Senate Recognizes the 911th Airlift Wing on its 50th Anniversary

The Pennsylvania Senate unanimously approved a resolution recognizing the 911th Airlift Wing on its 50th anniversary.

The 911th Airlift Wing in Moon Township began as the 911th Troop Carrier Group in January 1963. In 1980, the base began flying the C-130 Hercules military transport aircraft currently flown.

In 1994, the base received its current re-designation as the 911th Airlift Wing and today employs approximately 1,220 Air Force Reserve members and 320 civilians, all less than two miles from Pittsburgh International Airport.

Sen. Matt Smith, D-Mt. Lebanon, who sponsored the resolution, commended the reservist aircrews and support personnel through the years who were activated or volunteers for missions from Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm and relief efforts following Hurricane Andrew to humanitarian relief flights in Bosnia and emergency response activities following the crash of USAir flight 427. 

Missions continued as the 911th pilots, navigators, engineers, and loadmasters moved approximately 3,000 passengers and 700 tons of cargo per month in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

“Having visited the 911th Airlift Wing on multiple occasions and met with the commander and reservists, I can personally attest to the professionalism and heroism they display on a daily basis,” Smith said in a statement. “It was inspiring to see first-hand the work of our military men and women right in our back yard. Their missions take them to locations around the globe and around the corner to answer the call of duty.”

The 911th has been the target for closure three times, in 1995, 2005 and earlier this year, but received backing and support to prevail. 

Smith addressed his colleagues on the Senate floor to inform them of the role of the 911th Airlift Wing and the effort by state and federal officials to preserve its operations.

“This base is an important asset to our regional and national military security and plays a role as an economic driver for the region,” Smith said. “What I found most encouraging is the 911th commitment to achieving efficiencies and collaborating with other military branches and divisions of law enforcement to most effectively meet the security needs of the 21st century. Through sharing of services with Allegheny County, the Pittsburgh International Airport and other military installations in the area, the 911th is truly a model in cooperation.”

Join Patch for more community news or join us on Facebook and Twitter.