374th Operations Group The 374th Operations Group ( 374 OG ) is the operational flying component of the United States Air Force 374th Airlift Wing . It is stationed at Yokota Air Base , Japan . The unit ' s World War II predecessor unit , the 374th Troop Carrier Group operated primarily in the Southwest Pacific Theater , being formed in Australia in 1942 using resources from the Air Carrier Service ( formerly Air Transport Command ) . The group employed a large variety of aircraft to perform air transport of troops , cargo , and evacuation of the wounded , earning two United States Distinguished Unit Citation s ( DUCs ) in Papua New Guinea . In January – February 1943 , the group supplied Allied forces during the battle of Wau airstrip , making landings at the airstrip under enemy fire and earning its third DUC . When the Korean War broke out in June 1950 , was the only air transport group in the Far East . During the Cold War , the group airlifted wounded French troops from Indo - China to Japan , en route to France . Inactivated in 1958 , the group was reactivated in 1966 at Naha AB , Okinawa as part of 315th Air Division and was active in the Vietnam War . ince that time itits assigned squadrons have conducted special operations , aeromedical evacuations , search and rescue operations , humanitarian relief and theater airlift missions in support of US and United Nations security interests throughout the Far East . The group has never been assigned to the United States . Overview . The 374 OG maintains a forward presence by providing rapid responsive movement of personnel , equipment and operational support in the Asia - Pacific region . Ensures the combat readiness of three operational squadrons using C - 130H , C - 12J and UH - 1N aircraft . Conducts three distinct missions ; intratheater airlift , aeromedical evacuation and distinguished visitor transport for U . S . Pacific Command and other agencies in support of national security policy . The unit consists of the following squadrons : History . The 374th Troop Carrier Group drew its resources from the Air Carrier Service ( formerly Air Transport Command ) Allied Air Forces , Southwest Pacific Area when it formed in November 1942 . It had four troop carrier squadrons assigned , the 21st and 22d were veterans of the South Pacific Area . During the remainder of 1942 and early 1943 , the group employed a large variety of aircraft to perform air transport of troops , cargo , and evacuation of the wounded , earning two Distinguished Unit Citation s ( DUCs ) in Papua . In January – February 1943 , the group supplied Allied forces during the battle of Wau airstrip , making landings at the airstrip under enemy fire and earning its third DUC . From mid - Feb to July 1943 , the group transported personnel and supplies to three principal areas : Dobodura , where a large base was being constructed ; Wau and Bulolo , rear bases for advancing Allied forces ; and to patrols skirting Lae and Salamau . During Jul and August 1943 , the group trained elements of the 375th , 403d , and 433d Troop Carrier Groups . When the campaign against Lae opened on 5 September 1943 , the 374th led aircraft of those groups in a drop of US airborne troops and Australian artillery paratroops at Nadzab airdrome . The next day , as vegetation around the captured airdrome still burned , the group landed engineer troops and equipment to repair the damaged runways , and artillery to protect the captured airstrip . After the capture of Lae ten days later , the group flew 303 trips moving large stores of ammo , supplies , and equipment for use of advancing ground troops . From October 1943 – May 1944 , the 374th maintained an unending flow of troops and equipment , including arms and ammunition , to units scattered throughout Australia and New Guinea areas . It continued to provide these services and in November 1944 commenced cargo and personnel flights to Leyte in the Philippines , which required three days for a round trip . By January 1945 , flights in the New Guinea and Australian areas continued , but flights to the Philippines almost ceased until the group moved to Nielson Field near Manila and remained until the end of the war . The group participated in training maneuvers with army and naval forces in the Pacific Theater until May 1946 . From October 1946 – April 1947 , it provided troop carrier and air courier services and participated in joint maneuvers in the Pacific . It moved to Japan in March 1949 and when the Korean War broke out in June 1950 , was the only air transport group in the Far East . For its work between 27 June and 15 September 1950 , transporting vital cargo , personnel and evacuating wounded men , the 374th earned its fourth DUC . In April 1953 , the group transported the first of several groups of repatriated prisoners of war from Korea to Japan . Beginning in January 1954 , the 374th airlifted wounded French troops from Indo - China to Japan , en route to France . Principal operations from 1955 until 1958 consisted of numerous mobility exercises , routine theater airlift , and occasional exercises throughout the Western Pacific region . Activated as an Operations Group under the objective wing structure in April 1992 , the group gained control over the 374th Airlift Wing ' s operational squadrons . From 1992 to present , the 374th Operation Group ' s assigned squadrons conducted special operations , aeromedical evacuations , search and rescue operations , humanitarian relief and theater airlift missions in support of US and UN security interests throughout the Far East .