Once upon a time, in the early 1940s, a significant transformation took place within the United States military. This transformation birthed the Air Transport Command (ATC), which later evolved into the Air Mobility Command (AMC). In this article, we will delve into the fascinating history and development of these crucial organizations.

The Birth of Air Transport Command

The Air Transport Command was officially established on June 20, 1941. With the advent of World War II, the United States recognized the need for a dedicated entity responsible for coordinating and executing military airlift operations. Prior to the formation of the Air Transport Command, these responsibilities fell under the jurisdiction of the Air Corps Ferrying Command and the Troop Carrier Command.

Under the leadership of General Henry H. Arnold, the Air Transport Command began to take shape. Its primary mission was to provide air transportation services in support of military operations, including the transport of personnel, supplies, and equipment. This new command proved essential in enabling the rapid movement of troops and materials across different theaters of war.

Assam Trucking Company: Air Transport Command, Birth of AMC

by B. F. Bates (Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5562 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	278 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Expansion and Evolution

As the war progressed, the Air Transport Command expanded its capabilities and reach. It established vital air routes connecting various locations around the world, including Europe, North Africa, and the Pacific theaters. To achieve this, the command utilized a diverse fleet of aircraft, ranging from cargo planes to strategic bombers converted for transportation purposes.

One of the most remarkable achievements of the Air Transport Command was the successful execution of the Hump airlift. Operating from bases in India, the command transported crucial supplies over the Himalayan mountain range to support military operations in China. This challenging endeavor showcased the exceptional skill and determination of the command's pilots and crew.

With the end of World War II, the Air Transport Command underwent a series of transformations. In 1948, it became the Military Air Transport Service (MATS) and continued to play a vital role in transporting personnel and supplies during the Korean War and the Cold War era.

The Emergence of Air Mobility Command

In 1992, the Military Air Transport Service was reorganized and re-designated as the Air Mobility Command (AMC). This change reflected the evolving nature of military airlift operations and the growing importance of global mobility in the post-Cold War era.

While the core mission of the AMC remained focused on air transportation, the command expanded its responsibilities to include aerial refueling, aeromedical evacuation, and special airlift operations. These enhancements further solidified the AMC's role as a critical force in supporting military operations worldwide.

The Modern-day Air Mobility Command

Today, the Air Mobility Command is stationed at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois and continues to be an integral component of the United States Air Force. With a diverse fleet of aircraft, including strategic airlifters, tankers, and specialized transport planes, the command ensures rapid and efficient global mobility for the military.

The AMC's contributions extend beyond wartime operations. It plays a crucial role in humanitarian relief efforts, disaster response, and peacekeeping missions. Whether it's delivering aid to regions affected by natural disasters or conducting medical evacuations, the AMC stands ready to meet the challenges of the modern world.

In

The birth of the Air Transport Command marked a pivotal moment in the history of military aviation. From its humble beginnings as a transport unit during World War II, it evolved into the modern-day Air Mobility Command, shaping the way the United States military operates and executes its missions.

The AMC's dedication to providing rapid global mobility ensures that the United States Armed Forces can respond swiftly and effectively to any situation. This remarkable lineage and continued commitment make the Air Mobility Command a vital pillar of the world's most powerful air force.

Assam Trucking Company: Air Transport Command, Birth of AMC

by B. F. Bates (Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5562 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	278 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Birth of the AMC, Air Mobility Command

Air Mobility Command was born out of the Air Transport Command or ATC, affectionately known as the Assam Trucking Company. This book explores the birth of U. S. military airlift capability through the role of the ATC in China-Burma-India, 1942-45. It is the story of “sky-born, long-haul trucking” over the lower spines of the Himalaya Mountains and dense Burmese jungles into primitive Chinese airfields behind enemy lines and the men who flew slow-moving, un-escorted, heavily-loaded transports over one of the most dangerous air routes in the world. Never in history had such an undertaking been conceived let alone attempted.

Assam Trucking Company tells the amazing story of how this airlift with no template as a reference literally “got off the ground,” and became an effective model for tactical airlift of logistical supply that today is the Air Mobility Command, AMC.

B. F. Bates is one of the few with a link to the actual first hand accounts.

Flying the Hump

It was called “flying the hump.” The pilots of the ATC did it every day from extreme altitudes required to clear the Hymalayas, ice, heavy thunderstorms, strong winds and fog, to the long stretches of impenetrable tropic jungles. Bates looks at the actual records revealing the many aircrafts and crews which were lost in accomplishing this crucial victory of WW2.

Every man interviewed for this record said the same thing. They were there to keep the Japanese from joining with the Germans and Italians to achieve world domination. The American soldiers of ATC were an important piece of saving the world.

Lasting Impact of the ATC

General Tunner, who as a Major in 1942 had been involved in the planning effort for the world-wide mission of Air Transport Command, took what he had learned and honed during the Hump operations and applied them to the Berlin Airlift.

The U.S. Air Force became its own military organization in 1947.  ATC was redesignated as the Military Air Transport Services (MATS) and was given these responsibilities:

• airlift/ferrying operations,
• air communications,
• air weather service,
• aeromedical evacuation,
• photomapping and audio-visual services,
• air-sea rescue and recovery worldwide.
• Combat Cargo and Troop Carrier were reorganized under Tactical Airlift Command. 

“Today’s Air Force owes (much) to the legacy of men and women (ATC) who made great sacrifice and accomplished a herculean effort. ... Without the lessons learned from this endeavor, the Berlin Airlift may not have had the profound strategic effect that it did, an effort regarded as airpowers’ most decisive Cold War contribution” (CMSgt Paul Wallace, USAF (Ret) KC-135 Boom Operator, AMC).

About the Author

B. F. Bates was born into the history of the ATC, listening to the stories of her father as he recounted his experiences flying the Hump. Growing up as an Air Force brat, Ms. Bates developed an understanding of the military and an appreciation for the sacrifices made by all the men and women who serve. With over thirty years of experience as an Instructional Designer for all military services except the US Coast Guard, Ms. Bates has developed training materials for five aircraft platforms and all of their aircrew members, as well as maintenance manuals.

She has a B.A. in History and English, and a Master’s degree in Secondary Education. She also wrote, Texoma Medical Center: The First Twenty-Five Years. Ms. Bates lives in the Dallas suburbs with her son and family.

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