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Dover C-5s revamp 'tail flash'

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Nicole Langley
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Just as the behemoth C-5s are a familiar sight over the skies of Dover, so are the bright yellow tail flashes identifying them as part of Dover's fleet. 

While the sight of C-5s in Delaware's airspace will not change, all aircraft in Dover Air Force Base's inventory will be receiving a new tail flash - a design that will accurately represent the planes' origin and the airlift wings that fly them. 

"The stripe was designed using wing and state logos and colors," said Mr. Dennis Walston, Wing Corrosion Control manager and Corrosion Control and Vinyl Graphics foreman, 436th Maintenance Group, and creator of the new design. "The eagle's head represents the Eagle Wing, the liberty bell represents the 512th Liberty Wing, the colonial blue represents the background color of the Delaware state flag and the diamond represents the first state." 

The new flash was designed and crafted by maintenance personnel and represents the various facets of Dover AFB and its proud heritage, explained Maj. Robert Gomez, 436th Maintenance Squadron commander. 

The idea to design a new tail flash first surfaced in late fall 2005 when a young Airman from the 436th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron mentioned he thought the current tail flash needed to be updated, said Mr. Walston. The design has been in the works since that time, with a contest held in November for base members to submit design ideas. 

In order for a new tail flash to be painted onto the aircraft, it had to go through a lengthy approval process; beginning at the flight level, on to the group, wing and finally up to command level. 

Since the C-5 is an AMC asset, they are the final approving authority, explained Mr. Walston. 

The current tail flash has been in use since the late nineties, but will be replaced with the new design over the course of the next year. All Dover aircraft will be repainted as they go through Isochronal and Home Station Check inspections, said Chief Master Sgt. Jon Lynn, Maintenance superintendent, 436th Maintenance Squadron. 

The process of removing the old stripe and repainting the new one is somewhat time-consuming and takes approximately five days to complete the nearly 25-foot design on each plane. 

Personnel from Aircraft Structural Maintenance are responsible for the application of all tail stripes, and a team of two to four technicians are required during the application process. 

"The process starts with the removal of existing stripe, and then four separate colors are applied, utilizing seven different stencils per side," explained Mr. Walston. 

As the technicians apply the new design - three stories above the ground - they must work with great care and accuracy. According to Mr. Walston, the most challenging part of the process is to ensure the alignment marks are lined up correctly to ensure proper lay up of the stencils. 

Although somewhat of a lengthy process, the new stripe best represents the Eagle Wing, Liberty Wing and Team Dover, said Mr. Walston. 

"It's a refreshing change to the look of our aircraft on the flightline," Chief Lynn agreed. "It encapsulates the spirit of both of the partner wings and the state of Delaware." 

"More importantly this tail flash will represent the 436th and 512th Airlift Wings worldwide as Team Dover continues its mission to support the Global War on Terror and our nation's humanitarian efforts abroad," said Major Gomez.