The squadron operates Boeing C-17 Globemaster III aircraft supporting the United States Air Force global reach mission worldwide.

In June 1958, the squadron moved to Charleston Air Force Base, South Carolina, where it continued to fly C-124s until August 1965, when it transitioned into jets with the arrival of the first Lockheed C-141 Starlifter.

[3] In April 1988, a 3d crew, overcoming the difficulties of flying into unfamiliar territory, airlifted drilling equipment into Semipalatinsk, in the Soviet Union.

The mission was part of a joint nuclear weapons detonation monitoring agreement signed by the United States and the Soviet Union.

[2] The 3rd continues its distinct history and support of Air Mobility Command by flying humanitarian and contingency missions into such places as Southwest Asia, Somalia, Rwanda, and Haiti.

[3] The squadron participated in the first-ever six-ship formation flights of C-5's in support of the Strategic Brigade Airdrop Test.