The BEEliners legacy continues at Travis Published Feb. 14, 2012 By Mark Wilderman 60th Air Mobility Wing Historian TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- On Oct. 1, 1993, the 21st Airlift Squadron was reassigned from the 374th Operations Group to the 60 OG and relocated from Yokota Air Base to Travis. The 21st AS transitioned from the C-130 Hercules to the C-5 Galaxy, beginning a new chapter in its proud history. Upon arrival at Travis in 1993, the 21st AS joined the veteran 22nd AS in operating the C-5 aircraft, participating prominently in the 60th Air Mobility Wing's numerous humanitarian relief missions as well as the global war on terrorism. In 2006, the 21st AS transitioned from the C-5 to the C-17 Globemaster III, becoming the 60th AMW's sole C-17 squadron. The capabilities of the C-17 aircraft and the high level of 21st AS crew training made the 21st AS an obvious choice by the Air Mobility Command headquarters to participate in the Haiti Earthquake Relief effort, Operation Unified Response, in January through February 2010. A BEEliner C-17 was the first of such aircraft to arrive in Haiti after the earthquake, the first to deliver an American Urban Search and Rescue Team to Haiti, the first to evacuate hundreds of U.S. and Haitian citizens to safety using floor loading, and the first to land in the Dominican Republic to help open additional airfields for the delivery of relief to Haiti. The Air Force recognized the accomplishments of the BEEliners in 2011 when it awarded the 2010 General James H. Doolittle Trophy to a 21st AS crew that spearheaded Operation Unified Response. Since joining the 60th OG in 1993, the 21st AS has contributed to the 60th AMW earning 10 Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards. Today, 21st AS C-17 crews carry on the 70-year tradition of service above self as they continue to support Allied forces in Southwest Asia.