The 143rd AS is the group's operational unit and has employed C-130Es since 1990. The unit was formed in November 1955 as the 143rd Air Resupply Squadron at Thoedore F. Green Airport with C-46Ds and SA-16As. The unit was redesignated as the 143rd Troop Carrier Squadron in October 1958 when the C-46 was retired, with the 143rd TCG formed in January 1962. Air Command Squadron status was achieved in July 1963, followed in August 1968 by a change to Special Operations Squadron status. U-10Ds were assigned in 1963 and C-119G/Ls in September 1971. Conversion to the C-130A took place during October 1975 with a corresponding change in designation to a Tactical Airlift Squadron, with the unit moving to Quonset Point State Airport in July 1980.