57th Weapons Squadron

57th Weapons Squadron
C-17A Globemaster III 04-4134 taking off from McGuire AFB
Active	1942-Present
Country	United States
Branch	United States Air Force
Type	Squadron
Role	Advanced Strategic Airlift Training
Part of	USAF Weapons School
Garrison/HQ	Nellis AFB, Nevada GSU at McGuire AFB, New Jersey
Engagements	World War II (Asia-Pacific Theater) Vietnam War
Decorations	Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (13x) Philippine Presidential Unit Citation (World War II) Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm
Insignia
57th Weapons Squadron emblem

The 57 Weapons Squadron is a United States Air Force unit. It is assigned to the USAF Weapons School, stationed at McGuire AFB, New Jersey.

The 57th WPS is a Geographically Separated Unit (GSU) of the 57th Wing, assigned to Nellis AFB, Nevada. The mission of the squadron is to provide C-17 Globemaster III instructional flying.

Activated in late 1942 under I Troop Carrier Command as a C-47 Skytrain troop carrier squadron. Deployed to the Southwest Pacific Area (SWPA), being assigned to Seventh Air Force in New Guinea. The ground echelon left Baer Field on June 17 and arrived at Port Moresby on July 31.

The 57th TCS moved on August 2 to Dobodura, New Guinea and two days later flew the first mission to Salamaua. Soon after arriving in New Guinea the squadron received the name "Biscuit Bomber" (The name Biscuit Bomber comes from the dropping of food and ammunication to forward locations during WWII). Transported troops, supplies, and equipment to forward bases on New Guinea, New Britain, the Solomon Islands, and the Admiralty Islands. On September 2, nine of the 57th's planes dropped 90,000 pounds of ammunition, food and equipment to allied troops in the area. Until December 23, 1943, the unit made flights to several locations in New Guinea, as well as Port Moresby and Australia. After October 16, the air echelon operated from Port Moresby, with the rest of the squadron moving there on December 20, 1943.

Flew armed B-17F Flying Fortress's from February to May 1944 for the more hazardous missions that involved landing on fields that were under enemy attack. Took part in the first airborne operation in the Southwest Pacific, seizing enemy bases and cutting supply lines at Nadzab, New Guinea, on 5 September 1943. They made the first trip to Morotai Island on October 5, carrying supplies forward and returning with litter patients