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Portland reservists bid farewell to refueling mission

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Adam Hoffman
  • 939th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
PORTLAND, Ore. --  The final four KC-135R Stratotanker aircraft from the 939th Air Refueling Wing departed Portland International Airport Aug. 5, taking with them a bit of history created by reservists assigned here.

At its peak, Air Force Reserve Command's 939th ARW flew eight KC-135 aircraft. The first four departed in mid-July for March Air Reserve Base, Calif., as part of the Base Realignment and Closure process. The others left Aug. 5 for Tinker Air Force Base, near Oklahoma City, Okla.

"The departure of these aircraft signifies a major milestone in the transformation of our wing," said Col. William N. Flanigan, 939th ARW commander, to members of the unit before joining the aircrew on one of the departing KC-135s.

"Since becoming an air refueling wing three years ago, members of the 939th have been steadfast in the face of tremendous adversity," he said. "Now, our unit is transforming into something we can all be proud of in the future and something we have all laid the foundation for today."

In addition to thanking past and present unit members, the colonel thanked family members and the local community for their support of the unit.

Lt. Col. Aaron Vangelisti, commander of the wing's 64th Air Refueling Squadron, addressed the guests over a public address system before pushing the throttles forward on his KC-135 for the last time.

"On behalf of the men and women of the 939th, I want to thank our families and the Pacific Northwest community for the tremendous support we've received over the last 22 years. It's been a great ride," said Colonel Vangelisti.

With that, the jets rolled down the runway and climbed into the majestic Oregon landscape. As the last KC-135 rolled its wings, some took a few moments to reflect on their time at Portland as part of the 939th.

"This is a great unit," said Master Sgt. Joy Miller, 939th ARW airfield manager. "I always found people assigned to the 939th to be very close. At the same time, they always welcomed new members. Some of my best and fastest friends are the ones who have worn the uniform (here) with me."

Another Airman remembered the sense of accomplishment achieved when working as part of Oregon's team of reservists.

"[The 939th] is like a family," said Airman 1st Class Kathryn McDermott, 83rd Aerial Port Squadron transportation specialist. "Being part of this group really makes you feel like you're doing something great."

Individuals assigned to the 939th Operations and Maintenance Groups now must decide if they will continue their Air Force careers elsewhere or pursue a profession outside the military.

Many reservists are leaving for new assignments. Others departed shortly after learning the unit's mission was recommended for realignment. Those who positions were connected with the flying mission have until Sept. 30, 2007, to find new employment as part of the BRAC mandate. However, the unit's executive staff and mission support group will remain until Sept. 30, 2010. (AFRC News Service)