| Unit Name: | 12th Aeromedical Airlift Squadron |
| Dates: | 1942–1944; 1944–1946; 1956–1969 |
| Role: | Ferrying, testing, aeromedical evacuation |
| Decorations: | Air Force Outstanding Unit Award |
| Identification Symbol Label: | 12th Aeromedical Airlift Squadron emblem |
| Identification Symbol 2 Label: | 162 Liaison Sq emblem[1] [2] |
| Identification Symbol 3 Label: | 11th Airlift Squadron emblem[3] |
The 12th Aeromedical Airlift Squadron in an inactive United States Air Force unit. From 1956 through 1969, it flew aeromedical evacuation missions from McGuire Air Force Base. In 1985, the squadron was consolidated with two World War II units, but remained inactive. The consolidated squadrons were the 12th Ferrying Squadron, which ferried aircraft to Europe and from factories to flying units from 1942 and 1944; and the 162d Liaison Squadron, which tested equipment and developed tactics for liaison units between 1944 and 1946.
The first predecessor of the squadron, the 12th Air Corps Ferrying Squadron, was activated on 8 April 1942 at Logan Field, Massachusetts, but moved the following month to New Castle Army Air Base, Delaware. While stationed in the Northeast, the squadron was primarily involved with delivering aircraft to the European Theater of Operations. In early 1943, the squadron moved to Love Field, Texas, and concentrated on ferrying aircraft from manufacturers to operational and training units. At the end of March 1944, Air Transport Command (ATC) reorganized its units in the United States under the Base Unit system, and the 12th was disbanded and with all other ATC units at Love Field was reorganized into the 555th AAF Base Unit. It was reconstituted and consolidated with the other predecessor units in September 1985.[4]
The squadron's second predecessor is the 162nd Liaison Squadron, which was activated at Aiken Army Air Field, South Carolina on 15 May 1944. Like most liaison squadrons, it was equipped with the Stinson L-5 Sentinel. The squadron developed tactics and tested equipment for liaison units in the Army Air Forces. In particular, during 1945, it tested the suitability of Sikorsky helicopters for the liaison mission. In December 1945, it moved to Brooks Field, Texas, where it operated with the 69th Reconnaissance Group through July. The squadron inactivated on 3 October 1946 and was consolidated with the other predecessor units in September 1985.[2] [4]
The 12th Aeromedical Transport Squadron was activated at McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey on 8 November 1956,[5] when the 1st Aeromedical Transport Group, which was stationed at Brooks Air Force Base, Texas, replaced the 1706th Air Transport Group.[6] The group was responsible for aeromedical evacuation missions throughout the United States. The 12th Squadron was equipped with Convair C-131 Samaritans and was primarily responsible for evacuation missions in the northeastern United States. In June 1964, Military Air Transport Service (MATS) reorganized its medical evacuation squadrons under the 1405th Aeromedical Transport Wing, stationed at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois.[7] In 1965, mission responsibility expanded to included Newfoundland and Labrador.[8]
When Military Airlift Command (MAC) replaced MATS in January 1966, the 375th Aeromedical Airlift Wing replaced the 1405th Wing and the squadron became the 12th Aeromedical Airlift Squadron.[9] It continued its mission until inactivating in June 1969[5] as the more capable Douglas C-9 Nightingale permitted consolidation of the medical evacuation mission in the United States into one location, Scott Air Force Base.
The three squadrons were consolidated into one in September, 1975 retaining the 12th Airlift designation, but have remained inactive.[4]
Activated on 8 April 1942
Redesignated 12th Ferrying Squadron c. 12 May 1943
Disbanded on 31 March 1944
Activated on 15 May 1944
Inactivated on 3 October 1946[2]
Activated on 8 November 1956[6] [5]
Redesignated 12th Aeromedical Transport Squadron on 25 July 1964
Redesignated 12th Aeromedical Airlift Squadron on 8 January 1966
Inactivated on 8 June 1969[5]
| Campaign Streamer | Campaign | Dates | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Theater without inscription | 8 April 1942 – 31 March 1944 | 12th Ferrying Squadron | ||
| American Theater without inscription | 15 May 1944 – 2 March 1946 | 162nd Liaison Squadron |