C-40C executes mission into wild blue yonder
A C-40C plane makes approximately a 20 degree banking turn after takeoff, and just as the Air Force song describes the action, "Off we go into the wild blue yonder, flying high into the sun." This C-40C distinguished visitor aircraft, belonging to the 932nd Airlift Wing at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, took off on another mission "into the blue" August 13, 2016. Originally, the song was titled "Army Air Corps". Robert Crawford wrote the lyrics and music during 1938 and during World War II, the service was renamed "Army Air Force", and the song title changed to agree. In 1947, when the Air Force became a separate service, the song became the "Air Force Song" and is used in many ceremonies at the 932nd Airlift Wing like promotions and retirements. (U.S. Air Force photo by Maj. Stan Paregien)