C-21 fleet honors local communities

Six C-21 aircraft operated by the 458th Airlift Squadron were named in honor of the communities surrounding Scott Air Force Base last week. The Aircraft were named the Spirits of Belleville, Swansea, Mascoutah, Lebanon, O'Fallon and Shiloh. Mayors of the respective communities and other civic leaders attended plane naming ceremonies on Monday and Tuesday to officially unveil the logos just to the right of the entrance to the planes. All of the visiting mayors expressed great excitement and gratitude for the honors their town received. 375th Airlift Wing commander Col. Al hunt explained the aircraft naming as great way for JTF Scott to show its gratitude for the support it receives from the surrounding communities. The logos on the planes will also be a great way for passengers and flight crews on the planes to start discussions about the continuing support. Pictured (left to right) Lebanon Mayor Scott Abner, Mascoutah Mayor Jerry Daugherty, 375th Airlift Wing commander Colonel Al Hunt, O'Fallon Mayor Gary Graham and Shiloh Mayor Jim Vernier on the flightline just before the official namings of their aircraft.