2004-2006 C-17 Globemaster III Aircraft Conversion

With a lot of coordination and cooperation the HIANG was able to successfully take on new challenges. The C-17 Associate Unit, which would consist of an Active Duty, National Guard partnership, took its first step forward by having a ground breaking ceremony Aug. 19, 2004 at Hickam AFB. . .

– 2005 Annual Report pp. 17

HIANG conducts first 15 AW C-17 air refueling

by Staff Sgt. Betty J. Squatrito-Martin

When opportunity knocks, open the door. That is what the 15^th Airlift Wing’s new 535^th Airlift Squadron did when news that a C-17 from South Carolina would be passing through PACAF in June.

The C-17 aircraft is scheduled to make Hickam Air Force Base its home in Jan. 2006. Its mission is scheduled to be a joint operation between the 15 AW and the Hawaii Air National Guard.

As the clock ticks toward the opening curtain, the C-17 family seeks opportunities for training. Therefore, when word that a C-17 from South Carolina would be spending time at Hickam, the 535 AS proceeded to make arrangements to borrow the aircraft and use it for training.

The steps taken by the 535 AS made it possible for the 535 AS and the HIANG’s new 204^th Airlift Squadron C- 17 aircrews along with the HIANG’s KC-135 aircrews from the 203^rd Air Refueling Squadron to perform their first local air refueling training mission aboard the C17 Globemaster III.

“This is another first for the Hawaii Air National Guard, with more to come during the stand up of the new Hickam based C-17 associate unit,” said Lt. Col. William Benton, commander of the 203 ARS.

The aircrews from the HIANG’s 204 AS and the 535 AS along with the 203 ARS spent two hours practicing aerial refueling at 20,000 feet in the southern warning airspace near Oahu.

Nine air refueling contacts were accomplished and both aircraft recovered back to Hickam.

– 2005 September Kūkāʻilimoku pp. 1

The Hawaii Air National Guard and the 15^th Airlift Wing began developing a working relationship with the arrival of the C-17 simulator, the opening of the C-17 Maintenance Complex, the first 15 AW C-17 refuel, and the completion of the first C-17 Home Station Check.

– 2006 Annual Report pp. 15

. . .

C-17 simulator stands up

Leaders from the 15^th Airlift Wing and the Hawaii Air National Guard 154^th Wing took part in the stand up ceremony for the C-17 Weapons System Trainer, (flight simulator) here Aug. 12 .

The C-17 simulator arrived on Hickam aboard a C-17 from Jackson, Miss., and was placed in its new $7 million home marking the beginning of the integration of the trainer to the building in preparation of the future training of C-17 crews.

According to Lt. Col. Charles Darnell, Deputy Chief of the C-17 program integration, the integration effort will take six to seven months, which will make the simulator operational for training by the time the C-17 arrives here.

“The simulator itself is the major part of training for C-17 crews,” said Col. Stanley Osserman, 154^th Wing Mission Support Group commander. “Unlike other weapons systems where crews go in the sim (simulator) once or twice a year for emergency check rides and special procedure training virtually all the training for the C-17 goes on using training devices and the crews do very little pure training in the aircraft,” Col. Osserman added.

Both active duty and Hawaii Air National Guard C-17 crews will perform training in the simulator, as the C-17 mission is the first Guard Associate flying unit in the Air Force.

The C-17 simulator stand-up marks another milestone toward the arrival of the C-17 Globemaster III·, which is due to arrive here in February 2006.

The simulator is just one of many C-17 facilities that will be in operation here. “The C-17 simulator was the first facility that we brought on board,” said Lt. Col. Darnell. “It was deemed the highest priority of the facilities to be accomplished before the C-17 aircraft arrives in February 2006,” added Lt. Col. Darnell.

As noted, the simulator will be up and running by February 2006, and run it will. “Boeing will be on contract to run the simulator, which will run five days a week, 12 hours a day and will include Guard weekends,” said Lt. Col. Darnell.

– 2005 November Kūkāʻilimoku pp. 1 & 5

The Hawaii Air National Guard and the 15^th Airlift Wing began developing a working relationship with the arrival of the C-17 simulator, the opening of the C-17 Maintenance Complex, the first 15 AW C-17 refuel, and the completion of the first C-17 Home Station Check.

– 2006 Annual Report pp. 15

Loadmaster journals C-17 “first rivet”

by Tech. Sgt. Peter Kali, 204 AS

A journal provided by Tech. Sgt. Peter Kali, a loadmaster with the 204^th Airlift Squadron, describes in detail events that took place leading to the C-17 “first rivet” ceremony held at Boeing’s Long Beach, Calif. facility March 20.

SUNDAY – March 20, 2005

0500 – I never relish the thought of an early morning show time, especially when it falls on a weekend. This Sunday was shaping up to be no different, except for the fact that this morning’s mission would mark a historic milestone for members of the 204^th Airlift Squadron. The crew of Manu 61 flew a C-130 to Long Beach, Calif. to attend the “first rivet” ceremony at the Boeing production facility – more on this ceremony later. Some of the special passengers onboard this morning’s flight were Col. Han, Lt. Col. Kim, Col. Osserman, Command Chief Master Sgt. Jelinksi-Hall, Chief Master Sgt. Wescott Lee, and other Wing and PACAF representatives.

MONDAY – March 21, 2005

1200 – 1400 – We met at the Boeing facility and waited for the arrival of the main package of dignitaries. First to land was the C-37 carrying our Lt. Gov. James “Duke” Aiona, the State Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Robert G. F. Lee, and others. Shortly after came the KC-135 that carried Brig. Gen. Peter S. Pawling, throngs of media types and other special passengers.

1400-1530- Everyone assembled in the cargo compartment of a newly built C-17 earmarked for Maguire AFB and listened to welcoming remarks by the head of Boeing’s C-17 Project. We then divided into two groups and went on a tour of the entire facility. This was a first-class tour all the way! We all witnessed how they build a C-17 from scratch until it rolls off the line. What stuck out most in many of our minds was how clean the facilities were. A person could drop a sushi on the floor and blatantly disregard the 3-second rule.

1545 – Both groups of visitors pulled up in buses in front of the initial production hangar. We stepped off the buses, passed through the massive doors, and were suddenly greeted by hundreds of Boeing employees cheering and applauding. They were all wearing flower lei. I glanced over my shoulders to see if the Lt. Governor was walking directly behind me because the experience thus far was both surreal and unnerving. Nope, it was just Lt.Col. Mansell.

While walking, I realized that I am part of a group of operators and maintainers that will operate a collective $2 Billion worth of Boeing hardware. Keep on clapping!

1600 – The official ceremony begins with remarks from the dignitaries. Lt. Gov. Aiona spoke about the impact the C-17 will have in Hawaii and mentioned how impressed he was with the entire production process. Maj. Gen. Lee reiterated the Lt. Governor’s comments and received loud cheers when he remarked on his efforts in getting the Air Force to increase the overall C-17 fleet size.

A Kahu then proceeded to bless the upper-fuselage section of what will become our first C-17 at Hickam, plane # 146. This was a unique and touching ceremony that represented the Hawaii National Guard well.

The Lt. Governor and TAG then proceeded to drive the “first rivet” into the fuselage. This was a technical operation controlled by a computer and huge machine. There was no manual pounding of a hammer, and the whole moment was not as dramatic as I envisioned. Nevertheless, the rivet was driven, and the ceremony ended with conversation and refreshments.

1800 – By now the C-37 and KC-135 have left with their respective dignitaries enroute back to Hickam. We took-off last with the brave souls who chose to spend 9-hours on a cozy C-130 recalling events of the historic day just passed.

This “first rivet” ceremony marked a milestone for the 204th Airlift Squadron as it continues to transition into a C-17 unit. We currently have more than 30 individuals away at formal training, learning how to operate this new aircraft. Incidentally, while the ceremony was taking place in Long Beach, two of our initial qualified C-1 7 loadmasters were halfway around the world delivering supplies in Afghanistan in direct support of Operation Enduring Freedom. They, and those who follow, will fly with the active duty out of McChord Air Force Base to gain experience and maintain currency until P-146 is delivered to Hickam in January 2006. There’s no question these are exciting times for the 204 AS.

– 2005 May Kūkāʻilimoku pp. 1 & 6

The next big step for the Associate Unit was the “first rivet” ceremony held at Boeing’s Long Beach, Calif., facility Mar. 20, 2005. Brig. Gen. Pawling, 154^th Wing commander along with numerous distinguished guests, flew to Long Beach to witness the “first rivet” ceremony. During the ceremony, Lt. Gov. James “Duke” Aiona and Maj. Gen. Robert G.F. Lee, the adjutant general had the honors of driving the “first rivet” into the fuselage.

– 2005 Annual Report pp. 17

Hickam Air Force Base C-17s start to take shape

By Gina Vanatter (Boeing)

In a colorful ceremony sprinkled with Hawaiian tradition, the four major sections for Hickam Air Force Base’s first C-17 were joined Friday, Aug. 19 in the Long Beach, Calif., factory where the giant airlifter is assembled. “We’re amazed at the effort and dedication it takes to put this air-plane together,” said Major General Robert Lee, adjutant general of the State of Hawaii and the commander of the Hawaii National Guard. “The industrial might of the United States of America is alive and well in the C-17 workforce in Long Beach.”

About 500 Boeing employees, as well as a large delegation of civic and military leaders from Honolulu were on hand for the event. Major join is a significant milestone in the aircraft’s assembly, as it’s the first time the C-17 actually looks like an airplane.

When delivered in January 2006, the aircraft will be the U.S.Air Force’s 146^th C-17, and the first based outside of the continental United States. “We would welcome as many Boeing employees as possible to come to Honolulu for our delivery next year,” said Lee, drawing boisterous applause from employees. “We want to return your hospitality.”

The celebration aircraft is the first of eight C17s destined for Hickam. The seven C-17s that follow it will arrive in Honolulu approximately every three to four weeks- until the squadron is complete in mid2006.

The base’s C-17s are the first of 16 destined for the Pacific Air Forces. The other eight will go to Elmendorf Air Force Base in Alaska, beginning in 2007.

Maj. Gen. Edward A. Rice, Jr., said the C-17’s long-range capabilities will address one of the Pacific Air Forces’ biggest challenges – spanning 14 time zones. What he called “the tyranny of distance.”

Rice, commander of 13^th Air Force, based in Guam, and part of the Pacific Air Forces, described the C-17 as “the centerpiece of our transformation. The C-17s are going to set the pace for the rest of the Air Force,” he said.

Hickam’s new C-17s will be jointly operated by the Air Force’s 15^th Airlift Wing, and the Hawaii Air National Guard’s 154^th Wing. It’s a unique arrangement that marks the first time C17s will be delivered to an organization outside Air Mobility Command. Hawaii’s C-17s will be under the jurisdiction of the Pacific Air Forces, headquartered at Hickam.

Brig. Gen. Peter Pawling, commander of the 154 WG, based at Hickam, presented the C-17 workforce with an outrigger paddle – a symbolic connection between the Boeing employees and the soon-to-be users of the aircraft. The paddle is made of koa wood.

”Like the aircraft, koa symbolizes strength, quality and durability,” said Pawling. “All of you are the paddle builders and we want to thank you.”

– 2005 July – September Pūpūkahi pp. 5

C-17 gets wings; simulator arrives

by Staff Sgt. Betty J. Squatrito-Martin

Members from the 154^th Wing and 15^th Airlift Wing traveled to the Boeing C-1 7 plant in Long Beach, Calif., Aug. 19, to participate in a Major Join Ceremony.

The Major Join Ceremony celebrated the attachment of the wing to the fuselage of Hickam’s first C17 Globemaster III, which began production March 21, 2005.

According to Master Sgt. Ramon Quizon, the interesting part of the ceremony was the ability to see all eight of Hawaii’s C-17s at various stages of production with each stage leading to the joining of the wing to the fuselage.

The major join marks another major step in the process of the C17 Globemaster IIIs coming to Hawaii as part of a Guard Associate flying unit in February 2006.

The C-17 Globemaster III is a four-engine , T-tailed aircraft designed to meet military airlift needs in the 21st Century.

Unlike its predecessor the C-5 Galaxy, which requires longer prepared runways, the C-17 Globemaster III has the capability of landing on small harsh inhospitable runways, which means it can deliver large combat equipment and troops, or humanitarian aid throughout the world. . .

– 2005 November Kūkāʻilimoku pp. 1 & 5

The Hawaii Air National Guard and the 15^th Airlift Wing began developing a working relationship with the arrival of the C-17 simulator, the opening of the C-17 Maintenance Complex, the first 15 AW C-17 refuel, and the completion of the first C-17 Home Station Check.

– 2006 Annual Report pp. 15

C-17 maintenance complex opens

by 1st Lt. Regina Berry

Active duty and Guard members at the same place, same time, doing the same things is becoming a normal occurrence here. Maintenance members from the active duty and Guard gathered together Nov. 22 for the opening ceremony of the new C-17 Combined Maintenance Complex.

The 154^th Wing C-17 maintenance crews will work along side the 15^th Airlift Wing C-17 maintenance crews to ensure the success of the C-17 mission.

“We’re proud to be a part of the sky warriors …. one team, one mission,” said Col. Ronald Han, 154^th Maintenance Group commander.

The active duty will have 60 percent of the maintenance responsibility, while the 154^th will have 40 percent. Although it is not an even split, the 15^th Airlift Maintenance Group Commander, Col. Larry Stephens, recognizes the strengths that the 154^th Wing contributes to the team. “Without him (Col Han), without his people, without their expertise, we would not be able to do our job,” said Stephens.

– 2006 January Kūkāʻilimoku pp. 1

The year also brought the first C-17 Globemaster III cargo aircraft, the Spirit of Hawaii, to Hickam Air Force Base, Feb. 8, 2006. The Spirit of Hawaii was the first of eight C-17 aircraft to make Hickam its home as part of the first active duty and Air National Guard classic associate units. The Hawaii Air National Guard and the 15^th Airlift Wing began developing a working relationship with the arrival of the C-17 simulator, the opening of the C-17 Maintenance Complex, the first 15 AW C-17 refuel, and the completion of the first C-17 Home Station Check. With the acceptance of the C-17, the HIANG said farewell to the C-130 after 20 years of service. The last C-130 departed Hickam, Feb. 15, 2006.

– 2006 Annual Report pp. 15

Hawaii Air National Guard makes history with arrival of the C-17 Globemaster Ill

By 154th Wing Public Affairs

History was made early this year, with the arrival of the first and second C-17 Globemaster III’s to be housed at Hickam Air Force Base. Thousands gathered on the flightline in front of the 15^th Airlift Wing’s operations center Feb. 8 to welcome Ke Aloha, the very first of Hickam ‘s C-17s to arrive. The second followed shortly, arriving Feb. 21.

Piloted by active duty and Guard members, the Ke Aloha along with the second Globemaster Ill, which was unofficially named the Hawaii 2 by Boeing representatives, sealed the 15^th Airlift Wing and 154^th Wing partnership at Hickam Air Force Base.

“It’s a whole new world at Hickam Air Force Base,” said Capt. Steven Snelson, C-17 pilot from the 535^th Airlift Squadron.

This is the first time the C-17 will make its home outside the continental United States.

“It makes so much sense having the C-17s stationed at Hickam Air Force Base. From this location, we’d be able to effectively support all the service branches of our American military” said Brig. Gen. Peter “Skipper” Pawling, 154^th Wing commander.

Both the Active Duty and the Hawaii Air National Guard are joining forces to bring the rapid strategic delivery of troops and all types of cargo under all sorts of conditions to all kinds of places.

“The C-17 will support missions wherever anyone needs our help,” said Tech. Sgt. Rafael Delasierra, Hawaii Air National Guard member and designated crew chief of Ke Aloha.

With an overall 60/40 split between active duty and guard, the partnership between the two will allow ample support for the National Guard’s state mission, which distinguishes them from their active duty counterparts.

“Not only will we use C-17s in a joint manner to support all of our military forces, but in my other responsibility in homeland security, our response in the State of Hawaii is going to be so much improved,” said Maj. Gen. Robert Lee, Hawaii state adjutant General during the second C-17 ceremony.

“Our 93^rd Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Team can take its entire team and all of its equipment on one C-17, fly anywhere within the State of Hawaii and need be, fly throughout the Pacific in case of biological or nuclear disaster,” said Maj. Gen. Lee.

The C-17s will continue to arrive at Hickam Air Force Base through September until all eight aircraft arrive.

– 2006 January – March Pūpūkahi pp. 3

First C-17 Globemaster III arrives!

by Staff Sgt. Betty J. Squatrito-Martin

Ke Aloha, the first of Hickam AFB’s C-17 Globemaster IIIs, piloted by active duty and Guard members, taxied home to the cheers of thousands gathered for the C-17 Landing Ceremony here Feb. 8.

Gov. Linda Lingle christened the Ke Aloha or Spirit of Hawaii, to usher in a new era for Hickam Air Force Base as the first Active Duty/ Air National Guard associate unit in the Air Force takes off.

“It’s a whole new world at Hickam Air Force Base,” said Capt. Steven Snelson, C-17 pilot from the 535^th Airlift Squadron.

This is the first time the C-17 will make its home outside the continental United States.

“It makes so much sense having the C-17s stationed at Hickam Air Force Base. From this location, we’ll be able to effectively support all the service branches of our American military,” said Brig. Gen. Peter “Skipper” Pawling, 154^th Wing commander.

Both the Active Duty and the Hawaii Air National Guard are joining forces to bring the rapid strategic delivery of troops and all types of cargo under all sorts of conditions to all kinds of places.

“The C-17 will support missions wherever anyone needs our help,” said Tech. Sgt. Rafael Delasierra, Hawaii Air National Guard member and designated crew chief of Ke Aloha.

Prior to the aircraft landing, the crowd was treated to a multi-cultural show, which included traditional Chinese, Japanese, Filipino and Korean dances. The Kamehameha Schools Children’s Chorus serenaded the crowd with a medley of Hawaiian and patriotic songs, and as the Halau Hula Dancers were putting the final touches on their performance, the C-17 rolled into place.Once the aircraft came to a halt, and the engines came to a stop, a string of dignitaries including General Paul V. Hester, commander Pacific Air Forces, Boeing’s vice president and general manager for global mobility, Ron Marcotte, and Gov. Linda Lingle exited the aircraft.

As part of a symbolic gesture to show the joining of the Active Duty and Guard, the HIANG 154^th Wing Commander Brig. Gen. Peter S. Pawling and the 15^th Airlift Wing Commander, Col. William Changose, in partnership and in tandem removed the cover from the side of the C-17 aircraft to reveal the name, Ke Aloha, Spirit of Hawaii, which refers to the ever present spirit of warmth and friendship.

“When one talks about the Active Duty and Guard relationship, we say we’re one team first,” said Brig. Gen Pawling.

As part of the Landing Ceremony, the crew chiefs; one from the Guard and one from Active Duty, assigned to the C-17 were given the keys to the aircraft. “It was an honor to receive the key from Gen. Hester and all the other dignitaries,” said Tech. Sgt. Delasierra.

In addition to increasing our global reach and wartime capabilities, the C-17 is expected to bring greater capability for disaster relief throughout the Hawaiian Islands.

According to Brig. Gen. Pawling, the C-17 can do the work of four of the now departed C-130s.

The Landing Ceremony was the culmination of several years worth of preparation and work beginning with the ground breaking ceremony in August 2004. Milestones along the way included, Lt. Gov. Duke Aiona accepting the Hawaiian state flag at the First Assembly, Guard and Active Duty members celebrating the major join, where the C-17 took on the shape of an airplane, and the preparation for its maiden voyage home to Hawaii.

– 2006 March Kūkāʻilimoku pp. 1 & 4

Commander’s Call: TO THE FUTURE AND BEYOND

I want to take the time to thank everyone who helped make the C-17 arrival ceremonies we had in February a tremendous success. I know a lot of time and hard work was devoted to each of the ceremonies by both Guard and Active duty members, please know that it did not go unnoticed. The C-17 is an amazing aircraft. Its load capacity and versatility makes it extremely valuable for us while we continue to fulfill both our state and federal missions.

– 2006 March Kūkāʻilimoku pp. 2