375th Operations Group


The 375th Operations Group is the operational flying component of the United States Air Force 375th Air Mobility Wing. It is stationed at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois.
The unit's World War II predecessor unit, the 375th Troop Carrier Group operated primarily in the Southwest Pacific Theater transporting men, supplies and ammunition to forward bases in New Guinea, New Britain and in the Solomon and Admiralty Islands. In 1943, the unit took part in the first airborne operation in the Southwest Pacific, dropping paratroops to seize enemy bases and cut overland supply lines in New Guinea. It was awarded the Philippine Presidential Unit Citation for its role in the liberation of the Philippines during 1944–1945. After the war, the unit served in the reserves and was elevated to active service during the Korean War. It returned to reserve duty until its inactivation in 1957; then again since 1991 after its reactivation.

Overview

The 375th Operations Group is a diverse group of over 500 military, civilian, and contract personnel in six squadrons and one Detachment, located at three different locations within the U.S. The primary missions of the group is to provide aeromedical evacuation, aeromedical evacuation training, executive and operational support airlift, flight inspection, and air refueling of critical DoD assets. The Group’s medical personnel provide rapid aeromedical evacuation support for stateside and/or worldwide contingencies on six different mobility aircraft, in addition to conducting initial qualification training to aeromedical evacuation personnel. The group's two Total Force Integration squadrons conduct Executive Airlift with four AFRC-owned C-40C aircraft and air refueling with eight ANG-owned KC-135R aircraft. The group also provides CONUS/OCONUS operational support airlift to priority passengers from Scott AFB and one overseas deployed location with its 14 C-21A aircraft. In coordination with the DoD and FAA, the group is also responsible for the delivery of worldwide combatant commander contingency flight inspection jointly with the FAA. Finally, the group has responsibility for all airfield operations and management, including air traffic control of the shared-use Scott AFB/Mid America Airport called home by three flying wings.
Initially trained for overseas duty and moved to the Pacific theater, June–July 1943. Operated from New Guinea and Biak, July 1943 – February 1945, transporting troops, supplies, and equipment to forward bases on New Guinea, New Britain, the Solomon Islands, and the Admiralty Islands. Flew armed B-17 Flying Fortress's for the more hazardous missions that involved landing on fields that were under enemy attack. Took part in the first airborne operation in the Southwest Pacific, seizing enemy bases and cutting supply lines at Nadzab, New Guinea, on 5 September 1943.
Moved to the Philippines in February 1945, and during the next few months most of its missions were supply flights to ground forces on Luzon and neighboring islands. Transported cargo to forces in the Ryukyus, June–July 1945. After the war, transferred troops from Luzon to the Ryukyus for staging to Japan. Also ferried liberated prisoners from Okinawa to Luzon. Moved to Japan in September 1945, flying supply missions and courier flights until inactivated.
Trained in the Reserve from August 1947 until the group was called to active duty in October 1950. After a period of intensive training, the group supplied airlift for troop movements throughout the United States. Reallotted to the Reserve for training from July 1952 – November 1957.
Conducted operational support, aeromedical, and training missions from December 1991.

Lineage

C-118 prior to the * C-9,1991–2003
  • C-12, 1991–1994
  • C-21, 1991-present
  • KC-135, 2009-present