Wilmington Air Show is a family affair

Published April 22, 2008
By Senior Airman Dani Pacheco
315th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- Major Mark Johnson, a reserve pilot assigned to the 317th Airlift Squadron and the aircraft commander of C-17 tail number 5106 out of Charleston Air Force Base, was excited when he and eight fellow Charleston reservists were flying into his hometown of Wilmington, N.C., for the 2008 Coastal Carolina Air Show.

Maj. Johnson was not only thrilled to introduce the people of Wilmington to the Air Force's newest airlifter, but he was overjoyed to have the opportunity to share the experience with his family.

"My dad is a retired Army colonel so he was able to get manifested on the flight at the passenger terminal to fly space available," said Maj. Johnson. "It was really exciting for me because I've never actually had the opportunity to fly with my dad before and let him see first hand what the C-17 can do. He really enjoyed it."

Joe Johnson Jr., Maj. Johnson's father, was not the only member of the family to turn out for the Wilmington event. Maj. Johnson's brother-in-law, John Lennon, is the vice chairman of the Wilmington International Airport Board of Directors and was integral in getting a C-17 from Charleston AFB out for the event.

Also, Joe "Bubbs" Johnson III, Maj. Johnson's older brother and a 24-year U.S. Airways captain, volunteered with the air show committee and was given the opportunity to marshal the C-17 into its spot when it arrived.

Another Wilmington native, Tech. Sergeant Brian Farmintino, a loadmaster with the 300th Airlift Squadron, also had the pleasure of showing off the C-17 to his neighbors, family and friends. He was able to bring out coworkers from his civilian job at a local Wilmington hospital, as well as, his wife and young daughter.

"I'm glad my daughter got to come out and see the plane. She loved hanging out and talking to the crew so much that she wanted to come out again on Sunday and do it all over again," said Sergeant Farmintino.

The Wilmington boys were proud to represent the military in their hometown and were equally honored when Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo stopped by to shake their hands and learn about the C-17.

"It's a privilege to see some homegrown folks come back to Wilmington and fly this beautiful C-17. We are so excited for Mark and Brian and what they do for our country. It is just an honor," said Mayor Saffo.

The crew of the C-17 worked hard over the course of the 2-day air show, giving tours and answering what seemed like millions of questions. However, at the close of the air show the crew had one more mission to accomplish.

Designated 'Thunderbird 14,' the C-17 crew was responsible for bringing the 50 member crew of the Air Force's aerial demonstration team, the Thunderbirds, back to Charleston AFB.

After finally touching down in Charleston, the nine member reserve crew of tail 5106 completed their mission.

"The air show was well put together, the people were friendly and everything went off without a hitch," said Maj. Mark Johnson. "The Air Force personnel we brought with us were the top-notch, best in the wing, and that made this trip outstanding."

Special thanks to the Wilmington Air Show crew:

Maj. Mark Johnson, 317th AS
Maj. Sheila Johnson, 317th AS
Capt. Jason Welch, 317th AS
Tech. Sgt. Brad Hughes, 317 AS
Tech. Sgt. Brian Farmintino, 300th AS
Tech. Sgt. John Urbanski Jr., 315th AMXS
Staff Sgt. Logan Cathcart, 317 AS