Flying from Hickam AFB, Hawaii, to the island of Kauai, both the Hawaii Air National Guard and active duty Air Force airmen helped deliver critical equipment being used to pump out floodwaters from the island. The Hawaii ANG’s 204th Airlift Squadron and 291st Combat Communications Squadron worked with the active duty 535th Airlift Squadron to fly pumping equipment on one of Hickam’s new C-17s. The 36,000 pounds of equipment was too great a load for a KC-135 or CH-47 helicopter, officials said, but the C-17 delivered the load overnight to the small island.
Airmen basic rarely go on to become four-star generals, but one who did retired last week after a 42 year career that saw him rise from a lowly slick-sleeve to the head of one of the Air Force’s most important major commands.