The 156th AS is the group's flying unit and has been equipped with the C-130H since 1994. The 156th Fighter Squadron formed in May 1946 with P-47Ds at Morris Field, Charlotte, but was not granted federal recognition until March 1948. The squadron converted to the F-51D in December 1949 and was called to active duty in October 1951. They became the 156th Fighter-Bomber Squadron and received F-84Es for deployment to RAF Manston, UK until July 1952, when the unit returned to state control. The squadron reverted to the F-51D, and converted to the F-86A in January 1954. Designation changed to 156th FIS in July 1955, with the unit receiving the F-86E in October 1957 and the F-86L in March 1959. The designation changed to 156th Aeromedical Airlift Squadron in January 1961 with the adoption of the C-119C, followed by the assignment of the C-121C in 1962. The unit was redesignated the 156th Air Transport Squadron in January 1964 and 156th MAS in January 1966, with the C-124C operated from April 1967 until May 1971. The unit changed to a Tactical Airlift Squadron in May 1971 when the C-130B was assigned.