HAVANA, CUBA -- As President Obama landed in Havana, Cuba, it marked the first time a sitting U.S. President visited the communist nation in over 88 years, and Joint Base Charleston Airmen played a pivotal role in the historic mission.

Airmen from the 628th Air Base Wing, 437th and 315th Airlift Wings provided everything from aircrew members, fuels, security and maintenance personnel, as well as financial and logistical support for the diplomatic endeavor.

“This was a very big undertaking with a lot of people involved,” said Senior Airman Michael Eckert, a loadmaster with the 16th Airlift Squadron. “It is a lot to wrap your head around."

One of the critical missions performed by JBC Airmen was to support the medical teams who remained on standby 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 1stLt. 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."

Many of the Airmen supporting the diplomatic mission were excited to be a part of history and restoring ties with the financially embargoed nation.

“I think we will be looking back years from now saying, I was a part of that,” said Staff Sgt. Austin Barkdoll, a flying crew chief with the 437th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. “I am really glad to be one of the first military representatives from the U.S. to be here. I think being on this mission is pretty special."

Barkdoll was not alone in his sentiments, Lesniewski also agreed, “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.

Speaking about the diplomatic portion of the mission, Eckert stressed. “I really hope this all works out. I would love to come back here on vacation in 10 years.”