New aircraft on the flightline Published Feb. 27, 2007 By Tech. Sgt. Chris Stagner 375th Airlift Wing Public Affaird SCOTT AFB, Ill. -- The skies above Scott Air Force Base got a new look Monday when the 932nd Airlift Wing welcomed the C-40C to its inventory. The wing, the only Air Force Reserve unit in the state of Illinois with a flying mission, received the first of three brand new aircraft to augment its mission of transporting distinguished visitors. Before Monday, the 932nd AW performed its transcontinental DV transport mission exclusively on board the C-9C aircraft. The C-40C increases the air expeditionary mission of the 932nd AW exponentially, according to Lt. Gen. John Bradley, Air Force Reserve Command commander. "The mission of the C-40 is important to the Air Force and the nation," said General Bradley. "Its ability to fly 10-hour missions brings a new capability to flying long-distance missions." The long-distance flights aren't the only bonus of the aircraft according to the general. "This aircraft has a phenomenal capability and is a dream to fly," said the commander. "It [will be] a great treat for the aircrew who operate it and the maintainers who will keep it in top shape." Gen. Duncan McNabb, Air Mobility Command commander, thanked the civic leaders and community members who helped welcome the new aircraft. "You had a big part in bringing this beautiful new aircraft to Scott," said the general. "This community has truly thought about the future. Scott would not be where we are today without your support and vision. "When this aircraft hit the ground here, it was a win for America," said General McNabb. "It demonstrates what it means to be part of a great country." Of course, welcoming new aircraft marks a milestone for the 932nd AW, but its arrival on Scott was an important day for everyone, according to 375th AW Commander Col. Al Hunt. The colonel said it took leadership and Airmen at all levels to make this day a reality for the joint total force at Scott. "A lot of folks talk the talk, but [Joint Total Force] Scott makes it happen everyday," said Colonel Hunt. "This is just another example of how that (joint total force) partnership will continue." Col. Maryanne Miller, 932nd AW commander, agreed with Colonel Hunt's JTF assessment. "This was a total effort by the 932nd and the 375th crews from the beginning," she said. "Being fully integrated in the DV mission has been and will continue to be the most effective way to provide full support to the customer." From 1969 to 2003, personnel from the 932nd and 375th airlift wings worked side by side performing aeromedical evacuation missions aboard the now retired C-9A Nightingale. When the 932nd changed its mission to DV airlift in 2003 with three new C-9C aircraft, the close relationship between the two wings was put on hold. With the C-40C, Air Force Reserve and active duty crews will once again work together performing the same mission and revitalizing what has always been close relationship, said Colonel Miller. The 375th AW will have an active associate unit working with the 932nd. This means some of the flight attendants and pilots on the 932nd AW's aircraft will be active duty Air Force members from the 375th Operations Group. Together, Airmen from the two wings will support the mission of transporting such dignitaries as the first lady, the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, senators, congressmen and other high ranking government and military officials. Though there are 16 total C-40 aircraft in the government inventory, the aircraft delivered to Scott has a few upgrades compared to other C-40s to accommodate the DV mission, according Boeing spokesman retired Lt. Gen. Ron Marcotte. "Unlike the other C-40s, this aircraft delivered today has the upgraded avionics rewired to handle classified communications ... and auxiliary fuel tanks which allow nonstop flight to Hickam or Ramstein," he said. According to Colonel Miller, Monday marked the beginning of a great new era not only for Scott, but for the U.S. Air Force as well.