The 314th was established as a Troop Carrier Wing at Smyrna AFB, TN (later Sewart AFB) in November 1948, specializing in airborne assault and operating C-47 and C-82 alongside two versions of towed gliders. The wing converted to C-119s in 1949 and added a mixed fleet of C-46s plus various light helicopters and liaison types. The unit re-equipped with the C-123B and C-130A in 1956, then upgraded to the C-130B in 1961. The 314th relocated to Kung Kuan AB, Taiwan (later Ching Chuan Kang AB) in January 1966 and re-equipped with the C-130E. Designation changed to 314th TAW in August 1967. The unit relocated to Little Rock AFB in May 1971, replacing the 64th TAW and the 4442nd CCTW, assuming the operational commitment of the former and the training role of the latter. The C-130H was assigned in 1974, although these were reassigned elsewhere during 1980s. The wing won Volant Rodeo, the predecessor of Airlift Rodeo, at Pope AFB in 1981 and 1983. The unit changed designation to 314th Airlift Wing at the end of 1991.