Dyess unit prepares for 'D-Day 2001'

DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Tx. (USTCNS) - On June 6, 29 members of the 40th Airlift Squadron here and two C-130s will join forces with Army and other Air Force members to participate in "Normandy: 2001," a re-enactment of the 1944 landing of military forces on the beachhead of Normandy, France.

Capt. Adrienne Fleming, 40th AS instructor navigator and Dyess event coordinator, said this is the first time that the unit has participated in the re-enactment.

"When the 82nd Army Airborne Division needed assistance, Dyess proudly volunteered for the assignment. Because we led the way by volunteering, we were given command of this mission. D-Day is from our past, something hereditary, we are very proud to be part of this re-enactment. Missions like these let you know this is why we are here, and it just makes you proud of the uniform you wear."

The re-enactment marks the 57th anniversary of the Normandy invasion. The mission begins at 8 a.m. with the launch of two C-130s from here. These aircraft will connect with supporting aircraft from Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark., and Pope AFB, N.C. After picking up 132 paratroopers from the 82nd Army Airborne Division, the entire group will convoy to their final destination at the Cherbourg Airport in Cherbourg, France. The convoy is due to arrive at the airport at 4 p.m. June 8, Cherbourg time.

"We are very honored and also very excited," said Etienne Deryckere, Cherbourg Airport manager. "The local communities are looking forward to the event, and I expect a lot of people to be at the airport when the planes arrive. I believe it's going to be very emotional for a lot of people, no matter if they are old enough to have eyewitnessed the real thing or not."

The re-enactment will take place at the "Iron Mike" drop zone on the beaches near the city of San Mere-Eglise, France. The city is this year's sponsor for this commemorative event. (FROM DYESS AFB PUBLIC AFFAIRS)