315th Airlift Wing Spouse Flight

Spouses of Airmen from the 315th Airlift Wing, Joint Base Charleston, SC, look to the sky as three C-17 Globemaster III's fly overhead in formation at North Auxilary Airfield, North, SC. This event was part of a spouse flight allowing spouses to experience an operational aircraft executing training requirements of the flight crews. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Bobby Pilch)

315th Airlift Wing Spouse Flight

Spouses of Airmen from the 315th Airlift Wing, Joint Base Charleston, SC, pose along the runway at North Auxilary Airfield, North, SC after deplaning from three C-17 Globemaster III aircraft Saturday, Dec. 5. Spouses got the opportunity to witness several aerial demonstrations at North Auxilary Airfield prior to returning to JB Charleston. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Bobby Pilch)

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A C-17 Globemaster III aircraft from Joint Base Charleston, SC flies in formation as spouses from the 315th Airlift Wing here enjoy the view during a spouse flight Saturday, Dec. 5. Spouse flights are an opportunity for spouses of Airmen to experience a peek behind the curtain of what their loved ones do during their monthly unit training assembly weekends and annual tour committment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Bobby Pilch)

315 AW spouses take flight

Published Dec. 6, 2015
By Airman 1st Class Jonathan Lane
315 Airlift Wing Public Affairs

JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. -- Aircrew members from the 315th Airlift Wing here flew spouses of military members on a flight by way of three C-17 Globemaster III aircraft yesterday.

The spouse flight gave the opportunity for 57 Air Force spouses to ride approximately two hours in an operational aircraft, while sharing the experience of a flyer.

“It’s a great opportunity for the families,” said Lt. Col. John Lowe, a pilot with the 701st Airlift Squadron and aircraft commander for one of the C-17s. “It’s a rare and unique chance to see our aircraft and experience what they can do.”

During the flight, spouses experienced an airdrop of simulated cargo along with scenic views from the flightdeck during several takeoffs and landings.

“Spouse flights are awesome,” said Kathy Gilmour, the Key Spouse Mentor and wife of Col. Gregory Gilmour, the 315th Airlift Wing commander. “It shows the spouses what their loved ones do on a daily basis and why it’s important.”

The aircraft landed briefly at North Auxiliary Airfield, located approximately 94 miles northwest of JB Charleston, where the spouses debarked and were given a front-row view of the C-17s flying in formation.

“Impressive is what comes to mind,” said Caroline Fugle, the wife of Josh Fugle who is a loadmaster with the 701st AS. “It makes you appreciate the training and work that goes into what they are doing while they are away from us.”

The afternoon concluded as the spouses rejoined their aircraft at North Auxiliary Airfield and took in breathtaking views of the Carolina coastline from the open cargo doors as they returned to JB Charleston.