Heavy Airlift Wing champions partnerships; marks 3rd anniversary

by Gabe Myers
HQ USAFE Public Affairs

7/30/2012 - PAPA AIR BASE, Hungary -- The vision three years ago was to bring twelve nations together with a common goal and commitment to bring Strategic Airlift Capability to allies across the globe.

After more than 7,500 flying hours, 500 missions, 20,000 pounds of cargo delivered and 27,000 passengers, the Heavy Airlift Wing which operates three C-17 Globemaster III aircraft based at Papa Air Base, Hungary, have successfully delivered the vision and is looking forward to growth in the coming years.

"Coming together as 12 nations we function as one team to bring a unique capability on a global stage, all 12 nations contribute resources, time and energy to achieve the mission," said Heavy Airlift Wing commander, U.S. Air Force Col. Keith Boone. "This wing has flown relief missions to Haiti for earthquake relief and combat missions to Afghanistan, we are proud of what we have accomplished in a short period of time."

The Heavy Airlift Wing is the operational unit of the Strategic Airlift Capability program. SAC is an independent, multinational partnership, designed to accomplish the strategic airlift requirements of the following nations: Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Estonia, Hungary, Lithuania, the Netherlands and the U.S., and two Partnership for Peace nations, Sweden and Finland. After three years of contribution, the HAW celebrates their anniversary.

The anniversary event held July 27, included a celebration with contributing nation ambassadors and seven Hungarian and international media representatives flying a HAW C-17 from Papa AB to Budapest to showcase firsthand the aircrafts capabilities, a mission brief, luncheon and a cake cutting ceremony.

"Welcome to Papa Air Base, we are proud to host such an important mission," said Lt. Col. Zsolt Magasy, "on this third anniversary we celebrate the contributions the HAW has made, it is a special day we hope you will enjoy."

Boone championed the cooperation and friendship between each member nation of the HAW and envisions the mission, scope and membership of the wing will grow in the coming months and years.