C-17s A First For Hickam AFB
When "The Spirit of Hawaii Ke Aloha" landed on the flightline at
Hickam AFB recently, it delivered a new era of air operations for
the Pacific Air Forces and the U.S. Pacific Command.
Hickam is the first base outside the continental US to
permanently host the strategic airlifters. By the end of the year
the base will be home to eight C-17 Globemaster IIIs.
Gen. Paul V. Hester, Pacific Air Forces commander, said the C-17
is a key tool for providing humanitarian relief.
"The C-17, as amazing as it is, is nothing more than an
opportunity for America to continue to show who America is," he
said. "We’ve had the opportunity... in times of need to show
those in this region in particular that America can reach out the
velvet hand of humanitarianism and that we can in fact embrace
those who need help."
The aircrew, maintenance, support and leadership teams are a mix
of active duty and Air National Guard Airmen.
"We're really excited about this partnership with the 15th
Airlift Wing," said Brig. Gen. Peter Pawling, 154th Wing commander.
"It will combine the best strengths that the Air National Guard and
the active duty have to offer -- the long-term stability and
expertise of the Guard work force and the fresh ideas and
enthusiasm that active-duty Airmen will bring."
"We're one team first, then we're the Hawaii Air Guard and
active duty. I honestly could not think of a better place to forge
this partnership than here in Hawaii where we have such long
established ties between the Hawaii Air National Guard, our active
duty hosts and PACAF," he said.
US Pacific Command has a large area of responsibility --
approximately 105 million square miles. The flexibility and power
of the C-17 will make that area more manageable. As more C-17s
arrive at Hickam at the rate of about one a month, the capability
of the Pacific Air Forces will expand, allowing for quicker
response in the theater, he said.
"When the back end of the airplane opens up and food, water,
supplies, medicine and doctors come off and others come in with
civil engineers and Seabees who jump off to make life better for
those who are in trouble on the ground, it is in fact that
marvelous C-17 with the American flag up on the tail that provides
that," General Hester said.
(Aero-News salutes by Tech. Sgt. Chris Vadnais, Air Force
Print News)