43rd Airlift Wing

43rd Airlift Wing
A 43rd Operations Group C-130 flies over the Cape Hatteras lighthouse along the North Carolina coast
Active
  • 1947-1970
  • 1970-1990
  • 1992-1996
  • 1997-2011
Country United States
Branch United States Air Force
RoleAirlift
MottosWilling, Able, Ready
DecorationsAir Force Outstanding Unit Award with V Device
Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm
Commanders
Notable
commanders
David A. Burchinal
Jack J. Catton
Insignia
43rd Airlift Wing emblem
43rd Bombardment Wing emblem

The 43rd Airlift Wing is an inactive United States Air Force unit last stationed at Pope Army Airfield, part of Fort Bragg, North Carolina, where it was inactivated in March 2011. The wing performed en route operations support at Pope to include mission command & control, aircrew management, aircraft maintenance, aircraft loading, aircraft fueling and supply. Since the wing's inactivation, the 43rd Air Mobility Operations Group has carried out airlift, maintenance, and base support at Pope.

The wing provided strategic, enroute airlift support and Lockheed C-130 Hercules tactical airlift support to the Army's XVIII Airborne Corps and 82nd Airborne Division.

Active for over 60 years, the wing was a component wing of Strategic Air Command's deterrent force throughout the Cold War.