The 201st Airlift Squadron flies Boeing C-40 Clipper. It is a unit of the District of Columbia Air National Guard. Its parent unit is the 113th Wing.
The 201st Airlift Squadron provides short notice worldwide transportation for the Executive Branch, Congressional Members, Department of Defense officials and high-ranking U.S. and foreign dignitaries using the C-40C aircraft.
The background of the 201st Airlift Squadron mission began in 1946 with the activation of H Flight, HQ, District of Columbia National Guard. Operating out of Hangar 15 on the East side of Andrews Air Force Base, H Flight's assortment of Douglas B-26 Invader, Douglas C-47 Skytrain, Douglas C-53 Skytrooper and North American P-51 Mustang aircraft provided passenger airlift capabilities to the National Guard.
In 1954 H Flight was replaced by Detachment 1, Headquarters, District of Columbia Air National Guard. Over the next 38 years Detachment 1 employed more than 20 different types of aircraft to provide worldwide airlift support for both military and civilian passengers. Detachment 1 provided airlift support for large military teams as well as small command groups. The detachment also provided transportation for distinguished passengers such as the vice president, congressional and cabinet members, service secretaries and local civic leaders. In 1984, Detachment 1 relocated to its current location on the West side of Andrews Air Force Base.
On 20 June 1992, Detachment 1 was discontinued and replaced by the 201st Airlift Squadron. Today the 201st continues to carry on the work that was started with H Flight in 1946. The continuing efforts to upgrade and expand the squadron's worldwide capabilities led to the acquisition of Gulfstream C-38A Couriers in 1998 and Boeing C-40 Clippers (Boeing 737) in 2002. The 201st retired its C-38A fleet in 2015, transferring the aircraft to the United States Navy.
The events of 11 September 2001 marked a turning point in the history of the squadron. The Global War on Terrorism brought a new emphasis on worldwide VIP travel. Since that date, the 201st Airlift Squadron's operational tempo has increased dramatically, with the majority of missions overseas. With its current complement of C-40Cs, the squadron provides worldwide air transportation for the executive branch, congressional members, Department of Defense and high-ranking U.S. and foreign dignitaries.