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Relief in the Air

  • Published
  • By Maj Bill Walsh
  • 315th PA
As the sun set over Charleston Air Force Base, Reservists from the 315th Airlift Wing are wheels up headed to Maguire AFB, New Jersey to upload relief supplies then direct to Haiti.

"We're tasked and we go," said Major John Cousins, aircraft commander from the 317th Airlift Squadron. "We need to get these supplies down there safely and fast."

The briefing on board the giant C-17 Globemaster III was all business with some tension as these crew members prepare to head into one of the biggest natural disaster s of this new century.

"We won't have any lights except on the runway and we will be operating in the dark. I want everyone in the windows and looking when we hit the ground," said Major Cousins as he spoke of the dangers this crew will face when flying into Port-u-prince in the middle of the night.

The men and women on this crew have one thing in mind. Get the vital supplies to the people of Haiti fast. They've seen the television coverage and now it's their job to deliver America's promise of support.

"No one does this better than us. It's what we train for," said Lt. Col. Russ Catanach, 315th Deputy Operations Group Commander as he briefed local media out to cover the aircraft's departure from Charleston.

Loadmasters from the 317th Airlift Squadron readied the aircraft and knew how important this and every AMC mission will be to the people of Haiti.
"I'm just back from Operation Iraqi Freedom and this is a different kind of mission and I'm really proud to do it," said MSgt. Michael Lang as he worked in the cargo bay. "I'm anxious, but it's a different kind of anxious."

This all reserve crew had very short notice and knowing the dire need for these supplies, were ready to make sacrifices to get them to Haiti.

"Every bit helps," said Major Cousins as he and his air crew made preparations for landing in at Maguire Air Force Base, New Jersey. "Every jet full of supplies may save lives on the ground."