The 158th AS is the group's flying unit and has operated the C-130H since September 1981. The 158th Fighter Squadron was established in October 1946 with the P-47N at Chatham Field, Savannah. The 158th converted to F-80s in August 1948 and was called to active duty in October 1950. The unit converted to the F-84D with temporary assignment to Misawa AB, Japan before returning to state control in July 1952. The squadron was redesignated 158th FIS with F-51Hs and re-equipped with F-84Fs in March 1957. The 165th FIG was formed in July 1958. The unit received the C-97F/G in April 1962 with a redesignation to 158th Air Transport Squadron. It became the 158th MAS in January 1966, with the C-124C assigned in July 1967. the 158th was the last operational C-124C unit, with the final pair being retired in September 1974 when the unit became the C-130E-equippped 158th TAS.