1611th Air Transport Wing


The 1611th Air Transport Wing is an inactive United States Air Force unit. Its last was assigned to the Eastern Transport Air Force, Military Air Transport Service, stationed at McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey. It was inactivated on 8 January 1966.
With the disestablishment of MATS, the USAF assets of the Wing were reassigned to the 438th Military Airlift Wing, Military Airlift Command.

History

Established in 1954 at McGuire AFB, New Jersey after Military Air Transport Service assumed jurisdiction at McGuire from Air Defense Command. The unit operated primarily C-118 Liftmaster transports throughout its existence; received C-135 Stratolifters in 1962 and was upgraded from a medium to a heavy transport wing. Commenced transitioning to C-130E Hercules late 1963. Supported Air Force Reserve associate units beginning in 1961. It operated Aerial Port and Port of Embarkation for the Northeast United States, primarily for European flights as well as maintained support for Air Weather Service and Air Rescue Service squadrons and aircraft as well as Air Defense Command interceptor aircraft and other air defense units. Discontinued on 8 January 1966 along with MATS, equipment and personnel were reassigned to MAC 438th MAW same date.

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