Description

Military Airlift Command was a United States Air Force Major Command, responsible for strategic and tactical airlift, primarily operating C-130, C-141 and C-5 transports. MAC also provided presidential and VIP transportation. MAC was organised into two geographically aligned Numbered Air Forces: 21st Air Force controlled units stationed east of the Mississippi, including those in Europe, while 22d Air Force controlled those stationed to the west, including those in the Pacific. MAC also controlled the Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Service and the Air Weather Service. Following the failed attempt to rescue American hostages in Iran during Operation Eagle Claw, USAF special operations units were reorganised. Consequently, during 1983 USAF special operations units, hitherto split between Tactical Air Command, United States Air Forces in Europe and Pacific Air Forces, were consolidated under MAC in the newly established 23d Air Force.

Take a step inside the day-to-day operations of MAC in the 1980s.