Air Force Reserve unit receives fourth C-40C

  • Published
  • By Maj. Stan Paregien
  • 932nd Airlift Wing
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  A freshly painted new C-40C airplane touched down Friday, Nov. 18 near Belleville. The 932nd Airlift Wing, the only Air Force Reserve Command flying wing in Illinois, received its fourth C-40C distinguished visitor aircraft. When the country's top military and civilian leaders fly around the world, Air Force reservists here are ready to make sure they receive the best service in the air. The reservists are part of a select group of military members of the airlift wing's 73rd Airlift Squadron.  In conjunction with the active duty 54th Airlift Squadron, they cover the unique missions worldwide.

Lt. Col. Paul Brown, 73rd AS commander and Lt. Col. Dennis Veeneman, 54th AS commander, piloted the latest addition to the 932nd AW fleet. After a short ceremony, Lt. Col. Veeneman said, "At this time, Colonel Brown and I are pleased to present this key to Technical Sergeant Ryan Kerniskey, symbolizing that the care of Tail Number 0540 rests in the capable hands of the 932nd Maintenance Squadron."

Master Sgt. Brian Fark, a 932nd AW maintenance crew member, marshaled the latest C-40 into position on the ramp at Scott Air Force Base.

"It's a another great day in our history and this is a reliable airplane to work on for all maintainers. The new aircraft will be a great addition to the 932nd Airlift Wing fleet. I have really enjoyed working on these newer aircraft since the C-9C retired," he said.

In addition to the maintainers on the ground and the pilots who fly the aircraft, it takes a special person to make in-flight service and safety a priority for high-level passengers. VIPs in the past have included the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the first lady of the United States, the secretary of state, secretary of the interior, the CIA director and leaders from other countries.

These passengers are the top priority for Airmen flight attendants who must also juggle other duties whether on the ground or at 25,000 feet.

"I love being a flight attendant because it is challenging, yet very rewarding, and we are able to provide the best service possible and see some amazing places. At the end of a 10 day mission when the passengers thank you, and shake your hand when they leave the airplane, that's the best part of the entire mission," said Tech. Sgt. Oriel Rodriguez, 73rd AS  flight attendant.

The schooling required of flight attendants involves a lot more than just learning how to cook. Attendants are trained and tested in many aspects of the flying portion of the mission including conducting a pre-flight inspection, handling in-flight emergencies and evacuating passengers in an emergency landing.

Training is focused on customer service, which flight attendants are expected to deliver at all times, in good weather and bad. They take care of personally loading all the customer baggage by hand underneath the plane when it sunny, and when it is raining or snowing.

Commander of the Air Force Reserve Command's 932nd Airlift Wing, Col. Albert Lupenski, is impressed by the total force people and the airplane. "What a perfect way to bring in our newest addition to our C-40C fleet...both squadron commanders at the controls of this beautiful aircraft. It is a true testament to the total force initiative and the outstanding working relationship between the reserve and the active duty here at Scott Air Force Base. To our host and partners at the 375th Air Mobility Wing, thanks for all your support of the association between the 73rd AS and the 54th AS. As you can all see the tail number on this newest aircraft is 0540, representing the 54th AS. This aircraft is not gray and has no kinetic capability. It does not carry cargo or pass fuel to other aircraft. The paint job is far from subtle. Whether it is on a stateside mission or overseas, when it shows up there is no doubt where it is from. It is a billboard for the United States of America. It symbolizes hope, liberty and democracy," Colonel Lupenski said.

With the arrival of its fourth C-40C aircraft, the 932nd Airlift Wing is looking for more flight attendants in the future.

In addition to the basic flight attendant course taught, flight attendants go through the combat and water survival courses and the enlisted aircrew undergraduate course at Lackland AFB along with egress simulator training taught by a major airline.

The 932nd AW continues to recruit and fill flight attendant slots, primarily from those already within the military that have a good track record. Anyone interested in applying for the job 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; those interested can contact recruiters for more information.

Fourth Air Force at March Air Reserve Base, Calif., oversees the Illinois airlift wing.

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