History
The 14th Troop Transport was constituted 20 November 1940 and activated on 4 December 1940 at Ducan Field, TX. The squadron flew Douglas C-33’s and C-39’s until 1942, when it received Douglas C-47 Skytrains. Re-designated the 14th Troop Carrier Squadron, the Pelicans trained for aerial delivery of paratroopers and towed gliders at Pope Field, NC. On the night of 9 July 1943, eight C-47s from the 14th dropped elements of the 82nd Airborne Division at Ponte Olivio, Sicily during the initial assault. Then on 13 September 1943, the 14th again dropped members of the 82nd at Salerno, Italy.
In February 1944, the squadron moved to Barkston Heath, England during the buildup for the invasion of France. During the initial phase of the invasion on 5 June 1944, the Pelicans dropped more paratroopers. The 14th continued operations in support of ground forces and on 14 March 1945, the Pelicans participated in the airborne assault of crossing the Rhein River. Following the end of World War II, the 14th TCS flying out of Rhein Mein AB, Germany participated in the Berlin Airlift from June 1948 until September 1949.
In September 1948, the Pelicans started flying the Douglas C-54 Skymaster. After the Berlin Airlift, the squadron packed up for McChord AFB, WA until the Korean War resulted in the Pelicans moving to Tachikawa AB, Japan in support of UN forces on the Korean peninsula. Following the Korean War, the 14th moved to Larson AFB, WA and transitioned to the Douglas C-124 Globemaster II. During this time, the Pelicans participated in numerous contingencies including the revolt in Hungary in 1957 and the Arab-Israeli War in 1956. By June 1966, the squadron started receiving new C-141 Starlifters. Then on 8 Jan 1966, the Pelicans were renamed the 14 th Military Airlift Squadron.
In January 1973, flying out of Norton AFB, CA, the Pelicans participated in Operation HOMECOMING, the repatriation of American POWS. The 14th continued to support numerous exercises and contingencies through the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s to include operations in Grenada, Panama, and DESERT SHIELD/STORM. Once again the squadron changed names to become the 14th Airlift Squadron on 1 Jan 1992.
Two months later the Pelicans found a home at Charleston AFB, SC in March 1992. The squadron received its first Boeing C-17 Globemaster III in February 1995. Pelicans have flown relief efforts in Africa, operations in southwest Asia, and humanitarian missions around the world. For example, the 14th AS was responsible for returning 24 downed EP-3 crewmembers to the United States after detention in China. Pelicans continue to support the European and Pacific Strategic Intratheater Deployments, while participating in Operations ENDURING FREEDOM and IRAQI FREEDOM. Sample missions included commanding the first ever, night combat humanitarian relief formation airdrop mission and the first combat direct delivery sorties into an austere, hostile airfield since the Vietnam conflict. As a result, the 14th AS earned the General Joseph Smith Trophy in 2000 and 2001 for being the most “outstanding strategic airlift squadron in AMC.”
Then in April 2003, Pelicans again made history when they dropped 1000 “Sky Soldiers” from the 173rd Airborne Brigade behind enemy lines in northern Iraq. This was the largest combat airdrop since the invasion of Panama in December 1989 and a first for the C-17. Not surprisingly, the 14th lead the personnel airdrop and also played a huge role in the planning of this mission. The long and distinguished history of the 14th Airlift Squadron is filled with many great events and people. Our Pelican pride is certainly justified!
Today
Today, just like 80 years ago, our focus is on executing the mission in an effective and safe manner. It is an honor to continue this proud tradition.