This site is dedicated to those men, who gallantly and courageously served their country during World War II and the Vietnam era as members of the 17th Troop Carrier Squadron and later as the 17th Tactical Airlift Squadron. Special recognition is given to the extraordinary accomplishments of the personnel who have crewed or supported the C-130 “ski model” of the 61st, 17th, Navy VXE-6, and 139th squadrons. The Firebird tradition continues with the men and women of the 517th Airlift Squadron in Alaska. Never have so few done so much at such risk to themselves and their aircraft.