Airmen in the Air Force Reserve Command's 932nd Airlift Wing received the first new C-40C transport (right) during a special ceremony Feb. 26 at Scott Air Force Base, Ill. The plane on the left is a C-9C, also flown by 932nd aircrews. Both planes are used for the distinguished visitor mission. The wing currently has three C-9C planes and will receive two more C-40Cs later in 2007. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Mr. Marv Lynchard) by Tech. Sgt. Chris Stagner
375th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
2/27/2007 - SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. (AFNEWS) -- The Air Force Reserve Command's 932nd Airlift Wing here welcomed a new aircraft into its inventory Feb. 26 with the arrival of its first of three C-40Cs.
The wing, the only Air Force Reserve unit in the state of Illinois with a flying mission, will use the aircraft to augment its mission of transporting distinguished visitors. Before Feb. 26, the 932nd AW performed the transcontinental DV transport mission with C-9C aircraft.
"The mission of the C-40 is important to the Air Force and the nation," said Lt. Gen. John Bradley, Air Force Reserve Command commander. "Its ability to fly missions of 10 or more hours brings a new capability to flying long-distance missions."
The long-distance flights aren't the only bonus of the aircraft, according to the general.
"This aircraft has a phenomenal capability and is a dream to fly," he said. "It [will be] a great treat for the pilots who fly it and the (maintenance Airmen) who will keep it in top shape."
The new aircraft is a milestone for the 932nd AW, but its arrival at Scott AFB was an important day for everyone, according to Col. Al Hunt, 375th AW commander, the base's active-duty host unit.
The colonel said it took leadership and Airmen at all levels to make this day a reality for the 932nd AW and the joint total force.
"A lot of folks talk the talk, but [Joint Total Force] Scott makes it happen everyday," said Colonel Hunt. "This is just another example of how that (joint total force) partnership will continue."
Col. Maryanne Miller, 932nd AW commander, concurred with Colonel Hunt's assessment.
"This was a total effort by the 932nd and the 375th crews from the beginning," she said. "Being fully integrated in the DV mission has been and will continue to be the most effective way to provide full support to the customer."
From 1969 to 2003, Airmen in the 932nd and 375th worked side-by-side performing aeromedical evacuation missions aboard the now retired C-9A Nightingale. When the 932nd changed its mission to DV airlift in 2003 with three new C-9C aircraft, the close relationship between the two wings was put on hold.
With the C-40C, Air Force Reserve and active-duty crews once again will work together performing the same mission and revitalizing what has always been a close relationship, said Colonel Miller.
The 375th AW will have an active associate unit working with the 932nd. This means some of the flight attendants, pilots and crew members on the 932nd AW's aircraft will be active-duty Airmen from the 375th Operations Group.
Together, Airmen from the two wings will support the mission of transporting such dignitaries as the first lady, the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, senators, congressmen and other high-ranking government and military officials.
Though there are 16 total C-40 aircraft in the government inventory, the aircraft delivered to Scott has a few upgrades to accommodate the DV mission compared to other C-40s , according a Boeing official.
Unlike the other C-40s, the aircraft delivered here has the upgraded avionics rewired to handle classified communications, and auxiliary fuel tanks which allow nonstop flight to Hickam AFB, Hawaii, or Ramstein Air Base, Germany.
According to Colonel Miller, Feb. 26 marked the beginning of a great new era not only for Scott AFB but for the U.S. Air Force as well.