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Charleston Airmen deliver at Marine Corps airshow

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Shane Ellis
  • 315th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION YUMA, Ariz. --  Reserve Airmen from the 315th Airlift Wing here traveled to Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz. and represented the U.S. Air Force Reserve by displaying and giving tours of a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft at the 50th Annual MCAS Yuma Airshow March 17.

This year's airshow marked a historic event as it was a celebration of the Marine Aviation Centennial 1912-2012.

"We are honored to have the opportunity to be here and participate in this important event," said Lt. Col. Craig Bartosh, 701st Airlift Squadron C-17 standards and evaluation pilot. "The C-17 is used to transport troops and cargo from all branches of the military to bases all over the world, and airshows like this are where people have the opportunity to see this mighty aircraft up close."

The C-17 stood tall above the other aircraft at the airshow, and it only took a few minutes before people were lined up outside of the jet as they waited patiently for their opportunity to explore the Behemoth.

As the airshow visitors made their way through the C-17, the Joint Base Charleston crew gave them their undivided attention: they answered questions, they signed autographs, they took time for photographs, and they put smiles on faces young and old.

"Participating in an airshow is the best type of job satisfaction," said Capt. Andy Bean, 701st Airlift Squadron C-17 pilot. "You do your job every day, and then you get to the airshow are realize everybody wants to do what you do. It really helps you appreciate your job when you realize just how much everyone looks up to you, especially the kids."

Numerous comments were made by the visitors who toured the aircraft, and the first response often heard from people was "wow, this thing is huge."

As the day progressed, the Charleston Airmen engaged in many conversations. With smiles on their faces, the crew listened: veterans reminisced of times past, young men and women inquired about present opportunities, and children asked about their futures as Airmen in the U.S. Air Force.

The MCAS Yuma airshow was a huge success, and the Team Charleston members shined as ambassadors of the USAFR and the 315 AW.

According to Senior Airman Steve Murray, 701st Airlift Squadron loadmaster, "the airshow was an excellent opportunity to showcase our mission to the community."