Following the Korean War, the Air Force desired that all reserve units be designed to augment the regular forces in the event of a national emergency. There were six reserve pilot training wings that had no mobilization mission. On 18 May 1955, they were discontinued and replaced by three troop carrier wings and two fighter-bomber wings. As part of this reorganization, the 8706th Pilot Training Wing at Ellington Air Force Base, Texas was discontinued and its personnel and equipment transferred to the newly activated 446th Troop Carrier Wing. The wing was initially equipped with Curtiss C-46 Commando transports and, if mobilized, would be gained by Tactical Air Command.