Norton Air Force Base Reunion 2025

When: Sept19, 20, & 21, 2025

Where: American Legion 421

The 63rd Transport Group was first established on December 1, 1940, at Wright Field in Ohio. After two years, the Group relocated to Altus Air Force Base in Oklahoma, where it focused on training replacement crews for troop carrier units until its deactivation in 1944. The Group was reactivated in 1952 as the 63rd Troop Carrier Wing at Donaldson Air Force Base in South Carolina, operating seven squadrons equipped with C-124 aircraft. Its missions included supporting the Distant Early Warning Line (DEW-Line) and participating in "Operation Deep Freeze." In 1963, the Wing transitioned to Hunter Air Force Base in Georgia.

On April 1, 1967, the 63rd Military Airlift Wing (MAW) was established at Norton Air Force Base in California, accompanied by the 14th and 15th Military Airlift Squadrons (MAS), both of which had notable histories from their World War II service in Europe. In January 1972, the 53rd MAS was reactivated and joined the 63rd MAW. During the Vietnam War, these squadrons consistently supported operations using C-141A aircraft. The 63rd MAW was instrumental in several key events, including transporting Bob Hope's Christmas tours, ferrying the Apollo 11 astronauts after their landmark moon landing, and being the first U.S. aircraft to land in Hanoi to retrieve American POWs.

With extensive operational experience across the USSR, China, polar regions, and all continents, the 63rd MAW was always ready for rapid deployment, participating in missions such as Urgent Fury, Just Cause, and Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom. The C141B was upgraded with a glass cockpit, with the designation of C141C. The last active-duty C-141C was transferred to the reserves in 2004, continuing its service in Enduring Freedom and flying the first prisoners from Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan. The C-141C completed its final mission on May 6, 2006, from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio.

The C-141A/B/C Star lifter, manufactured by Lockheed-Georgia Company, has established itself as a dependable heavy logistics transport aircraft. This long-range, high-speed, and high-altitude plane features a swept-wing design and is powered by four Pratt & Whitney turbofan engines, each generating 21,000 pounds of thrust. A standout feature of the C-141B is its in-flight refueling capability, enabling it to transport combat support equipment, troops, air-evac patients, and fully assembled missiles. With a maximum payload capacity of 90,200 pounds and a gross weight of 343,000 pounds, it can achieve speeds of up to 566 mph, highlighting its significant role in military logistics.

Norton Reunion 2025

Join us for the Norton Air Force Base reunion at American Legion Post 421, September 19,20, 21 2025.

Reconnect with Friends

Meet fellow veterans and share stories at the Norton Air Force Base reunion event this September, 19/20/21 2025.

Celebrate Our History

Honor the legacy of Norton Air Force Base with activities and memories from our shared past.

Enjoy Fun Activities

Engage in exciting events and activities planned for all attendees during the reunion weekend.

This invitation is extended to all members, including, civilian personnel and surviving spouses who were stationed at Norton AFB

Norton AFB Reunion 2025 Organizing Volunteers

Bill Vest / 15 /52 MAS

Jacki Caron Mortenson / 14 MAS / 729 MAS

Kevin Perdue/ 15 MAS

Paul Pfeifer / 14 MAS/63MAW

Ben Despasopil / 14 MAS

Shailes McWan /15/52/728 MAS

If you would like to assist in organizing our reunion, we invite you to

attend our meeting on the third Thursday of each month.