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9th Airlift Squadron bids fond farewell to C-5B

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Samuel Taylor
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Over the years, the C-5Bs of Dover Air Force Base, Del.'s, 9th Airlift Squadron have touched countless lives. From resupplying troops in overseas combats zones, to delivering hope to people affected by natural disasters, the aircraft has left behind a legacy of service that spans the globe. But as history has shown, all good things must come to an end.

So is true with the legacy of the 9th Airlift Squadron's C-5B. Its story came to a close when the final C-5B mission launched by the 9th AS ended March 12, 2012. Following the C-5B's "fini flight," the 9th AS became the Air Force's first all C-5M Super Galaxy squadron, setting a precedent of airlift capability for the rest of the Air Force to follow.

"[Dover AFB] has largest aerial port on the east coast; it would make sense to put the most capable, strategic airlifter right next to it, so that we can move more cargo faster," said Lt. Col. Dave Herbison, director of operations with the 9th AS. "The aircraft allows us to do more things: move more cargo; move it faster; move it further. It is a really exciting time for us right now."

The changeover comes approximately 25 years after the C-5B's introduction into the Air Force. The B-model incorporated all modifications and improvements made to its predecessor, the C-5A, including improved wings, simplified landing gear, upgraded turbofan engines and updated avionics. Even with these improvements, the C-5B developed a reputation for being a hands-on aircraft in contrast to the increasingly technology-dependant aircraft of today.

"[The B-model] is like an old-school muscle car; you have to tweak it to make it do what you want instead of watching a computer screen," said Staff Sgt. Michael Swank, a flight engineer with the 9th AS who flew on the "fini flight". "I think that's a good thing because it forces aircrew to know the plane. I will miss that aspect of the job."

Swank, and crewmembers like him, must now learn the ins-and-outs of the C-5M, including its more powerful and efficient engines, and technologically complex flight systems, to keep the 9th AS mission going strong. According to Maj. David Boytim, assistant director of operations with the 9th AS, the switch has been well prepared for.

It is a significant transition from the [B-model] to the [M-model]; not only is it a new aircraft with different flight systems, but it also presents [the 9th AS] with greater operational capabilities than ever before, said Boytim. [Our squadron] has seen this change coming and prepared accordingly - we're ready.

Though Team Dover's active-duty airlift team has set its sights on a bright future with the M-model, their B-model did not retire without its just desserts. As tail number 6020 touched down after returning from its final delivery to the Middle East, it received a spray-down courtesy of the Dover AFB fire department - a well-deserved soak after a legacy of service. Now, the responsibility to help deliver millions of pounds of cargo each year falls on the shoulders of the C-5M.

"I think [the C-5M] symbolizes strength: the strength of our military, and the strength of our Air Force. It symbolizes the steps our leadership is taking to take care of the national treasure that we've been given to work with. The airplane is more capable, more fuel efficient, and a cost saver. It is a better tool for us to move humanitarian relief, and to move assets to our war-fighters overseas faster and more effectively. With this airplane, we are able to usher in a new culture that the C5 community hasn't seen before."