![cover image](https://wikiwandv2-19431.kxcdn.com/_next/image?url=https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a7/Air-to-air_right_side_view_of_two_C-12F_operational_support_aircraft_utilized_by_the_Military_Airlift_Command_%2528MAC%2529_DF-ST-85-11154.jpg/640px-Air-to-air_right_side_view_of_two_C-12F_operational_support_aircraft_utilized_by_the_Military_Airlift_Command_%2528MAC%2529_DF-ST-85-11154.jpg&w=640&q=50)
55th Airlift Flight
Military unit / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Dear Wikiwand AI, let's keep it short by simply answering these key questions:
Can you list the top facts and stats about 55th Airlift Flight?
Summarize this article for a 10 year old
The 55th Airlift Flight (55 ALF) is an inactive unit of the United States Air Force, last stationed at Osan Air Base, South Korea. It was inactivated in 2007.
55th Airlift Flight
![]() | |
---|---|
![]() Two C-12 Huron operational support aircraft as flown by the 55th | |
Active | 1942–1946; 1947–1952; 1952–1957; 1992–2007 |
Country | ![]() |
Branch | ![]() |
Role | Operation Support Airlift |
Part of | Pacific Air Forces |
Garrison/HQ | Osan Air Base |
Motto(s) | Double Nickle Airlift (1993–2007)[1] |
Engagements | Southwest Pacific Theater[1] |
Decorations | Air Force Outstanding Unit Award Philippine Presidential Unit Citation[1] |
Insignia | |
55th Airlift Flight emblem (approved 3 December 1993)[1] | ![]() |
The unit was first activated as the 55th Troop Carrier Squadron in 1942. The squadron deployed to New Guinea in July 1943. The 55th participated in the airborne assault on Nadzab, New Guinea, on 5 September 1943. During 1944, the 55th also operated Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress bombers as supply aircraft. In February 1945 the squadron rebased to the Philippines, and in August to Okinawa. In September 1945 it moved to Tachikawa Airfield, Japan, and was inactivated there in 1946.
The squadron was activated in the reserves in May 1947, and mobilised for the Korean War in October 1950. In Korea it performed airlift support missions until July 1952. The squadron returned to the reserves for 3 years and was inactivated on 16 November, 1957.
On 1 July 1992 the squadron was re-activated as the 55th Airlift Flight at Osan Air Base, South Korea, equipped with Beechcraft C-12 Hurons. Its mission since activation has been to ferry VIPs and senior personnel throughout the Pacific region.