During World War II the 77th Observation Group supported ground units in training by flying reconnaissance, artillery adjustment, fighter, and bomber missions, and in the process trained reconnaissance personnel who later served overseas.

The group's 5th Observation Squadron moved to Desert Center Army Air Field in March 1943, where it supported units training at the Desert Training Center, later relocating to Thermal Army Air Field in September.

It was then consolidated with the 2852nd Air Base Wing in 1994 to provide services and support for McClellan AFB with its satellite installations and the Sacramento Air Logistics Center with its tenant organizations (the 2852nd had been performing this duty since 1 August 1953) until the base was officially closed in 2001.

The 77th Aeronautical Systems Group moved from Brooks City-Base, San Antonio to Wright-Patterson AFB in mid-2009.

This article incorporates public domain material from the Air Force Historical Research Agency