445 AW C-17 hits new milestone

445th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

10/16/2013 - WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- The 445th Airlift Wing hit a historical mark Sept. 30 when its C-17 Globemaster IIIs flew more than 5,000 hours in a single year; an accomplishment last met with a different airframe in 2005.

The wing hit its last 5,000 hour milestone eight years ago when it was still flying the C-141 Starlifter.

Fiscal year 2013 has been a monumental year for the 445th Airlift Wing. It successfully completed an operational readiness inspection and became fully operational capable. Adding to this accomplishment, the wing flew more than 175 missions to six continents. It flew 300 local proficiency sorties; to include aerial refueling, aeromedical evacuation trainers, assault landing fields, and semi-prepared runway operations). This adds up to more than 5,200 flying hours.

With a new airplane and conversion status for the first six months of the year, the wing could have easily been on pace for less than 4,000 hours. However, with each passing month, aircrews got more proficient, and maintainers got more efficient; with each group growing more comfortable and more capable in moving the C-17 aircraft, said Lt. Col. Stephen Schnell, 445th Operations Support Squadron current operations chief.

Having more aircraft commanders allowed the 89th Airlift Squadron to fly more than 50 'downrange' missions. More instructors gave the squadron more current, confident crew members. More seven- and nine-level maintainers increased the wings basic post-flight speed and precision, thereby increasing launch and quick-turn capabilities. After the newness wore off, the wing learned just how reliable and how we could make the most of the new airlifter.

The enthusiasm that has surrounded the 445th and its focus on making the C-17 shine has shown loud and clear in 2013. Back in 2005, the wing had 18 C-141s and highly experienced operations and maintenance groups. Utilizing the wing's nine C-17s, the experience and capability of the aircrew and maintainers continues to grow with each month.

Going forward, Schnell said the wing will start seeing a steady 500+ hours of flying per month (that's more than 6,000 hours annually). The numbers don't lie. These feats do not happen without the tremendous support of every member of this wing, added Schnell.