This week in history

  • Published
  • By John Murphy
  • 436th AW Historian
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  March 15, 1981 -- An aircrew consisting of members of the 3d and 9th Military Airlift Squadrons delivered five F-5F Tiger aircraft to Butterworth, Malaysia.

The record breaking non-stop flight began at McClellan Air Force Base, California, and lasted more than 20 hours, requiring four separate in-flight refueling operations. Upon arrival in Malaysia, Brig. Gen. Tunus Bin Tasi, commander of Air Headquarters, Royal Malaysian Air Force greeted the crew. Despite the long trip, the crew provided an impromptu tour of the aircraft for General Tasi, base leadership and a variety of curious onlookers. 

March 16, 1972 -- Dover officials held a ribbon cutting ceremony and dedication for the new base passenger terminal located at building 500. General Jack C. Catton, Military Airlift Command commander, presided over the ceremony.

During a massive self-help project, passenger service and Civil Engineering personnel painted and decorated the new terminal. They also assembled all the waiting area seating. In addition to passenger services, other occupants of the new space included U.S. Customs, Immigration, Department of Agriculture, Traffic Management Office, Military Ticketing office and the wing protocol office.

March 20, 1968 -- The first European Theater airdrop of troops from a jet powered transport aircraft occurred when 40 United States Army paratroopers jumped from a 436th Military Airlift Wing C-141 Starlifter. The mission originated from Rhein Mein Air Base, West Germany.