Mission

"Provide a quality force to accomplish airlift, aerial delivery and mobility missions in support of the Nation, and respond to the needs of the State and its Communities."

C-5 Galaxy

Unit History

     The 164th Airlift Wing was originally activated Dec. 23, 1946, as the 155th Fighter Squadron. The assigned aircraft was the F-51 Fighter. On Apr. 1, 1951, the unit was designated as a Tactical Reconnaissance squadron utilizing the same aircraft. During this same period, the 155th was activated for the Korean conflict.

     The 155th returned to state control as a night photo unit in 1953. The type aircraft received for this mission was the RB-26. The unit was re-designated as a photo jet organization in 1956. The RF-84 jet was received directly from the factory to be used in this mission.

     April 1961 brought a major change. The 164th Military Aircraft Group was activated as parent unit and the 155th was re-designated as a military squadron. At this time, the unit received the C-97, which was a converted SAC tanker. Conversion to this aircraft brought worldwide mission to places such as Europe, Japan, South America, Australia, and South Vietnam.

During 1966, the 164th AW set many records. To name a few: 10 round trips to South East Asia, 1702 flying hours in one month, and a large amount of cargo and passengers were transported.

     May 1967 brought the Grand Lady of the air, the C-124 "Old Shaky". Along with Old Shaky, the personnel of this unit performed many missions of mercy. Old Shaky was given her deserved rest in 1974 when she was retired from military service and in August of 1974, the unit switched to the C-130. The mission remained military airlift, but with tactical airlift capabilities. The first aerial delivery was made on Feb. 8, 1975.

     It was during this time that the 164th was re-designated as the 164th Tactical Airlift Group.

     Desert Storm brought on the activation of several units of the 164th. The 164th Mobile Aerial Port Squadron served a six month tour in the desert with distinction.

The C-130s were replaced in April 1992 when the unit received the first of eight C-141B Starlifter Aircraft. With this conversion came the strategic airlift mission and the designation of the 164th Airlift Group. The unit was re-designated the 164th Airlift Wing on Oct. 1, 1995.

     In 2004, Memphis retired their C-141s and converted to C-5As.