The 116th Wing was created in 1941 as the buildup of forces continued in response to the increasing war in Europe. 

 

After World War II the unit returned to Georgia to become the 128th Fighter Squadron assigned to the new (to the GaANG) 116th Fighter Group at Marietta Airport, Georgia flying P-47s, T-6s and B-26s. In 1950, the unit transitioned to jets with F-84s. During this time Marietta Field was renamed Dobbins Air Reserve Base. During the Korean War, the unit mobilized and went to Misawa, Japan where it conducted many long-range fighter attack missions into Korea. After the war, the unit returned to Dobbins ARB and transitioned back into piston aircraft for a short time with the P-51, T-6, C-45, C-47 and B-26. This period was short-lived as the unit transitioned back into the F-84 in 1953 and kept them until 1958 when the unit was equipped with newer F-86s.

In 1961, the unit began a new era when it converted to the C-97 and became the 116th Air Transport Wing. In 1966 the unit converted to the larger C-124 and saw action during the Vietnam War flying cargo into the theater.

The next era began in 1972 when the unit started flying T-33s in preparation to return to fighters. Fighters flown by the unit during this time frame include the F-100 (1972-1979), F-105 (1979-1983), F-4 (1983-1986) and F-15 (1986-1995). The unit also operated a C-26 Metro Liner from 1992 to 1996 which was used to support the travel requirements of National Guard units within Georgia and neighboring states.