54th Airlift Squadron
The 54th Airlift Squadron is a United States Air Force squadron stationed at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. The squadron is an active duty associate unit aiding the 932d Airlift Wing in performance of its airlift mission. The first predecessor of the squadron was formed in August 1917 as the 54th Aero Squadron and served in France during World War II. In 1936, this unit was consolidated with the 54th School Squadron, a pilot training unit that became the 54th Bombardment Squadron, which became a demonstration unit for the Air Corps Tactical School, and later a test and evaluation unit for medium bomber aircraft and tactics.
| 54th Airlift Squadron | |
|---|---|
C-40 Clipper at Scott Air Force Base | |
| Active | 1917–1919; 1927–1931; 1931–1936; 1939–1942, 1942–1943; 1967–1972; 1993–present |
| Country | United States |
| Branch | United States Air Force |
| Role | Airlift |
| Part of | Air Mobility Command |
| Garrison/HQ | Scott Air Force Base |
| Motto(s) | Eyes of the Cat (1967-1972) Wings of Knowledge(after 1993) General Deliver (2004-Present) |
| Engagements | World War I Theater of Operations American Theater of World War II Vietnam War |
| Decorations | Presidential Unit Citation Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Combat "V" Device Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders | Major General John W. Persons |
| Insignia | |
| 54th Airlift Squadron emblem | |
| 554th Reconnaissance Squadron emblem | |
| 54th Transport Squadron emblem | |
| 54th Bombardment Squadron emblem | |
In 1985, this squadron was consolidated with the 54th Transport Squadron, an Air Transport Command unit that was involved with the movement of aircraft in the Caribbean during World War II, and the 554th Reconnaissance Squadron, which conducted surveillance of the Ho Chi Minh Trail during the Vietnam War.
In 1993, the consolidated unit became the 54th Airlift Flight and has conducted operational support airlift since then. In 2005, the flight was expanded to squadron size.