<p>The unit was established as the 446th Troop Carrier Wing at Ellington AFB, TX in May 1955 with C-45s and C-46s. The 446th converted to the C-119 before being redesignated a Tactical Airlift Wing in July 1967, and re-equipped with C-130As in March 1968. A pair of RC-130Ss was assigned between 1970 and 1972, with the C-124C operated from 1971. The wing was inactivated in July 1972, but was redesignated 446th MAW (Associate) and reactivated at McChord AFB in July 1973 with three Associate squadrons performing duties to replace active-duty crews. The Associate status was removed in October 1994.