Formal commissioning ceremonies were held in April 1978 with the delivery of their first C-9B Skytrain II. In 2005, VR-57 stopped operating the C-9B aircraft, moved to a new hangar, and began to fly the C-40A Clipper. The acquisition of this new airplane with superior range and performance allowed the squadron to more effectively complete its mission. VR-57 Conquistadors receive mission tasking fr
om Navy Air Logistics Office (NALO) and fly worldwide missions in support of the Fleet. A large portion of the CONUS missions support Carrier Air Wings, moving personnel and cargo to and from deployment and training locations. The service VR-57 provides is invaluable because it is cost effective and directly enables Carrier Air Wings' readiness. VR-57 is able to immediately respond to changes in Carrier Strike Group schedules, delivering personnel and cargo to critical locations, quickly and efficiently. In 2015 alone, VR-57 transported more than 20,000 passengers and 2.3 million pounds of cargo. In addition to domestic requirements, VR-57 supports Combatant Commanders and major operations in all theaters. In 1990, the squadron was mobilized as part of Operation DESERT SHIELD and DESERT STORM, and was awarded a Navy Unit Commendation and an Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for its contributions. The squadron has flown missions in support of Operations IRAQI FREEDOM, ENDURING FREEDOM, NOBLE EAGLE, NEW DAWN, and anti-piracy operations off the coast of Somalia, and Operation FREEDOM SENTINEL. The Conquistadors quickly respond to humanitarian and disaster relief efforts worldwide. VR-57 supported Hurricane Katrina relief efforts in 2005 by transporting 800 evacuees and 70,000 pounds of relief supplies. In 2007, VR-57 transported firefighting crews during the effort to suppress wildfires that devastated Southern California. In 2009, the Conquistadors flew missions in response to Typhoon Parma and earthquakes in Indonesia. After the January 2010 earthquake in Haiti, the Conquistadors responded on short notice tasking to support Operation UNIFIED RESPONSE, delivering more than 250,000 pounds of lifesaving supplies. In 2011, VR-57 rapidly responded to the uprisings in Egypt to assist the American Embassy, and aided in Operation TOMODACHI following the Tohoku earthquake and nuclear disaster in Japan. In 2012, VR-57 assisted in recovery efforts during Hurricane Isaac. VR-57 continues to provide efficient passenger transit and cargo operations supporting Navy's overall mission. VR-57 has conducted hundreds of different types of missions and evolutions, providing key logistical support to thousands of Sailors and their units. In 2016 alone, VR-57 operated three C-40A "Clipper" aircraft around the globe, executing 3,683 flight-hours on the way to surpassing 181,000 Class-A mishap-free flight-hours. VR-57 provided logistical support to the Fleet resulting in the deployment of more than 40 commands over the course of 25 Fleet operational exercises. VR-57 directly supported the following organizations and their participation in the associated operational exercises: RIMPAC, BUDDY WING, CARAT Indonesia 2016, CARAT Timor Leste 2016, NSWU JCET, Valiant Shield, CARAT Brunei, Dugong 2015, Clear Horizon, Valor Gable, Eagle Salute, IMCMEX 2016 and Maple Resolve 2016. Additionally, VR-57 has become a crucial logistical partner of SPECWAR's nearly non-stop training at San Clemente Island. By moving over 30 SPECWARGRU lifts to the special training facilities at San Clemente Island, VR-57 has directly contributed to the training of over 600 "operators". VR-57 continued to lead the way in breaking down barriers between squadrons through an unprecedented level of operations, maintenance, and training support to all Fleet Logistic C-40 squadrons.
