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Reservists take the lead in historic presidential mission to Cuba

  • Published
  • By Maj. Wayne Capps
  • 315th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
HAVANA, CUBA --  For the first time in over 88 years, a sitting U.S. President embarked on a historic diplomatic mission to Havana, Cuba and Charleston Reservists played a vital role.

Reservists from the 315th Airlift Wing took the lead in a medical mission and remained ready in case they were needed along with a crew from the 16th Airlift Squadron, while the president was on the island nation.

“Our job was to be prepare for the worst case scenario and to be ready at a moments notice in case we were needed,” said Capt. Ed Sutton, a reserve pilot with the 701st Airlift Squadron. “This shows a lot of confidence in our abilities and confidence in the Reserve to lead a mission like this."

“This is where your training kicks in,” said 1st Lt. Chelsea Lesniewski, a pilot from the 701st Airlift Squadron, who was on the mission. “We are all excited about being in Havana, but we are here to get the president where he needs to go and to be trusted with that responsibility is a pretty big deal."

“In some ways, we do this kind of mission all the time, but being in Havana is significant,” elaborated Sutton. “I feel honored to be trusted with a medical support mission of this magnitude.”

“Sitting on a C-17 in Havana with surgeons and medical staff for the president is significant,” said Tech. Sgt. John McNiece, a loadmaster with the 701st Airlift Squadron. “We definitely know how important it is being the first reserve C-17 crew to land in Havana."

Spending several days in the communist country was also a unique experience for the crew.

“This is a historical mission that I was excited to be a part of,” said Sutton. “I brought a journal to take notes and I am taking lots of pictures. This experience will be cool to tell the family about years from now.”

Lesniewski also felt enthusiastic to be a part of the historic mission, “You can feel it in the air; the people here are excited for the changes that are coming. But, I am just glad I was able to be here to see Havana like it is, before the chain restaurants and the modern technology moves in,” she said.

“It was moving to have the opportunity to watch Air Force One land alongside a crowd of Cubans,” said McNiece. “The excitement was palpable and the vibe for the duration of his visit was upbeat and positive. Cubans and Americans came together to make this mission a success. The significance was certainly not lost on them.”