Civic leaders view airdrop mission

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Cohen A. Young
  • Defense Media Activity
HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE, Hawaii --  A C-17 crew assigned to the 535th Air Mobility Squadron got the opportunity to showcase the capabilities of the C-17 Globemaster III., to community leaders here Dec. 14.

Thirteen civic leaders from the Air Force Civilian Advisory Council and Friends of Hickam were treated to an awe-inspiring flight aboard  the C-17 as the aircrew showed off the aircraft's maneuverability and air drop capabilities above Oahu's North Shore area.

The civic leaders were greeted by 15th Airlift Wing Commander, Col. Giovanni Tuck, as part of their initial indoctrination to the aviation world - he explained the process of air drop.

"Today, you'll see a demonstrated capability that most people don't see," said Col. Tuck. "In my opinion it's pretty spectacular when the canopy opens up and the package goes out - it will be an amazing sight."

The group witnessed a precision air drop in which the C-17 crew flew over the designated area, Kanes Drop Zone on Oahu's North Shore, and released cargo which landed within 10 meters of the point of impact.

"We practice in peacetime so that we can do it in war-time or in a humanitarian effort," said Lt. Col. Andrew J. Leshikar, 535th Airlift Squadron commander. "It's not always about bullets on target; it's about going to American Samoa and China delivering aid and doing good stuff."

Lt. Col. Leshikar enlightened the group with a personal account of a mission in Afghanistan when he explained the effect the C-17 has on moving cargo and personnel.

"Our C-17 can land in very austere conditions so the Army and Marine Corps can get their stuff on time," said Lt. Col. Leshikar. "The C-17 mission is increasing which helps decrease the amount of convoys, which, in turn, helps our ground forces greatly."

The group was taken to the flightline after their initial brief and was able to view the enormous C-17 up close. They then boarded the jet and were guided to their seats where they were strapped in and briefed by the loadmaster, Senior Airman Brett Radzewicz, from Cumberland, R.I.

"I had a great time and it was really fun," said Leslie Cho, Friends of Hickam member. "Just to experience it was something good and I was lucky enough to be in the cockpit during takeoff."

"From the pre-flight orientation to the de-briefing, we all felt like a part of the team, something not too many people get a chance to experience even if for just a brief moment," Cho added. "I think everyone was in awe as they tried to get pictures, it was so cool; it really was."

Friends of Hickam and the AFCAC serve as liaisons between Hickam AFB and the community. The community leaders are instrumental in working with the Air Force on community relations and Airmen quality of life issues on and off base.