End of an era: 3rd AS flies final C-5 flight

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman James Bolinger
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  The 3rd Airlift Squadron flew its final C-5 Galaxy flight March 14.
In recognition of this historic flight, two 436th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Department fire trucks provided an arch of water for the massive airlifter to taxi through.

The 3rd is not standing down; it is transitioning into a new era with the C-17 Globemaster III.

"The C-17 will bring a second major weapon system to Dover Air Force Base and add a complimentary capability to our already awesome mobility fleet," said Lt. Col. Kevin Webb, 3rd AS commander. "The 3rd is proud to have the opportunity to fly this weapon system."

The 3rd began its history in World War II while flying ferrying missions out of Pope Air Force Base, N.C. The squadron stood down in 1943, but was reactivated to support the Korean War.

The 3rd moved to Dover AFB in 1970, three years after receiving the first C-5 Galaxy delivered to a Military Airlift Command flying organization.

Staff Sgt. Marc Hobson, 3rd AS assistant NCO in-charge of aviation resource management, has been a member of the 3rd for five years and will transition to the C-17 along with several other members of his squadron, which will receive an influx of C-17 pilots and loadmasters to match its new weapon system.

"It was a somber feeling," said Sergeant Hobson, after watching the final flight touch down. "As the C-5 was on its final approach, you knew this was an end of an era for the 3rd as a C-5 Squadron. You start thinking about all of the people you've worked with and eventually who became like family. We've been building up to this. Then on that final flight, it's all over."

Despite the loss of an old friend Sergeant Hobson and the rest of the 3rd look forward to their new airframe.

"It's something new and anticipated," said Sergeant Hobson. "This means new servicemembers, a fresh start on things. It's going to be a while before we have a lot of aircraft here and the squadron is fully manned. It's going be a learning experience for everyone involved."

The 3rd is not the only Dover Team squadron which will transition to the C-17. The 512th Airlift Wing's 326th Airlift Squadron flew its final C-5 mission March 10.

The 3rd's sister squadron, the 9th Airlift Squadron, will continue to fly the C-5 Galaxy alongside their Reserve partner, the 709th Airlift Squadron.