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Andrews adds C-37A aircraft to current fleet
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The aircraft will enhance the wing's long-range airlift capabilities, enabling it to increase the scope of airlift for senior military leaders and government officials.
"With the new plane, we can accommodate more customers and significantly increase the number of special air missions," said Maj. Rob Crone, 99th Airlift Squadron chief of squadron standard evaluations.
A team of 11, consisting of six members from the 89th Operations Group and five members from the 89th Logistics Group took the weeklong trip to Savannah to inspect and test the aircraft out before flying to Andrews.
While in Savannah, the operations crew flew to check out the plane and equipment. During those six to seven hour flights, the pilots, flight engineer, radio operator and flight attendant worked alongside Gulfstream crewmembers, thoroughly inspecting every feature to ensure everything was fully operational before departing on the hour-long flight here. The aircraft arrived here with fewer than 30 hours flight time on its logbook.
"The modern nature of the plane enhances safety, comfort and reliability to the SAM fleet," said Lt. Col. Scott Hanson, 99th Airlift Squadron commander.
"Its ability to fly longer distances provides the customers and crew a unique and world-class mode of transportation."
The versatility and reliability of the C-37A makes the new plane a valuable addition and asset to the 89th fleet said Lt. Col. Dave Dale, 99th AS assistant operations officer.
Another important aspect of the trip to Savannah was the logistics side. The maintenance team worked with the Gulfstream team, inspecting the aircraft and working out any bugs before the official hand-off to the Air Force. The team performed ground inspections and participated in the flight tests to ensure it met standards in the air and on the ground.
"The new plane will not affect the daily operations of the maintenance crew because we already have two C-37s in our fleet," said Master Sgt. Frank D'Angelo, 89th Logistics Group program manager.
"We are extremely excited to have this new C-37A on our Andrews ramp," said Col. Michael Manning, 89th Logistics Group commander.
"The Air Mobility Command has underscored its faith in the 89th (AW) by allowing us to flight check this aircraft prior to its 150-hour warranty inspection and subsequent delivery to Europe."
Once the aircraft reaches 150 flight hours, it will return to Savannah for a programmed inspection before it reaches its final destination.
It will then become an asset of Gen. Joseph W. Ralston, supreme allied commander Europe and U.S. European Command commander. (FROM ANDREWS AIR FORCE BASE PUBLIC AFFAIRS).
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