732nd Airlift Squadron

732nd Airlift Squadron
A squadron C-17 Globemaster III carrying Vice President Joe Biden arrives at Sather Air Base, Iraq
Active1942–1945; 1947–1951; 1952–1966; 1970–present
Country United States
Branch United States Air Force
RoleAirlift
Part ofAir Force Reserve Command
Garrison/HQMcGuire Air Force Base
Motto(s)Fly With the Ram
EngagementsEuropean Theater of Operations[1]
DecorationsDistinguished Unit Citation
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award[1]
Insignia
732nd Airlift Squadron emblem[note 1][1]
332nd Bombardment Squadron emblem[note 2][2]

The 732nd Airlift Squadron, officially 732d Airlift Squadron, is a unit of the United States Air Force. It is part of the 514th Air Mobility Wing at McGuire AFB, New Jersey. It operates McDonnell Douglas C-17 Globemaster III aircraft in providing global strategic airlift to US and allied forces.

The squadron was activated in June 1942 as the 332nd Bombardment Squadron. After training in the United States, the squadron deployed to the European Theater of Operations in the spring of 1943. It participated in the strategic bombing campaign against Germany until V-E Day, earning two Distinguished Unit Citations for its actions. It returned to the United States in December 1945, and was inactivated at the Port of Embarkation.

The squadron was reactivated at Marietta Army Air Field, Georgia in the reserves in 1947, but was not fully manned or equipped until 1949, when it began to receive Douglas B-26 Invaders. It was inactivated on 20 March 1951 after being called to active duty for the Korean War, with its personnel used as "fillers" to bring other units up to strength.

In 1952, the unit was redesignated the 332nd Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, and in 1957 the 732nd Troop Carrier Squadron.[note 3] In 1957, it was redesignated the 732nd Military Airlift Squadron (Associate), before it was finally redesignated as the 732nd Airlift Squadron in 1994.

  1. ^ a b c Haulman, Daniel L. (9 January 2008). "Factsheet 732 Airlift Squadron (AFRC)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Retrieved 17 January 2017.
  2. ^ Maurer, Combat Squadrons. p. 409


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