21st Airlift Squadron
The 21st Airlift Squadron is part of the 60th Air Mobility Wing at Travis Air Force Base, California. It operates C-17 Globemaster III aircraft carrying out United States Air Force global transport missions, duties which involve airlift and airdrop missions as well as provision of services and support in order to promote quality of life for both soldiers and civilians in situations requiring humanitarian aid.
| 21st Airlift Squadron | |
|---|---|
21st Airlift Squadron C-17A Globemaster III | |
| Active | 1942–1946; 1946–present |
| Country | United States |
| Branch | United States Air Force |
| Role | Strategic Airlift |
| Part of | Air Mobility Command |
| Garrison/HQ | Travis Air Force Base, California |
| Nickname(s) | BEEliners |
| Motto(s) | Setting the Airlift Standard |
| Colors | Red & Yellow / Black & Yellow (Friday) |
| Mascot(s) | Delta Bee |
| Anniversaries | 3 April 1942 |
| Engagements | World War II (Asia-Pacific Theater) Korean War |
| Decorations | Distinguished Unit Citation (7x) Presidential Unit Citation Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Combat "V" Device Meritorious Unit Award Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (15x) Philippine Presidential Unit Citation (World War II) Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders | Charles R. Holland |
| Insignia | |
| 21st Airlift Squadron emblem (approved 9 December 1994) | |
| 21st Troop Carrier Squadron emblem (approved 31 July 1959) | |
| 21st Troop Carrier Squadron emblem (approved 30 October 1942) | |
| Aircraft flown | |
| Transport | C-17 Globemaster III |
First formed as the 21st Transport Squadron at Archerfield Airport, Australia on 3 April 1942. Activated in the wake of the United States withdrawal from the Philippines, the squadron was formed with a mixture of personnel withdrawn from Clark Field and some reinforcements which had arrived in Australia but did not see combat in the Philippines. The squadron was hastily put together with some impressed civilian Douglas DC-2s and DC-3s.