An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Crew monkeys around during first mission

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Donald Osborn
  • 60th AMW Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  For a pilot, flying a brand new aircraft is something to brag about to friends. Flying a brand new aircraft on its first mission in support of a war is something to brag about to grandchildren. 

For Lieutenant Howard, a stuffed toy monkey, and the integrated crew from the 21st Airlift Squadron and the 301st Airlift Squadron, the honor was all theirs. 

"It was a rare opportunity to fly the newest jet in the Air Force and show Travis's ability to get into the fight the very next day after delivery," said Capt. Paul Goff, 21st Airlift Squadron pilot and aircraft commander. "I was honored to be given the chance to command such a mission." 

He said it is very exciting to be a part of the team that is transitioning the C-17 to Travis.
"I look forward to continuing to fly the C-17 and showcase Travis as the only Air Force base with three major weapons systems," said Captain Goff. "With the addition of the C-17, Travis has the ability to handle all functions of the airlift spectrum from direct delivery to strategic airlift of cargo and air refueling. This is an exciting time to be at Travis." 

The addition of the C-17 mission to Travis calls for the 301st Airlift Squadron to work side by side with their active duty comrades. Having them become a part of this historical mission represents the teamwork that is required to accomplish the mission here. 

"This was a huge milestone for the whole Travis Team," said Maj. Dennis Wolf, 301st Airlift Squadron pilot and chief of standardizations. "Reserves make up approximately 40 percent of the C-17 crew force Air Force-wide and the same is true here. We enjoy working hand-in-hand with the active duty." 

The cockpit wasn't the only place on the aircraft where you could find a representative for the 301st Airlift Squadron. 

"It was a big honor for me to be a part of this flight," said Master Sgt. John Willoughby, 301st Airlift Squadron chief loadmaster.
"We have been training for this mission for the past 19 to 20 months, and its success reflects how far Team Travis has come." 

This inaugural mission for the C-17 also kept with tradition by adding a special guest on the flight as well. Lieutenant Howard is a retired stuffed toy monkey who resides at the Travis museum. He has been flying on the various distinct missions of Travis aircraft for many years. No one is quite sure how many years he's been flying, but he has been around the world to places like Moscow, Beijing and Antarctica. 

Although he has been around the world and flying for years he has never been promoted higher than the rank of lieutenant. 

"Well, he's never mastered the art of flying," said Thomas Kelley, 60th Operations Support Squadron. "He has had the opportunity on every unique mission leaving Travis but every time he has been in the cockpit, they find him just sitting there daydreaming." 

Travis' second C-17 is scheduled to arrive next week.