The Wing provides the Department of Defense the largest C-130 Hercules transport fleet in the world, supplying humanitarian airlift relief to victims of disasters, to airdropping supplies and troops into the heart of contingency operations in hostile areas. Its origins date to 1927 when the 19th Bombardment Group, was established, one of the 15 original combat air groups formed by the United States Army before World War II. The 19th Airlift Wing is commanded by Colonel Patrick J. Rhatigan. Its Command Chief Master Sergeant is Chief Master Sergeant Margarita Overton.