Last C-9 Takes Flight at Oceana
Navy News Service
Story Number: NNS111118-09
11/18/2011
By Cathy Heimer, Naval Air Station Oceana Public Affairs
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- The "Globemasters" of Fleet Support Squadron (VR) 56 brought another chapter in their 35-year history to a close with the final flight of their last C-9B Skytrain II aircraft, Nov. 15.
Aircraft 16004, flown by Lt. Cmdr. Chris Humphries, departed the flightline aboard Naval Air Station Oceana for its flight to the Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Center near Tucson, Ariz., more commonly known as AMARC or "the boneyard."
The Globemasters have begun the transition to the C-40A Clipper and are expected to receive three new aircraft in April 2012, a month after the planned opening of their new hangar, under construction on the Oceana flightline.
"The C-9B, the Skytrain, has allowed me to travel the world with some colorful, professional and great Americans," said VR-56 Commanding Officer Cmdr. Mike Gravitt, who first joined the squadron in 2000, as a lieutenant. "While we travelled the world, we did some good things. We could not have served the nation as well as we have without the help of our good friend."
Gravitt touched on just a few of the many accomplishments of the Globemasters and their C-9s since the squadron was established in July 1976, at what was then known as Naval Air Station Norfolk (now Chambers Field Norfolk.)
VR-56 was the first squadron on the ground after the 1983 bombing of the Marine barracks in Beirut, Lebanon, and mobilized to transport personnel and supplies for Operation Desert Storm. The Globemasters have also supported U.S. operations in Croatia, Somalia and Yugoslavia.
Since Sept. 11, 2001, they have supported operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, provided disaster relief to victims of hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and most recently provided assistance following the 2010 earthquake in Haiti.
While the Globemasters' have earned many awards during their history, what is perhaps most impressive is their safety record. As of Nov. 15, the squadron has flown 164,412 hours and 35 years of Class A mishap-free flying. During that time, the squadron completed 260 overseas detachments, covering six continents and 40 million miles. To date, they have transported more than 5 million passengers and 32 million pounds of cargo.
Gravitt stressed "that none of these awards would have been possible without the collaborative teamwork of over 35 years between outstanding Sailors of the Globemasters and the venerable C-9."
Humphries, the longest serving Globemaster pilot, requested to fly the plane on its final journey. It was not only the plane's final flight but Humphries' last flight as a military pilot as well. Humphries, who has served a combination of active and Reserve duty and also flies for American Airlines, will retire from the Navy in December.
"It's an honor to fly this plane the last time out," he said before the start of the ceremony.
He reported to VR-56 in December 1999, while the squadron was still in Norfolk, and made the transition to NAS Oceana in 2006. He has kept a map in his office of the countries he has visited since joining the squadron.
"I think it's up to 89 different countries I've visited in this aircraft," Humphries said.
"We've been a group of people who have come here from vast different communities, and we've all come here and become the best team the Navy has," said Humphries.
Several other long-serving Globemasters also shared their experiences with past and present squadron members who attended the informal ceremony.
"I saw more of the United States and the world as a Reservist than I ever did as an active duty member," said Chief Aviation Support Equipment Technician (AS) (AW/SW/NAC) Allen Williamson, who joined the Reserves in 1995 and transferred to VR-56 shortly afterwards. "I've enjoyed working on launching and recovering these aircraft. I'm glad to close the chapter on the C-9 and open the chapter on the C-40s," said Williams, who closed with, "Here's to another 35 years of good times and great flying."
Reporting to the Globemasters in 1991, Naval Air Crewman - Mechanical (AWF) 1st Class (NAC/AW) Chris Polantz is the longest standing air crewman and longest standing Globemaster.
Polantz, currently a mobilized Reservist, explained what he enjoys about the squadron.
"Every day is different; it's ever changing," said Polantz. "The quality of life at the squadron is really good."
As part of the transition to the aircraft Globemasters have begun training in the C-40. Polantz just returned from several months of training with VR-57 at Naval Air Station North Island, San Diego, while others such as Williamson have been able to complete training closer to home.
Following the ceremony, past and present squadron members moved out to the flightline to watch the C-9 taxi away from its home in hangar 200. The aircraft was showered by a water canopy from two fire trucks from the Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Fire & Emergency Services.
After taking off, Humpries brought the C-9 for one final photo pass over the hangar.
Retired Master Chief Avionics Technician Hilbert Laidlaw was one of the Globemaster alumni watching the final flight. Laidlaw served as VR-56's command master chief during the final tour of his 30-year career, which ended in 1990.
"There's always a good group who returns here for events," said Laidlaw, who also attended the squadron's 35th reunion this summer. "I like coming back and seeing how much the Navy's changed in 21 years since I retired."
Gravitt reminded his squadron that "our work has just begun. Each and every one of you should be working on the transition on a daily basis. We owe it to our country, our Navy and the Globemaster legacy to carry the tradition of excellence forward as we transition to the C-40."
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