The 927th Airlift Wing is a United States Air Force Reserve unit located at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida.
| 927th Airlift Wing | |
|---|---|
 927th Airlift Wing emblem | |
| Country | United States |
| Branch | United States Air Force |
| Role | Airlift |
| Part of | Air Force Reserve Command Air Mobility Command |
| Garrison/HQ | MacDill Air Force Base |
| Engagements | Operation Desert Storm Operation Deny Flight Operation Enduring Freedom |
History
Lineage of the 927th Airlift Wing dates back to January 15 1963, when it was activated as the 927th Troop Carrier Group, Medium, and organized into the Air Force Reserve on February 11 1963.
One of the wing's components, the 63d Air Refueling Squadron, traces its lineage back to World War II. During 1942, the 63d Troop Carrier Squadron was constituted and deployed with C-47 aircraft to the Pacific to become an active participant in the war by making major contributions delivering airborne troops, air re-supply of forces and subsequent aerial logistic support.
The 63 TCS was stationed at such places as Espirito Santo, Los Negros, Blak Island and Clark Field, Luzon, to support numerous World War II campaigns in the South and Southwest Pacific. Some of the 63d's decorations included the Distinguished Unit Citation, Philippine Islands, Navy Unit Commendation, and Philippine Presidential Unit Citation. The 63d became a part of the 927 TCG in 1963.
The 927 TCG was re-designated the 927th Tactical Airlift Group in 1967 and flew C-119 aircraft until 1969. The 927 TAG was re-designated the 927th Tactical Air Support Group on June 18 1969, and flew U-3 aircraft until 1971. The 927 TASG was re-designated the 927th Tactical Airlift Group on June 29 1971, and flew C-130 aircraft. During 1992, the unit converted to KC-135 aircraft and was re-designated the 927th Air Refueling Group until October 1 1994, when the unit was re-designated as the 927th Air Refueling Wing.
The 927 ARW's flying and non-flying units have demonstrated professionalism throughout many years of service. For example, during the Vietnam War, the flying squadron ferried aircraft and delivered equipment and supplies to South Vietnam. From a humanitarian perspective, unit personnel offered assistance when the need arose. They supported relief efforts such as the 1973 New York and Pennsylvania floods as well as hurricane disaster relief to Honduras in 1974 and for Hurricane Hugo victims in 1989.
During 1990, the 927 TAG deployed more than 400 airmen, aircraft and supplies for six months to the Middle East in support of Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm.
From 1995 through 2004, the 927 ARW participated in missions, operations and exercises around the world, including Operation Northern Watch, Somalia Pullout, Atlantic Express, Airlift to Soto Cano, Honduras, AWACS support to Geilenkirchen, Germany, Red Flag at Nellis AFB, Snowbird Support, Airlift Rhein-Main to Duke, Airlift to Ramstein, Germany, Decisive Endeavor, Pitch Black, Pacific Express to Kadena AB, Japan, Phoenix Tusk to Bangor, Maine, and more recently deployed to Italy and France in support of Operation Deny Flight, Operation Decisive Endeavor, and Deliberate Guard/Forge enforcing the "no fly zone" over the former Yugoslavia.
During 1999, the 927 ARW responded to the Presidential Selected Recall, deploying members in support of Operation Noble Anvil and NATO Operation Allied Force.
The 927 ARW responded within one hour after the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11 2001. The wing quickly became the "refueling unit of choice" for the North Central United States and supported Homeland Defense as part of Operation Noble Eagle. The 927th Security Forces Squadron was initially activated for 12 months and extended for an additional 12 months in support of Operation Noble Eagle. The wing remains actively engaged in Operation Noble Eagle (Homeland Defense) and Operation Enduring Freedom (Global War on Terrorism).