932nd Maintenance Group works on auxiliary power unit

James Mattingly, an aerospace propulsion craftsman from the 932nd Maintenance Group, 932nd Airlift Wing, re-installs a combustion chamber on an auxiliary power unit on a C-9C Skytrain aircraft in hangar one, Scott AFB, Ill. U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Tony R. Tolley

932nd Airlift Wing maintains the C-9C

Staff Sgt. Stephen Smith, a communication and navigation systems craftsman, conducts a transponder test on a C-9C Skytrain aircraft in hangar one, Scott AFB, Ill. Assigned to the 932nd Airlift Wing, the C-9C, along with the C-40C, provide safe, comfortable and reliable transportation for dignitaries and other U.S. leaders. U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Tony R. Tolley

932nd Airlift Wing receives new plane

Maintenance is important to keep the C-40C going strong and flight attendants take care of the customers in the air. Col. Maryanne Miller, 932nd Airlift Wing commander, said that despite all of the demands and training requirements, she understands why her Air Force Reservists choose to become flight attendants. "It's an exciting time in our wing's history," Colonel Miller said. "We represent the only wing in Air Force Reserve Command that provides executive airlift support for our nation's senior leaders. Supporting our nation with superior service is a mission we understand and enjoy doing." Colonel Miller has more than 4,400 flying hours in a variety of Air Force aircraft, including the C-141, C-5 and C-9C. "From our maintainers to our pilots and flight attendants, I can truly say we have engaged this mission with the customer in mind," she said. "I have dedicated professionals doing this mission day to day, and I am extremely proud of their service and commitment." The colonel pointed out that the 932nd AW has worked closely with the regular Air Force's 89th Airlift Wing at Andrews AFB, Md., to ensure synergy of resources and smart operations while standing up this new mission. "In addition, the 201st Airlift Squadron at Andrews has been integral in assisting with our pilot currency until our new C-40C aircraft arrives," she said. "It is truly an integrated operational approach to operational support airlift and our distinguished visitor mission." Lt. Col. Barry Rutledge, director of operations for the 73rd AS, is proud of the men and women who cater to the needs of a wide range of people on the flights. "The job these flight attendants do is incredible," Colonel Rutledge said. "They perform at an outstanding level, not just for one flight of one mission, but on every leg of every mission. That level of service and dedication is unparalleled in my opinion. I stand in awe of these folks. We need more of these dedicated professionals in order to continue to grow this outstanding flight attendant section to enable it to meet its tasking." One of the squadron's newest flight attendants is Staff Sgt. Danielle "Dani" Long, who was previously an air reserve technician at the 419th Communications Squadron, Hill AFB, Utah. One day in Utah, she and a co-worker were discussing their future plans. "I told my friend I had always worked for other people who got to see the world, and I wanted to do the same and be a flight attendant," Sergeant Long said. "The very next day, I got an electronic mail message about it, and I sent my package and was accepted." She sold almost all her belongings, hopped in her car and headed east on the highway from Utah to Illinois. "Now, I'm part of the 932nd Airlift Wing," the sergeant said. "Not only do we share the same passion for serving the passengers, but while most people are watching the Travel Channel, we are out there living it." The C-40 plane has a paint design similar to Air Force One. General C40 Characteristics Primary Function: High-priority personnel transport Power Plant: Two GE CFM 56-7B27 turbofan engines Thrust: 27,000 pounds static thrust each engine Length: 110 feet, 4 inches (33.6 meters) Height: 41 feet, 2 inches (12.5 meters) Maximum Takeoff Weight: 171,000 pounds Wingspan: 117 feet, 5 inches (35.8 meters) Speed: 530 mph (Mach 0.8) Ceiling: 41,000 feet (12,727 meters) Fuel Capability: 60,000 lbs Maximum Range: 4,500 to 5,000 nautical miles (based on payload) unrefueled range Maximum Load: C-40C: 42 passengers Crew:10 (varies with model and mission) As part of the Air Force Total Force Integration initiatives, the Air Force established an active associate unit with Air Force Reserve Command's 932nd Airlift Wing at Scott Air Force Base, Ill., earlier this year. This means some of the flight attendants and pilots on the 932nd AW's aircraft will be active duty Air Force members from the 375th Operations Group. Col. Maryanne Miller, 932nd AW commander is proud of Airmen, both active duty and reserve. "This was a total effort by the 932nd and the 375th crews from the beginning," she said. "Being fully integrated in the DV mission has been and will continue to be the most effective way to provide full support to the customer." From 1969 to 2003, personnel from the 932nd and 375th airlift wings worked side by side performing aeromedical evacuation missions aboard the now retired C-9A Nightingale. When the 932nd changed its mission to DV airlift in 2003 with three new C-9C aircraft, the close relationship between the two wings was put on hold. With the C-40C, Air Force Reserve and active duty crews will once again work together performing the same mission and revitalizing what has always been close relationship, said Colonel Miller. Under the active associate unit structure, the Reserve unit will have primary responsibility for the C-40s, and the active-duty unit will share in flying the aircraft. The 932nd Airlift Wing continues to recruit and fill the flight attendant slots. Anyone interested in applying must qualify for a top-secret security clearance, be available to fly a 10-day trip every three months and be within the Air Force fit-to-fight standards. Applicants must also pass a board interview process and meet flight physical requirements as a flying crew member. Information is available by calling 618-229-7173 or toll free 800-257-1212.

Preparation for launching

Chief Master Sgt. George Edler makes final checks on the 932nd Airlift Wing's first C-40C plane before it takes off.

A giant hair dryer?

Nope...this is one of the jet engines on the new C-40C at the 932nd Airlift Wing which flies the distinguished visitor mission. The wing is the only flying Air Force Reserve Command unit in Illinois.

Preparations make for a safe flying day

Pilots and maintenance members check the belly of the C-40C plane before taking off. The 932nd Airlift Wing flies both C-9C and C-40C planes.