9th AS provides special support: aircraft display for air shows

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Shen-Chia Chu
  • 436th AW Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Dover's C-5 Galaxys primarily deliver cargo in support of American interests around the globe, and only rarely can they be found on flight lines around the country for Americans to tour at air shows.

One C-5 Galaxy made its appearance at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C. for the 2009 Wings over Wayne Air Show April 25-26, and another C-5 made its way to Langley Air Force Base, Va., for the Air Power over Hampton Roads open house event April 24-26. 

"Being able to showcase our C-5 is rare because our flying missions come first," said Maj. Theresa Pisano, 9th Airlift Squadron C-5 instructor pilot. "But it's always nice to reach out to the community; it lets people know what their tax dollars are supporting." 

According to Major Pisano, it is mutually beneficial for Dover AFB to share the C-5 with other bases. 

"We're helping out by providing aircraft display support, and in return we receive a favor by seeing how other bases organize their air shows to get pointers for our upcoming Open House," she said. 

The job isn't all air shows, as the C-5 is one of the workhouses of the airlift fleet, routinely delivering cargo to American forces around the globe. 

"As one of the largest aircraft in the world, the C-5 is crucial in providing Air Mobility Command airlift support for Dover's every day operations," said Maj. David Grein, 9th AS director of operations officer. 

He explained that the flying squadron is trained and ready to be a worldwide taskable asset to support any theater and combatant commander at any time. 

"We carry fully equipped combat-ready military units to any point in the world on short notice, providing field support required in helping to sustain the fighting force for the military, presidential support missions and Depart of Defense agencies," said Major Grein. "We've even hauled components for a satellite launch for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration." 

The C-5 can carry more than any other airlifter - up to 36 standard pallets and 81 military members simultaneously. 

"We're always flying cargo missions," said Capt. Charles Throckmorton, 9th AS C-5 instructor pilot. "Though our main mission is to move cargo for Air Mobility Command, it's nice to be able to showcase the C-5 to the public because it's a critical asset to the country." 

While the C-5 is used to support important military missions around the world, displaying their Team Dover spirit also makes them proud. 

"If we are not flying and hauling cargo, we are maintaining our training and keeping focused," said Major Grein. "We welcome visitors who want to see what our job is all about - we love to show our family atmosphere and how we work together as a squadron."