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315th AW wins big at European air show

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Shane Ellis
  • 315th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Recognized for “Best Static Display,” Airmen from the 315th Airlift Wing at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina delivered military pride, strength and technology with a C-17 at the Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton International Air Day July 11, 2015.

 

The air show marked 75 years of existence for RNAS Yeovilton and provided the 315th AW an international stage to showcase its Airmen, aircraft and a lot of southern hospitality.

 

Air Day presented more than 37,000 visitors. And, with aircraft of all ages and sizes dazzling spectators as they took to the sky, it was the mighty C-17 on static display that pulled in more than 2,000 people who all exited the crew entrance door with smiles on their faces after touring the aircraft. 

 

Earning the title of “Best Static Display” did not come by plane alone. Five pilots, two loadmasters and one flying crew chief rolled out the red carpet of charm and hospitality for more than eight hours as they gave tours, answered questions and told visitors about their roles, duties and responsibilities on the C-17.

 

“I’m proud of our team,” said Lt. Col. Craig Bartosh, a C-17 pilot with the 701st Airlift Squadron. “Giving people tours, standing, talking and interacting with people for more than eight hours can be tiresome but everyone brought their ‘A’ game. They were more than accommodating, and they made sure people left the plane with smiles on their faces.”

 

More than 30 aircraft were on static display at the show, and the bright yellow Charleston tail stripe could be seen from any corner of the grounds.

 

“Everyone I talked to at the show could not get over the size of the plane,” said Tech. Sgt. James Fuller, a loadmaster with the 300th Airlift Squadron. “It’s amazing how impressive it is to other people when they find out that a C-17 can carry troops and cargo at the same time. How cool is that?”

 

“For me, it really is an honor to be able to represent the U.S. Air Force Reserve and the 315th Airlift Wing at this International air show,” added Fuller.

 

Lt. Col. Ronaldo Christianson, a pilot with the 701st Airlift Squadron and aircraft commander, said the air show is a reminder of our global presence and what the men and women of the 315th AW do on a daily basis.

 

“Airmen from the 315th Airlift Wing are constantly engaged in operations and training in the United Kingdom,” said Christianson.  “Air shows like this are a great opportunity for us to showcase our Airmen, build and foster relationships and give people a closer look at what Reservists do as we contribute to the success of current and future military operations around the world.”

 

The C-17 static display was impressive; however, it was the Airmen from the 315th AW who stole the show and brought home the trophy for “Best Static Display.”

 

“This is an honor we will cherish,” said Bartosh. “We are carrying this trophy back to Charleston, and we will display it with pride. All the credit goes to our Airmen, and this truly is representative of our history, culture and heritage. I can’t speak highly enough about these guys and what they accomplished at the show.”