The 165th Airlift Wing began its proud history on 12 October 1946 at Travis Field (Chatham Field at the time) in Savannah, Georgia. First known as the 158th Fighter Squadron, it was equipped with the P-47 "Thunderbolt" aircraft, a powerful aircraft that saw unlimited action in WWII. Within two years the 158th was one of the first units in the Air National Guard to receive the new jet fighters, the F-80C "Star". Regarded as one of the top units in the Air Guard, the 158th Fighter Squadron received the Spaatz Trophy for being the most outstanding Guard Fighter Squadron in the country in 1949.

In March 1949, the 158th moved to Hunter Field where it was based until called to active duty during the Korean Conflict on 10 October 1950. In November 1950, personnel reported to George Air Base, California, where they transitioned to F-84 "Thunderjets ". In 1951 the unit deployed to Misawa Air Base, Japan, where its mission was to provide air defense for the northern portion of Japan. While assigned in Japan, the squadron flew regularly to Korea to provide air support to allied forces. The 158th Fighter Squadron returned from Japan in 1952 and was released from active duty. The unit returned to Travis Field with P-51 fighters and it later received F-84D, F-84F, and F-86L jet aircraft.

Reorganization came in 1962 when the unit transitioned from a fighter mission to an airlift mission The 158th Fighter Squadron became 158th Air Transport Squadron assigned to the 165th Air Group. They performed worldwide airlift missions with new aircraft, the C-97 "Stratocruiser". In 1967 the huge C-124 "Globemaster" replaced the C-97.

On 8 August 1975, the first of the C-130E aircraft, aptly named "Hercules", came to the City of Savannah at the international airport to replace the older C-124's. While the C-124's were being retired from the Air Force inventory, the C-130's were arriving at the 165th Tactical Airlift Group. Currently, the unit now flies C-13OH "Hercules" aircraft received directly from the Lockheed Factory during September and October 1981. On 15 April 1992, the unit was redesignated the 165th Airlift Group.

On 1 October 1995, the unit received its current designation, the 165th Airlift Wing. Currently the 158th A/S operates the C-130J Super Hercules after recently concluding 42 years of distinguished service operating the C-130H Hercules. The unit was officially mobilized first for the Korean War and then again for Operation Iraqi Freedom. The 165th provides air transport for airborne forces, their equipment and supplies with delivery by airdrop or airland, and to provide strategic airlift of personnel, equipment and supplies.

The C-130 Hercules may be just one aircraft, but it has many critical roles. When troops and equipment need to get into hostile territory or supplies need to be delivered to natural disaster sites, this aircraft gets it done. It can airdrop loads up to 42,000 pounds or use its high-flotation landing gear to deliver cargo on rough, dirt strips. From utility helicopters to armored vehicles to military personnel, this aircraft can perform a wide range of operational airlift missions in both peace and wartime situations.