SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. (USTCNS) --- On an unseasonably warm and sunny day in East Granby, Conn., P-75, the latest production model of the C-17 Globemaster III, was officially named the "Spirit of Connecticut" during a dedication ceremony.
Gen. Charles "Tony" Robertson Jr., commander in chief of U.S. Transportation Command and Air Mobility Command commander, served as one of the main guest speakers for the Oct. 12 ceremony. He said the men and women of Pratt and Whitney, the Connecticut-based company that builds the aircraft's engines, and the people of the Constitution State have ultimately made the C-17 possible.
Robertson said the national resolve depends a great deal on the C-17 workhorse, and the rest of the airlift and tanker fleet, translating the country's anger about recent terrorists events into international accountability. The "Spirit of Connecticut" has already shown what she can do.
"In the very short time that she's (Spirit of Connecticut) been a member of my command, 160 total flying hours, the Spirit of Connecticut has already proven herself worthy," said Robertson. "If you want another note for your scrapbook, her very first operational mission was to transport disaster relief equipment in support of the rescue effort in New York City. And, she's been busy ever since, moving troops and equipment to far away places to oppose those who would challenge our way of life."
Louis Chenevert, Pratt and Whitney president, spoke after Robertson and thanked the men and women of the Air Force for the special recognition.
"We are proud to be honored," said Chenevert. "This is a representation of the passion and commitment of the people of Pratt and Whitney and the people of Connecticut. I'm glad to see General Robertson feels we're successful in our mission. We are happy to build as many engines as are needed to carry on the commitment, and we will continue our legacy in Connecticut of building quality engines."
Brig. Gen. I.J. Zembrzuski, commanding general of the Connecticut Army National Guard, a representative from Senator Joseph Lieberman's office, a representative from Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro's office and retired Gen. Lloyd "Fig" Newton, former Air Education and Training Command commander, also spoke at the ceremony. The tone of all the speeches was one of thanks to the members of the military. After the guest speakers were finished, approximately 100 people, including local reporters, gathered around the C-17.
Chenevert, Jennifer Dollberg, Pratt and Whitney engineer, and Mike Stone, local chapter president of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, pulled a cord, unveiling the name above the door of the aircraft. A cheering crowd quickly lined up at the door to get a closer look inside the aircraft.
Eleven members from Charleston AFB, including Col. Karl Young, 437th Airlift Wing vice commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Harvey Hampton, the wing's command chief master sergeant, were on hand for the event. Charleston is the home of the "Spirit of Connecticut."
The crew of the Spirit of Connecticut mingled with the guests, answering questions and telling stories about their experiences with the plane. Long-time Pratt and Whitney workers seemed the most excited about getting an up close look at the aircraft.
"The men and women of Pratt and Whitney have been building engines for the U.S. Air Force for a long, long time," said Gary Minor, Pratt and Whitney vice president of public affairs. "Then we ship them off, and they're put on airplanes, and they go fly. We're very proud of that, but to actually see the airplane come in to our state and to see the whole thing flying just means an awful lot to the folks at Pratt and Whitney. The people here, just like the people who fly these planes for the Air Force, have a lot of pride in what they do. To see the whole airplane here, especially with the 'Spirit of Connecticut' on it, just means a whole lot our folks."
Pratt and Whitney employees watch the news and stay focused on current events, according to Minor. They know their engines are flying missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, and seeing the planes on the news strengthens their dedication to produce the best product they can, he said.
While working to get the aircraft ready for flight after the ceremony, the "Spirit of Connecticut's" dedicated crew chief, Staff Sgt. John Carter, 437th Aircraft Generation Squadron, said he was proud to have his name on the aircraft.
"I take pride in this airplane by taking care of it the best I can," said Scott. "I make sure it's up and running, and I try to keep it looking a little better than the rest of them out there. I'm happy to represent the state of Connecticut and the people who work here at Pratt and Whitney through this aircraft."
Robertson's remarks about the proven capabilities of the "Spirit of Connecticut" were solidified as the crew prepared the aircraft for departure. The plane was scheduled to fly directly back to Charleston, but was diverted to McGuire AFB, N.J., and Langley AFB, Va., to pick up cargo. Two large fire trucks and two pallets were loaded on the C-17 before it returned home at midnight.
(FROM AIR MOBILITY COMMAND PUBLIC AFFAIRS)
