The Super Galaxy fleet: squadron commanders’ perspectives

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Samuel Taylor
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  The U.S. Air Force is known as the most technologically superior form of air power worldwide, able to project its influence on a global scale by staying on the forefront of aeronautical advancements. On the cutting edge of heavy cargo airlift is Dover Air Force Base, Del., who will boast the Air Force's first all C-5M Super Galaxy fleet following the conclusion of the last C-5B mission flown by the 709th Airlift Squadron this month.

Dover AFB has already made their mark with the C-5M, sending heavy airlifters across the Arctic Circle and delivering record amounts of cargo overseas.

But what does the future hold for Dover AFB with airlift capabilities unlike any seen before in the Air Force? What of the paradigm shift presented by the wealth of untapped possibilities now within reach? Providing a view into the tactical-level perspective of the changeover are Lt. Col. Terri Cave, commander of the reserve 709th Airlift Squadron, and Lt. Col. Craig Harmon, commander of the 9th Airlift Squadron.

What are the primary advantages of the C-5M over its predecessors, and how do these improvements affect typical missions?

Cave: "Essentially, the C-5M can go farther, faster, more efficiently and more reliably. It can fly directly to [locations in Southwest Asia], which can reduce what would otherwise be a three-day operation into a one-day flight. This is possible because the M-model engines provide us with much greater range and fuel efficiency than prior models, which allows crews to deliver their cargo before stopping for fuel, maintenance and crew rest. Simply eliminating the need to land and take off saves time money and gear."

Harmon: "The C-5M can take off in a shorter distance and then climb faster and travel farther more efficiently than previous models. The increased fuel efficiency also takes the burden off mid-air refueling aircraft; its engines allow it to complete a mission with one refueling versus what might otherwise require two or three refuels with a C-5B or C-5A. An example of this was a mission flown directly from [Joint Base Andrews, Md.,] to [the Republic of Korea] that delivered more than 120,000 pounds of cargo while requiring only one mid-flight refuel."

How do these enhanced capabilities affect the mission mindset, from planning to execution?

Harmon: "Mostly, it's a cultural change within our squadron. In years past, there was a notion that a C-5 may or may not be ready to fly [due to issues of reliability]. Our mission is to go - and now there is the full expectation that the plane will go every time as opposed to the old mentality of 'let's wait and see.' With this new mindset, we've been able to do more of the missions that have made the C-5M famous, like direct channel delivery missions and polar over-flights (flights over the Arctic into Southwest Asia), which help improve diplomatic relations with Russia.

This benefits warfighters overseas as well: the reliability of the C-5M gives them the ability to consistently bank on receiving the cargo they need, now quicker than they ever imagined. For example, we can deliver a helicopter into the area of responsibility that will see combat the next day, and then depart with another helicopter from the AOR in need of maintenance. This sort of scheduling is possible because the plane has proven its reliability."

What does the future hold for C-5 operations at Dover AFB?

Cave: "Currently, Air Mobility Command and Tanker Airlift Command Center are changing their mission templates and looking for ways to fully utilize the capabilities that we now have. As we continue to prove ourselves, they will become more comfortable and confident with the new routine. They know that Dover AFB is the place to go to get something done. Moving forward, active-duty and reserve crews will work closely with each other to show the rest of the Air Force how it's done. I am excited to use this new weapons system - this ain't your father's C-5."

Harmon: "We are expecting a broader mission set in the future. The eyes of AMC and TACC are on us, so their willingness to use us for higher priority missions will continue to grow. As downsizing takes effect, the C-5M will become invaluable as a force multiplier: we can accomplish the same mission with one C-5M that would take several B or A-models. Most importantly, as time goes on the taskings handed to us will be geared towards maximizing our potential. It is difficult to do so now because there are so few C-5Ms in the Air Force, but in the future we will see more missions planned specifically with the C-5M in mind."

The message is clear: Dover AFB's airlift squadrons are prepared for a new era of mobility operations. Through the combined efforts of the 9th AS and 709th AS, C-5Ms from Dover AFB will play an ever-increasing role in contingency operations overseas.