The 386th Air Expeditionary Wing is an airlift/intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance hub supporting coalition operations throughout the Arabian Gulf and combat operations in Afghanistan. The Wing also provides combat service support to land and sea component forces throughout the Persian Gulf Region. The wing operates the MQ-1B Predator, the C-130H Hercules, the C-17 Globemaster and supports US Army aviation detachments for both fixed wing and rotary assets.
 

The C-130 Hercules primarily performs the tactical portion of the U.S. Air Force airlift mission. The aircraft is capable of operating from rough, dirt strips and is the prime transport for air dropping troops and equipment into hostile areas.

The C-17 Globemaster III is the newest, most flexible cargo aircraft to enter the airlift force. The C-17 is capable of rapid strategic delivery of troops and all types of cargo to main operating bases or directly to forward bases in the deployment area. The aircraft can perform tactical airlift and airdrop missions and can also transport litters and ambulatory patients during aeromedical evacuations when required.