(Top)
Lt. Col. Charlie Smith, Tullahoma Composite Squadron commander and former aircraft commander former aircraft commander for the 118th Airlift Wing’s flying squadron, travels down memory lane as he shares information about the wing’s C-130 aircraft with his cadets.
(Photo by Maj. Jack Hennon)
(Center)
Sr. Mbr. Cindy Arnold, the Tullahoma squadron’s public affairs officer, tries on new headgear on board a C-130.
(Photo by Maj. Jack Hennon)
(Bottom)
C-130s lined up in southwest Asia.
Sr. Mbr. Cindy Arnold
Public Affairs Officer
Tullahoma Composite Squadron
Tennessee Wing
TENNESSEE – A full contingent from the Tullahoma Composite Squadron visited Berry Field Air National Guard Base in Nashville for an in-depth orientation July 28 to the 118th Airlift Wing, the C-130 International Training Squadron training facility and the versatile C-130 aircraft.
Upon arrival at the main gate, the six senior members and 14 cadets were escorted to the Squadron Operations Building for an introduction to the 118th, by 1st Lt. Casey Mitchell, including the history of the “Old Hickory Squadron,” its current mission and its aircraft.
The 118th has been a leader in support of U.S. operations, including the Iraqi War, during which the largest number of C-130s ever were based in a combat environment.
In 2007, the base was selected to instruct allied airmen to fly and employ the C-130, meeting a critical need for international training. Poland has participated in two training classes, and the Netherlands will furnish the next international class.
The Tullahoma members toured the aircraft maintenance facility, a hangar large enough to enclose two C-130s for maintenance. At the time of the tour, two aircraft were in for regular maintenance, allowing the group to closely inspect their engines and mechanics.
The tour was led by the Tullahoma squadron’s commander, Lt. Col. Charlie Smith, a former aircraft commander for the 118th’s flying squadron. As Smith explained the function of some of the aircraft equipment, he recounted stories of how he employed the C-130 during numerous missions over his 19-year career with the Nashville-based Guard unit.
Because of poor weather conditions, including heavy rain and lightning, an orientation flight seemed questionable. But patience, perseverance and flexibility in both scheduling and flight route resulted in a safe and awe-inspiring ride.
Each of the squadron members was able to observe the flight crew and load masters in action during the flight as Smith explained details from the flight deck. Meanwhile, a little turbulence made the flight something other than routine.
Crediting the flight crew with an optimal experience under conditions beyond their control, with tongue in check Smith thanked his former squadron’s members for providing the realistic Southeast Asia monsoon weather and declared the flight well worth it, even if the passengers never saw the ground!
“It was fun to see the ol’ bird operate at 130 decibels again!” he declared.
After the orientation ride came a tour of the new Formal Training Unit facility. An impressive simulator is under construction there, assuring that the 118th Airlift Wing’s historic heritage will continue well into the future.
As the group prepared to depart, Mitchell presented each member with a bagful of photos and souvenirs. Several Guard members told Smith they were impressed with the discipline and interest exhibited by the cadets, making the effort well worth the time they had invested.