89th Airlift Wing
The 89th Airlift Wing (89 AW) is a United States Air Force active-duty unit under Air Mobility Command, responsible for providing global special air mission airlift, logistics, aerial port operations, and secure communications to the President, Vice President, cabinet members, and other senior U.S. government and military leaders, ensuring nuclear command and control, continuity of government, and executive transport capabilities.[1] Based at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, as a tenant unit, the wing maintains 24/7 operations with over 1,800 personnel and operates a fleet of specialized aircraft including the VC-25A (Air Force One), C-32A, C-40B/C, and C-37A/B, all equipped with advanced mission systems for secure, worldwide executive airlift.[1][2][3] Established with roots in the post-World War II era, the 89th Airlift Wing traces its lineage to the 89th Troop Carrier Wing, Medium, activated in the Air Force Reserve on 27 June 1949 at Laurence G. Hanscom Field, Massachusetts, before being ordered to active service in 1951 and later redesignated multiple times, including as the 89th Military Airlift Wing, Special Mission, in 1966 upon activation at Andrews Air Force Base.[4] The wing has been stationed at Andrews (now Joint Base Andrews) since 8 January 1966, evolving from troop carrier and fighter-bomber roles in the early Cold War to its current focus on presidential and VIP airlift under assignments to entities like the Military Airlift Command and the Eighteenth Air Force.[4] Key milestones include the addition of the Presidential Airlift component on 1 April 2001, solidifying its role as the sole provider of the Air Force's executive airlift training center.[4][1] Organizationally, the 89th Airlift Wing comprises several groups and squadrons, including the 89th Operations Group for aircrew and mission execution, the 89th Maintenance Group for aircraft sustainment, the 89th Mission Support Group for base logistics and security, and the 89th Communications Squadron for network and cyber operations, all supporting its motto of "Perfection is OUR Standard" and vision to set the global benchmark for executive airlift.[1] The wing has earned numerous accolades, such as multiple Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards (e.g., for periods including 1966–1968 and 2019–2020) and a Meritorious Unit Award for 2011–2012, reflecting its critical contributions to national security and diplomatic missions.[4]Mission and role
Special air missions
The Special Air Mission (SAM) operations of the 89th Airlift Wing encompass the provision of secure, dedicated air transportation for top U.S. government leaders and dignitaries, including the President via the VC-25A aircraft designated as Air Force One, the Vice President, cabinet members, members of Congress, Supreme Court justices, and foreign heads of state.[5][6][7] These missions ensure safe, reliable global mobility while supporting nuclear command and control, continuity of government, and critical operations for senior executive, legislative, and judicial officials.[1] SAM protocols emphasize heightened security and operational efficiency, featuring advanced secure communications systems for real-time coordination, aerial refueling capabilities to extend mission range without intermediate stops, and a perpetual 24/7 alert posture maintained by specialized aircrews and support personnel.[8][1] This readiness enables rapid deployment worldwide, with aircraft like the VC-25A incorporating self-defense measures, electronic countermeasures, and in-flight refueling probes to mitigate risks during transit.[9] Beyond routine VIP transport, the wing's SAM role extends to emergency evacuations of key government figures, medical evacuations within the National Capital Region through its helicopter assets, and distinguished visitor movements that facilitate diplomatic and official engagements.[1] For instance, the 1st Helicopter Squadron supports urgent rescues and aeromedical extractions, complementing fixed-wing operations for broader crisis response. In practice, the VC-25A serves as the flagship for presidential SAM flights, modified from the Boeing 747-200B with luxurious interiors, medical suites, and command facilities to sustain extended operations.[9] Throughout 2025, the 89th Airlift Wing has upheld its SAM responsibilities, including support for high-profile dignitary arrivals at Joint Base Andrews amid ongoing global engagements.[10]Global support operations
The 89th Airlift Wing delivers global airlift, logistics, and aerial port services to support Department of Defense (DoD) and other federal agencies, enabling rapid deployment and sustainment of personnel and cargo worldwide. As a key component of Air Mobility Command (AMC), the wing operates 24/7 aerial port facilities at Joint Base Andrews, processing passengers and freight for special missions and contingency responses, ensuring seamless integration with broader AMC global mobility efforts.[1][11] For instance, the 89th Aerial Port Squadron coordinates transportation activities aligned with AMC's strategic objectives, supporting commands such as U.S. Africa Command and the U.S. Navy through strategic airlift missions across multiple theaters.[12] In communications support, the wing maintains secure networks and aerial command posts critical for national security operations, including Andrews Network Control Stations and the Government Security Operations Center for continuous monitoring and connectivity. Specialized aircraft, such as the C-37 Gulfstream, equipped with advanced mission systems, facilitate airborne command and control, providing encrypted communications for high-level decision-making during deployments.[1] Upgrades to C-40B aircraft have enhanced state-of-the-art communication suites, bolstering the wing's ability to support executive transport with robust, secure data links.[13] The wing plays a vital role in humanitarian and contingency operations, coordinating disaster relief through airlift and logistics expertise to deliver essential supplies and personnel to affected areas. For example, it has supported relief efforts in Japan by maintaining alert postures for rapid global response, processing and deploying aid via its aerial port capabilities.[14] This integration with AMC enables the 89th to contribute to worldwide deployments, such as aeromedical evacuations and supply missions, underscoring its operational excellence in sustaining federal agency objectives. As of March 2025, the U.S. Air Force has initiated plans to replace the C-32A and C-40B fleets with a single aircraft type to modernize executive airlift capabilities.[15][16]Organization
Current components
The 89th Airlift Wing's current structure consists of three primary groups: the 89th Operations Group, the 89th Maintenance Group, and the 89th Mission Support Group.[6] These groups oversee the wing's core functions in special air mission execution, aircraft sustainment, and base support operations, respectively, supporting global airlift for senior U.S. government officials. The 89th Operations Group provides oversight for the wing's flying operations and includes two active-duty airlift squadrons: the 1st Airlift Squadron, which operates the VC-25A aircraft for presidential transport, the C-32A for vice presidential and other high-level missions, and the C-40B/C Boeing 737 variants for cabinet-level and executive airlift; and the 99th Airlift Squadron, equipped with C-37A and C-37B Gulfstream jets and C-20B aircraft for executive airlift.[6][17][18][19] The group ensures mission readiness through specialized training and coordination for secure, worldwide deployments. The 89th Maintenance Group handles all aircraft maintenance, including back-shop logistics, munitions storage, and propulsion systems support for the wing's Boeing and Gulfstream fleet, ensuring 24/7 operational availability.[6] The 89th Mission Support Group manages essential base services, such as security forces, civil engineering, logistics readiness, communications, and aerial port operations, facilitating seamless support for transient aircraft and personnel.[6] Commanded by Col. Christopher M. Robinson since July 2025, with Col. Melissa L. Dombrock as deputy commander, the wing is supported by key staff in operations, maintenance, and mission support roles.[20] The total force comprises more than 1,800 active-duty Airmen, civilians, and contractors.[6]Headquarters and stations
The 89th Airlift Wing maintains its primary headquarters at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, where it has been stationed since its activation and redesignation as the 89th Military Airlift Wing, Special Mission, on 8 January 1966. As a tenant organization on the base, the wing operates alongside the host 316th Wing, which provides base support services, while focusing on its specialized mission requirements. This location, situated approximately 10 miles southeast of Washington, D.C., enables rapid response capabilities for high-priority airlift operations in the National Capital Region.[1] The wing falls under the operational control of the Eighteenth Air Force, a component of Air Mobility Command (AMC), which directs its global special air mission activities from Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. This assignment integrates the 89th Airlift Wing into AMC's broader network of 17 active-duty wings, emphasizing rapid mobility and logistics support. Historically, the unit experienced station relocations during its early reserve and mobilization phases, but its establishment at Joint Base Andrews marked a permanent shift to support executive air transport needs.[21][22] Key facilities at Joint Base Andrews include dedicated hangars equipped for maintenance and storage of VIP-configured aircraft, such as the Boeing VC-25A (Air Force One) and C-32A, along with secure runways designed for restricted airspace operations and hardened support infrastructure for communications and logistics. These assets ensure the wing's ability to execute worldwide special air missions with minimal notice. The stations play a critical role in facilitating global operations by serving as the primary hub for deploying personnel and resources to forward locations.[1] In a recent security incident on November 6, 2025, a suspicious package containing white powder prompted the evacuation of two buildings at Joint Base Andrews, resulting in seven personnel falling ill and receiving medical evaluation on-site; the event, linked to political propaganda, underscored ongoing vigilance at the wing's home station. No hospitalizations were required, and the base resumed normal operations shortly thereafter.[23]History
Activation and reserve period (1949–1951)
The 89th Troop Carrier Wing, Medium, was established on 10 May 1949 as part of the United States Air Force's post-World War II expansion of its reserve forces, aimed at building a robust mobilization base for tactical airlift capabilities amid emerging Cold War tensions.[4][24] This reorganization under Continental Air Command activated numerous reserve units, including twenty troop carrier wings by 1950, to train reservists in combat-ready formations using surplus aircraft from the war effort.[24] The wing was formally activated in the Air Force Reserve on 27 June 1949 at Laurence G. Hanscom Field, Massachusetts, assigned to First Air Force, reflecting the emphasis on decentralizing training near population centers to facilitate recruitment of veterans and prior-service personnel.[4][25] The wing's initial mission centered on tactical airlift training, preparing reserve airmen for rapid deployment of troops and supplies in potential conflicts.[4] It conducted operations with a mix of transport and trainer aircraft, including the C-46 Commando for medium-lift missions, alongside C-45 Expediter, C-47 Skytrain, T-6 Texan, T-7 Navigator, and T-11 Kansan, enabling proficiency in cargo handling, paratroop drops, and navigation exercises.[25] Organizational buildup involved assigning the 89th Troop Carrier Group as its primary operational component, which oversaw flying and support activities to integrate reservists into cohesive units.[4] Personnel recruitment drew heavily from World War II veterans through programs authorized by the Selective Service Act of 1948 and Executive Order 10007, offering inactive duty pay and incentives to reach mobilization designees with minimal additional training needs.[24] Pre-mobilization activities from 1949 to 1951 focused on routine reserve drills, including weekend and evening sessions, as well as extended summer camps and unit exercises to build operational readiness without full-time commitment.[24] These efforts emphasized tactical scenarios such as formation flying and short-haul transports, aligning with broader Air Force goals to maintain a cost-effective supplement to active forces.[4] By early 1951, the wing had achieved sufficient manning and proficiency to support emergency augmentation, setting the stage for its transition to active duty amid the Korean War.[25]Korean War mobilization (1951–1952)
The 89th Troop Carrier Wing, Medium, was ordered to federal active service on 1 May 1951 as part of the broader mobilization of Air Force Reserve units in response to the Korean War.[4] This call-up integrated reserve assets into the active force to address personnel and equipment shortages for airlift operations supporting U.S. and United Nations forces in the conflict. The wing, which included the 89th Troop Carrier Group and its subordinate squadrons, remained stationed at Laurence G. Hanscom Field, Massachusetts, throughout its active period.[4] Assigned to First Air Force under Continental Air Command, the 89th focused on troop carrier missions during its short time on active duty, contributing trained aircrews and ground support personnel to augment frontline units.[4] Its resources, including medium transport aircraft from its reserve training inventory, were rapidly reassigned to active duty organizations to enhance logistical support for the war effort, such as cargo and troop movements across the Pacific. This filler role exemplified the reserve's function in rapidly bolstering the Air Force's capacity amid the demands of combat operations in Korea.[26] The wing was inactivated on 10 May 1951, just nine days after entering active service, after fulfilling its augmentation responsibilities.[4] It remained inactive for over a year before being redesignated as the 89th Fighter-Bomber Wing on 26 May 1952 and reactivated in the reserve on 14 June 1952, transitioning to a new tactical mission upon return to reserve status.[4]Post-war reserve operations (1952–1957)
Following its return to reserve status after the Korean War mobilization, the 89th Troop Carrier Wing was redesignated as the 89th Fighter-Bomber Wing on 26 May 1952, shifting its focus to tactical fighter training in response to evolving Air Force reserve requirements influenced by wartime lessons in close air support.[4] The wing was activated in the reserve on 14 June 1952 at Laurence G. Hanscom Field, Massachusetts, under First Air Force, drawing personnel from local reserve units to form its operational structure.[4][25] The wing's primary mission during this period centered on fighter-bomber training, emphasizing proficiency in ground attack roles to prepare reservists for potential rapid mobilization. Operations included air-to-ground gunnery practice, simulated strafing and bombing runs, and participation in reserve-wide exercises that tested unit readiness for deployment.[25] These activities were conducted primarily with the 89th Fighter-Bomber Group as the operational component, which oversaw flying squadrons equipped for tactical missions. Training emphasized weekend and summer encampment schedules typical of reserve units, building skills in formation flying and weapon delivery to maintain combat effectiveness.[27] Initially, the wing operated F-51 Mustangs, legacy piston-engine fighters from World War II, alongside trainer aircraft such as the T-6 Texan for basic proficiency. By 1953, it transitioned to early jet aircraft including the F-80 Shooting Star for advanced fighter-bomber roles, reflecting broader Air Force efforts to modernize reserve forces. Later in the period, around 1957, the wing incorporated F-86 Sabres, enhancing its capabilities for high-speed tactical operations just prior to inactivation.[25] These transitions supported evolving training scenarios, though the mix of surplus and newer jets underscored the reserve's supplemental role. Reserve operations faced significant challenges, including chronic equipment shortages and reliance on outdated surplus aircraft, which limited training realism and readiness. Personnel transitions were also problematic, as post-war demobilization led to high turnover among experienced pilots and ground crew, requiring constant recruitment and retraining efforts within the part-time reserve framework.[28][29] Despite these hurdles, the wing contributed to the overall strengthening of reserve fighter capabilities during a time of fiscal constraints. The 89th Fighter-Bomber Wing was inactivated on 16 November 1957 as part of a major Air Force reorganization that consolidated reserve fighter units and shifted emphasis toward troop carrier missions to better align with strategic priorities.[4][25]Inactivation and redesignation (1957–1961)
The 89th Fighter-Bomber Wing was inactivated on 16 November 1957 at Laurence G. Hanscom Field, Massachusetts, concluding its reserve fighter operations and contributing to the U.S. Air Force's broader post-Korean War force reductions.[4] This inactivation aligned with a significant drawdown in reserve aviation assets, as the Air Force streamlined its structure by limiting reserve flying units to 45 troop carrier squadrons and 5 air rescue squadrons to prioritize active-duty strategic capabilities.[30] The wing's designation entered inactive storage, preserving its lineage for potential future use amid fiscal and organizational constraints.[4] The period of inactivation from 1957 to 1961 reflected the Air Force's strategic pivot during escalating Cold War tensions, including the Soviet Union's Sputnik launch in October 1957, which heightened demands for reliable special air missions to support executive travel, diplomatic efforts, and rapid global mobility. These developments underscored a shift away from conventional reserve fighter training toward specialized airlift roles capable of operating in contested environments and ensuring presidential and high-level command mobility. The stored designation of the 89th positioned it for realignment with emerging priorities in VIP transport and logistics support.[4] By February 1961, reactivation planning advanced as the Military Air Transport Service (MATS) consolidated operations at Andrews Air Force Base, assigning the 89th designation to spearhead special mission airlift under MATS oversight.[31] This preparation involved reallocating personnel and resources from existing MATS components, notably the 1254th Air Transport Wing, which transferred from Washington National Airport to Andrews in 1961, providing the foundational assets for the 89th's impending operational role.[31]Establishment as special airlift wing (1961–present)
The 89th Military Airlift Wing, Special Mission was redesignated on 27 December 1965 and activated on 8 January 1966 at Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland, marking the unit's establishment as the primary provider of special air missions (SAM) for high-level U.S. government officials. This activation transferred the SAM responsibilities from the inactivated 1254th Air Transport Wing, which had managed them since 10 July 1961, allowing the 89th to assume operations with an initial fleet including C-118 Liftmasters and C-121 Constellations for VIP transport, alongside the recently introduced VC-135 variants dedicated to presidential and executive airlift since 1962.[31] The wing's early focus centered on secure, global airlift for the President, Vice President, cabinet members, and other senior leaders, conducting missions that required exceptional reliability and discretion under the Military Airlift Command.[4] In 1966, the wing was redesignated simply as the 89th Military Airlift Wing, expanding its role to encompass broader special missions while maintaining its core SAM duties, and it underwent further organizational changes in 1977 when it was briefly redesignated as a group before reverting to wing status. By 1991, following the end of the Cold War and realignment under Air Mobility Command, it became the 89th Airlift Wing and assumed host responsibilities at Andrews AFB (now Joint Base Andrews), solidifying its position as the "President's Wing."[32] Key milestones included the introduction of the VC-25A Air Force One aircraft in 1990 for enhanced presidential transport capabilities, the C-37 Gulfstream in 1998 for secure executive communications, and the C-40 Clipper Boeing 737 variant in 2002 to modernize mid-range VIP missions, all of which supported seamless presidential transitions such as those in 2001, 2009, 2017, and 2021.[17] These upgrades emphasized advanced avionics, aerial refueling compatibility, and defensive systems to ensure mission continuity amid evolving threats.[18] Post-Cold War, the wing expanded its operational scope beyond routine SAM to include critical support in major conflicts, airlifting personnel and high-priority cargo to Southwest Asia during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm from 1990 to 1991.[4] Following the 11 September 2001 attacks, the 89th facilitated immediate presidential relocation and continuity-of-government operations, while providing logistics for subsequent global responses. In Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, it delivered specialized airlift for command elements, secure communications relays, and rapid deployment of leadership to theaters in Iraq and Afghanistan, logging thousands of flight hours in austere environments.[1] As of November 2025, the wing continues its SAM mandate, supporting high-profile events including the 2024 presidential inauguration and ongoing international summits, while integrating advancements in secure communications such as IP-based networks and enhanced satellite links on its C-32 and C-40 fleets to counter cyber and electronic warfare risks. On 24 July 2025, Col. Christopher M. Robinson assumed command, succeeding Col. Angela F. Ochoa, with emphasis on maintaining global readiness as highlighted in the wing's official 2025 mission overview. The unit has earned multiple Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards, including recent recognitions for excellence in special missions and logistics support.[33][34]Lineage
Assignments
The 89th Airlift Wing and its predecessor organizations have been assigned to various higher commands reflecting the evolution of U.S. Air Force reserve and active-duty structures, as well as shifts in global airlift responsibilities.[4] In its initial incarnation as the 89th Troop Carrier Wing, the unit was assigned to First Air Force from 27 June 1949 to 10 May 1951, during which it operated in the reserve and was briefly mobilized to active duty amid the Korean War.[4] Following inactivation and redesignation as the 89th Fighter-Bomber Wing, it was reactivated under the same assignment to First Air Force from 14 June 1952 to 16 November 1957, focusing on reserve fighter-bomber training.[4] After a period of inactivation, the wing was redesignated the 89th Military Airlift Wing, Special Mission, and organized on 8 January 1966 under the direct assignment to Military Air Transport Service (redesignated Military Airlift Command on 15 January 1966), serving in this capacity until 1 July 1976 and enabling specialized airlift operations for national leadership.[4][25] From 1 July 1976 to 30 September 1977, the wing fell under the 76th Airlift Division; it then transferred to the 76th Military Airlift Wing from 30 September 1977 to 15 December 1980, before returning to the 76th Airlift Division until 1 October 1985.[4] Subsequent assignments included Twenty-First Air Force from 1 October 1985 to 1 October 2003, during which the wing supported global airlift under Military Airlift Command and its successor, Air Mobility Command (established 1 June 1992).[4] Since 1 October 2003, the 89th Airlift Wing has been assigned to Eighteenth Air Force, the air component of U.S. Transportation Command and subordinate to Air Mobility Command, overseeing its special-mission airlift role.[4][34]Components (historical)
The 89th Troop Carrier Wing, upon activation in the reserve on 27 June 1949, included the 89th Troop Carrier Group as its primary operational component, which oversaw the 24th, 25th, and 26th Troop Carrier Squadrons equipped for medium transport operations.[27] These squadrons conducted training with C-46 and C-119 aircraft until the wing's mobilization to active duty in May 1951, after which the group and squadrons were inactivated on 10 May 1951 alongside the wing.[4] Additionally, the 89th Maintenance and Supply Group provided logistical support during this initial reserve period, from 27 June 1949 to 10 May 1951. Following redesignation as the 89th Fighter-Bomber Wing and reactivation in the reserve on 14 June 1952, the subordinate 89th Fighter-Bomber Group directed the 24th, 25th, and 26th Fighter-Bomber Squadrons, transitioning to F-51 and later F-86 aircraft for tactical fighter training.[27] The 25th Fighter-Bomber Squadron was inactivated on 1 July 1957, with the remaining squadrons and group following on 16 November 1957 upon the wing's inactivation.[27] Upon organization as the 89th Military Airlift Wing on 8 January 1966, the wing incorporated the 98th and 99th Military Airlift Squadrons for special mission transport duties.[4] The 98th Squadron operated until 1 September 1977, while the 99th continued until 12 September 1977 before a later reactivation from 1 October 1988 to 12 July 1991.[4] In April 1975, three provisional squadrons—the 1400th, 1401st, and 1402nd Military Airlift Squadrons—were temporarily assigned to augment global airlift capacity, all inactivating by 15 March 1978.[4] The 1st Military Airlift Squadron joined in September 1977, serving until 12 July 1991, and the 1st Helicopter Squadron operated from July 1976 to 12 July 1991 for rotary-wing support.[4] Support elements included the 89th Consolidated Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, active from the mid-1960s through the 1970s to handle fleet sustainment.[35] In 1991, as part of the Air Force's Objective Wing reorganization, the wing established dedicated subordinate groups on 12 July: the 89th Operations Group to consolidate flying operations, the 89th Maintenance Group for aircraft sustainment, and the 89th Mission Support Group for base services and logistics.[27] These groups marked the shift from direct squadron assignments to a matrixed structure, with historical squadrons like the 99th Airlift Squadron realigning under the operations group.[27]| Period | Key Components | Dates | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reserve Troop Carrier (1949–1951) | 89th Troop Carrier Group (with 24th, 25th, 26th Troop Carrier Squadrons); 89th Maintenance and Supply Group | 27 Jun 1949 – 10 May 1951 | Medium transport focus; inactivated upon demobilization.[27] |
| Reserve Fighter-Bomber (1952–1957) | 89th Fighter-Bomber Group (with 24th, 25th, 26th Fighter-Bomber Squadrons) | 14 Jun 1952 – 16 Nov 1957 (25th to 1 Jul 1957) | Tactical fighter training; 25th inactivated early.[27] |
| Special Mission Airlift (1966–1991) | 98th/99th Military Airlift Squadrons; 1st Military Airlift/Helicopter Squadrons; 1400th–1402nd Military Airlift Squadrons (provisional); 89th Consolidated Aircraft Maintenance Squadron | Various: 1966–1991 | Global special missions; provisionals for surge capacity 1975–1978.[4][35] |
| Objective Wing Transition (1991) | 89th Operations, Maintenance, and Mission Support Groups | Activated 12 Jul 1991 | Reorganization to functional groups; endpoint for direct historical squadrons.[27] |
Aircraft
The 89th Airlift Wing, originally activated as the 89th Troop Carrier Wing in the Air Force Reserve, operated the Curtiss C-46 Commando as its primary transport aircraft from 1949 to 1951, supporting troop carrier training missions.[36][25] During its brief active-duty mobilization for the Korean War in 1951–1952, the wing continued with the C-46 and introduced the Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar for medium troop carrier operations.[25] Redesignated as the 89th Fighter-Bomber Wing in the reserve from 1952 to 1957, the unit transitioned to fighter operations, initially equipping with the North American F-51D Mustang propeller-driven fighter from 1952 to 1954.[25] It later adopted the North American F-86F Sabre jet fighter by 1957, along with a mix of trainer aircraft such as the T-6 Texan, T-33 Shooting Star, and F-80 Shooting Star for tactical proficiency.[25] Following its inactivation and subsequent redesignation as the 89th Military Airlift Wing in 1966, the wing focused on special air mission transport, operating the Douglas C-118 Liftmaster and variants including the VC-118 from the mid-1960s.[25] It also flew the Lockheed C-121 Super Constellation and VIP-configured VC-121, alongside the Convair C-131 Samaritan and VC-131 for executive transport through the 1970s.[25] The Boeing VC-135 Stratolifter entered service in 1968 for high-priority missions, while the Lockheed C-130 Hercules was used briefly in the early 1970s before being phased out.[25] In the 1970s and 1980s, the wing expanded its special mission fleet with the McDonnell Douglas VC-9C (a VIP variant of the C-9 Nightingale) starting in 1975 and the Beechcraft C-12 Huron from 1976.[25] The Bell UH-1N Huey helicopter was introduced in 1976 for short-range executive support and rapid response, operated by the wing's 1st Helicopter Squadron from July 1976 until the squadron's reassignment on 12 July 1991.[37][25] The Gulfstream C-20 arrived in 1983 for mid-range VIP transport.[25] From the 1990s onward, the wing modernized its inventory for global special air missions. The Boeing VC-25A, serving as Air Force One, was introduced in 1990 with two aircraft operational as of 2025. The VC-25B, a Boeing 747-8 variant, began entering service in 2023 to replace the VC-25A fleet, with initial operational capability achieved in 2025.[6][10] The Learjet C-21A was added in 1993 and retired in 1997.[25] Post-1990 acquisitions included the Gulfstream C-37A and C-37B starting in 1998, with 11 aircraft active in 2025 for worldwide executive transport.[18][6] The Boeing C-40 Clipper (based on the 737) entered service in 2002, with four C-40B variants operational in 2025.[38][6] The Boeing C-32A, a VIP-configured 757, was acquired in the late 1990s, with four aircraft in service as of 2025, gradually being supplemented by newer models.[6]Honors and campaign credits
The 89th Airlift Wing is authorized to display the honors earned by the 89th Troop Carrier Group prior to 27 June 1949, including service streamers for the World War II American Theater.[4] The wing has no campaign streamers of its own but is entitled to display the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation for its service during the Korean War mobilization period from 9 November 1950 to 31 July 1952, reflecting contributions through its predecessor units.[39] One segment of official records also notes an Armed Forces Expeditionary Streamer for Grenada in 1983, tied to special mission support operations.[39] The 89th Airlift Wing has received the Air Force Meritorious Unit Award for the period 1 July 2011 to 3 June 2012, recognizing exemplary performance in global special airlift missions.[4] It has earned the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award numerous times, highlighting sustained excellence in executive air transportation and operational readiness. The full list of these awards includes:| Period | Award Type |
|---|---|
| 1 Jul 1966–30 Jun 1968 | Air Force Outstanding Unit Award |
| 1 Jul 1968–30 Jun 1970 | Air Force Outstanding Unit Award |
| 1 Jul 1970–30 Jun 1972 | Air Force Outstanding Unit Award |
| 1 Jul 1972–30 Jun 1974 | Air Force Outstanding Unit Award |
| 1 Jul 1974–31 Dec 1975 | Air Force Outstanding Unit Award |
| 1 Jan 1976–31 Jan 1977 | Air Force Outstanding Unit Award |
| 6 Apr 1977–18 May 1979 | Air Force Outstanding Unit Award |
| 1 Jul 1987–30 Jun 1989 | Air Force Outstanding Unit Award |
| 1 Jul 1989–30 Jun 1991 | Air Force Outstanding Unit Award |
| 1 Jul 1991–30 Jun 1992 | Air Force Outstanding Unit Award |
| 1 Jul 1992–30 Jun 1994 | Air Force Outstanding Unit Award |
| 1 Jul 1994–30 Jun 1996 | Air Force Outstanding Unit Award |
| 1 Jul 1996–30 Jun 1998 | Air Force Outstanding Unit Award |
| 1 Jul 1998–30 Jun 2000 | Air Force Outstanding Unit Award |
| 1 Jul 2000–30 Jun 2002 | Air Force Outstanding Unit Award |
| 1 Jul 2002–30 Jun 2004 | Air Force Outstanding Unit Award |
| 1 Jul 2004–30 Jun 2005 | Air Force Outstanding Unit Award |
| 1 Jul 2005–30 Jun 2006 | Air Force Outstanding Unit Award |
| 1 Jul 2006–30 Jun 2007 | Air Force Outstanding Unit Award |
| 1 Jul 2007–30 Jun 2008 | Air Force Outstanding Unit Award |
| 1 Jul 2008–30 Jun 2009 | Air Force Outstanding Unit Award |
| 1 Jul 2009–30 Jun 2011 | Air Force Outstanding Unit Award |
| 1 Jul 2015–30 Jun 2016 | Air Force Outstanding Unit Award |
| 1 Jul 2016–30 Jun 2017 | Air Force Outstanding Unit Award |
| 1 Jul 2017–30 Jun 2018 | Air Force Outstanding Unit Award |
| 1 Jul 2018–30 Jun 2019 | Air Force Outstanding Unit Award |
| 1 Jul 2019–30 Jun 2020 | Air Force Outstanding Unit Award |