The 142nd AS is the group's flying unit and has operated the C-130H since November 1985. The unit was organized as the 142nd Fighter Squadron in September 1946 with the P-47N, and the F-84C from February 1950. Active duty was performed between February 1951 and October 1952, with the F-94B assigned. The unit was redesignated 142nd Fighter-Bomber Squadron upon return to state control with F-51Hs, before converting to F-86As in March 1954 and becoming an FIS. The F-86E gradually replaced the A model of the Sabre, with F-86Hs operated from November 1958 and a corresponding designation change to Tactical Fighter Squadron. The unit became an Air Transport Squadron in 1962 with the C-97F and later the G model, with the 166th ATG assigned. In May 1971 the 142nd converted to the C-130A and became a Tactical Airlift Squadron. The unit served with the 1630th TAW (Provisional) at Al Ain, UAE during Desert Storm.