Air National Guard crew flies its 1st C-5 to Djibouti

Published April 12, 2007
By Tech. Sgt. Carrie Bernard
CJTF-HOA Public Affairs

CAMP LEMONIER, Djibouti (AFNEWS) -- The C-5 Galaxy's red-striped tail cut across the African sky April 10, flying a first for one Air National Guard unit.

The West Virginia Air National Guard's 167th Airlift Wing, recently gaining the Galaxy, flew the massive airframe to Djibouti to deliver two CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters and more than 60 Marines supporting Combined Joint Task Force--Horn of Africa.

"This was quite the load for a first mission," said Col. Roger Nye, the 167th Operations Group commander. "It was a huge learning experience for everyone involved."

Until last year, the Guard unit flew the C-130 Hercules, supporting a variety of operations to include Desert Shield, Provide Promise, Joint Guard and Iraqi Freedom.

With the recent switch in airframe, the flying unit's pilots, loadmasters and maintainers have been busy learning the ins-and-outs of the C-5, one of the largest aircraft in the world.

"This mission allowed us to get the crews out and exercise what they had learned," said Colonel Nye, a pilot with nearly 30 years of experience. "We're taking copious notes."

The West Virginia crew's African experience lasted just long enough to unload the helicopters and passengers. Then, the crewmembers prepared for the long journey home; one that would take them through Kuwait, Spain and Delaware. For the colonel, that trek promised to be a bit more enjoyable in the new airframe.

"The C-5 is a lot more comfortable than the C-130," Colonel Nye said "There's a lot less vibration."

As the red tail flash made its way down the runway again, it signified a job well done. The helicopters it left behind will be used by CJTF-HOA for humanitarian assistance, movement of personnel and equipment and noncombatant casualty evacuations.

"The C-5 is paramount for the expeditious movement of our aircraft globally in support of the war on terrorism," said Maj. Thomas Pecina, Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron-464.

Once it reaches the Eastern panhandle of West Virginia, Colonel Nye said the crew of 14 will use what it learned to continue building the 167th AW's Galaxy program. This is a key part of the mission because the future holds more of the same for the wing, he said.

"This is our gravy -- supporting the TACC [Tanker Airlift Control Center] with Air National Guard airlift missions," Colonel Nye said.

He went on to say that they are ready for the challenge and, with the outstanding community support they receive, will be ranked with the best of the best C-5 airlift wings in no time.

"Anything we need, our community is very happy to give," he said. "They are great people and we work hard on maintaining that relationship."

That community pride was evident even on Camp Lemonier, as one of Martinsburg's own met the jet, congratulated the crewmembers on their first mission and wished them well as they departed.

"They are an incredible group of professionals and I wish them a safe journey back home," said former 167th AW member and now State Air Guard director of operations Col. Michael McMillie. He volunteered for duty as the Air Component Coordination Element--Horn of Africa director and 449th Air Expeditionary Group commander.

"I am very proud of this accomplishment and know the West Virginia Air National Guard will continue to make a difference in the war against terrorism," Colonel McMillie said.