709th Airlift Squadron

The 709th Airlift Squadron is part of the 512th Airlift Wing at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware.

709th Airlift Squadron
A crew from the 709th prepares for a training flight on the first C-5M at Dover Air Force Base
Active1943–1945; 1947–1949; 1973–present
Country United States
Branch United States Air Force
RoleAirlift
Part ofAir Force Reserve Command
Garrison/HQDover Air Force Base, Delaware
Motto(s)Global Airlift
ColorsWhite (World War II)
EngagementsEuropean Theater of Operations
Operation Just Cause
DecorationsAir Force Outstanding Unit Award
Insignia
709th Airlift Squadron emblem
709th Bombardment Squadron emblem
ETO Fuselage CodeIE
447th Bombardment Group tail markingSquare K

The squadron was first activated during World War II as the 709th Bombardment Squadron. After training in the United States, it deployed to the European Theater, where it engaged in the strategic bombing campaign against Germany. After V-E Day, it returned to the United States, where it was inactivated in the fall of 1945.

The squadron was briefly activated in the reserves from 1947 to 1949. In 1973, the squadron was redesignated the 709th Military Airlift Squadron and activated at Dover as a reserve associate unit of the 436th Military Airlift Wing. Its reservists operated the 436th's C-5s alongside members of the regular Air Force.

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