Air Force • 2017

Towing Gliders

U.S. Air Force • 2000

C-141 Flight Engineer Graduation

708 Military Airlift Squadron • U.S. Air Force • 1982

About 85th Air Transport Squadron

About this Unit

Historical Facts

• World War II Origins: The 85th Air Transport Squadron was originally constituted as the 85th Ferrying Squadron in February 1943, playing a key role in ferrying aircraft and personnel during WWII. • Strategic Airlift Missions: The squadron specialized in long-range air transport, carrying essential supplies, equipment, and troops across the Atlantic and Pacific theaters. • Operation Green Project: After WWII, the squadron participated in Operation Green Project, helping repatriate thousands of American personnel from the European Theater of Operations. • Aircraft Variety: Throughout its history, the squadron operated several types of transport aircraft, including the C-54 Skymaster and C-124 Globemaster II. • Berlin Airlift Contribution: Members and aircraft from the squadron played a supporting role in the historic Berlin Airlift (1948-1949), ensuring food and supplies reached West Berlin. • Cold War Era: During the Cold War, the 85th Air Transport Squadron was a key component of the Military Air Transport Service (MATS), providing global airlift capability. • Stationed Worldwide: The unit was stationed at various strategic locations, including Kelly Field, Texas, and bases in Europe and North Africa. • Distinguished Service: The 85th Air Transport Squadron earned several commendations for its performance and reliability in challenging conditions and hostile environments. • Inactivation and Legacy: The squadron was inactivated in the late 1950s, but its lineage and honors were carried on by successor airlift units in the U.S. Air Force. • Unsung Heroes: Although not as famous as combat squadrons, the 85th's contributions to logistics and air transport were vital for the success of U.S. military operations worldwide.