C-17 Globemaster III takes honorary commanders and spouses on an orientation flight

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Abigail Wise
  • 436th AW Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  It's common to see a C-17 Globemaster III being refueled by a KC-10 Extender, but with Col. Manson Morris, 436th Airlift Wing commander, in the co-pilot seat and honorary commanders and spouses in the back, the refueling mission performed July 28 was anything but common.

The 436th AW took 35 honorary commanders and spouses along during a mid-air refueling mission. They were able to experience C-17 capabilities firsthand and ask questions of the crew. 

Audrey Brodie, owner and realtor of First Class Properties and Honorary Commander of the 436 Medical Group, was watching intently. She had the opportunity to sit in the cockpit during the take off.

"What a privilege to ride up front with the same pilots that fly to our overseas war efforts," said Mrs. Brodie. "The view was fabulous and an amazingly smooth take-off for such a large aircraft!"

Once the C-17 approached the KC-10 Extender, each of the pilots took turns refueling while the passengers took turns sitting in the cockpit to observe the precision and concentration each pilot demonstrated while performing this difficult task.

Even though he was busy making sure everything between the cockpit and the cargo area went smoothly Staff Sgt. Nate Coulter, 3rd Air Squadron loadmaster, made time to talk with passengers and assist those that got air sick.

"It's great to bring people from the local area on the base to let them see what it is we do and give a face to the military," said Sergeant Coulter. "This is a typical training mission, and it's important to get the community involved when we can."

Upon landing, a tactical demonstration was put on for the group. The back door was lowered, the C-17 did a 180 degree turn, accelerated and a cargo box slid out of the back door onto the ramp.

"I was amazed to see how the cargo is transported and dropped out of the plane. My husband is deployed right now," said Jay Stewart, wife of Senior Airman Douglas Stewart, 436th Civil Engineering Squadron. "The material brought overseas is essential for the missions to be completed."

Mrs. Stewart said she was inspired and in awe of both the pilots' ability to fly this plane and the servicemembers who are deployed.

"We were not in the plane for very long and I got sick, so I can't imagine flying from here all the way overseas! This gave me a new sense of appreciation for what these servicemen do."