1705th Air Transport Group


The 1705th Air Transport Group is an inactive United States Air Force unit. Its last was assigned to the Western Transport Air Force, Military Air Transport Service, stationed at McChord Air Force Base, Washington. It was inactivated on 18 June 1960. Upon inactivation, most personnel and equipment reassigned to 62d Air Transport Wing.

History

Established in August 1950 by Military Air Transport Service as part of its Continental Division. Initially equipped with C-54 Skymasters providing transport of equipment and supplies to Ladd AFB and Elmendorf AFB, Alaska Territory. Was discontinued in October 1951 when McChord AFB was reassigned from Continental Air Command to Air Defense Command under the "one base, one wing" policy.
MATS operations continued under provisional organization until 1705th Air Transport Group could be organized and activated in January 1952. Received new C-124C Globemaster II aircraft upon activation of a group, began the transition to new aircraft, becoming operational in July. Assigned to MATS Pacific Division conducting heavy global strategic airlift throughout the Pacific and South Asia, including Hawaii and Alaska. 1705th Air Traffic Squadron activated on 1 February 1953 for the operation of McChord personnel aerial port and passenger terminal.
Reorganized in July 1955, 34th ATS inactivated due to budget restraints after transitioning to C-118 aircraft; 32d ATS operated C-124Cs, 33d ATS began MATS passenger service to aerial ports in Hawaii and Japan in 1955 using C-118 Liftmasters reassigned from inactivated 34th ATS.
Inactivated in 1960 when senior Twenty-Second Air Force 62d Troop Carrier Wing was assigned to McChord from Larson AFB, Washington due to Strategic Air Command assumed control of Larson. Assets reassigned to 62d TCW.

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