The 172d Airlift Wing's history also includes its initial constitution and allotment to the National Guard Bureau as the 172d Air Transport Group (Heavy), on December 16, 1963.

The unit was activated on January 11, 1964, and received federal recognition on the same day. The Mississippi Air Guard received the C-124 Globemaster in 1964, which quickly earned the nickname "Ole Shakey" due to the constant vibration of its airframe during flight.

Despite this, the C-124 was a highly capable aircraft and had the unique ability to transport a wider variety of over-sized cargo than any other plane in the Air Force at that time.

Over the years, the unit's mission evolved, and on January 1, 1966, the 172d Air Transport Group (Heavy), evolved into the 172d Military Airlift Group to reflect changing times and needs. The 183d Air Transport Squadron (Heavy), was also redesignated as the 183d Military Airlift Squadron that same day and became a subordinate unit to the 172d Military Airlift Group.