The 932nd AW flies VC-9 for the last time Published Sept. 21, 2011 By Tech. Sgt. Dan Oliver 932nd Airlift Wing Scott Air Force Base, Ill -- A 932nd Airlift Wing crew piloted the final flight of the last VC-9 in the Air Force Reserve inventory on Sept. 16. The VC-9 (#1863) lifted off from the runway here at 09:12 local time and touched down at a Phoenix area airport some three hours later. The flight marks the end of the VC-9's service to the Air Force which began in 1975. Three C-9s were transferred to the 932nd AW in 2005, beginning a new mission and era for the Reserve wing. Throughout their service, the VC-9s have escorted vice-presidents, senior leaders and the first lady safely and comfortably around the world. Historically, when an Air Force airplane is phased out of service, the aircraft is headed for Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz., also known as the "boneyard." For VC-9 (#1863) this is a new chapter. She and another VC-9 (that was delivered by the 932nd AW two days earlier) now belong to the State Department. For the crew on the last flight, the day was memorable, yet bittersweet. Lt. Col. Scott Hanken, aircraft commander on the last flight, praised the VC-9's longevity. "This aircraft's maintenance and reliability record for 35 years is something I'll always remember." For Tech. Sgt. Patrick Alvarado, flying crew chief, the final flight was ironic. "I was on the first DV mission the unit flew back in 2005. And, now I'm on the very last VC-9 flight." The flight attendants (FAs) take care of the senior leaders and their staff, serving freshly-made meals and beverages during a typical mission. It's no surprise that the FAs were somewhat sentimental. So, for Tech. Sgt. April Tarbill, who has logged more than 2,500 hours as a flight attendant, this was no ordinary day. "I'm going to miss the C-9s sounds and smell. From the roar of the engines to the galley's aromas." Tarbill said that C-9 FAs had to be creative sometimes. "We would use a bean pot to cook with, wash dishes or any number of things." Tech. Sgt. Danielle Sloan, who started her flight attendant career at the 932nd AW, it wasn't easy to say goodbye to the C-9. "It's sad to see a beautiful piece of history leave this unit. If it wasn't for this aircraft coming here six years ago, she said, "we (the 932nd AW) wouldn't have a flying mission." "I absolutely love my job and this airplane. There's a lot of memories there." The 932nd AW will continue its worldwide distinguished visitor mission with the C-40C.