2007: Year in Review

  • Published
  • By Capt. Marnee A.C. Losurdo & Senior Airman Andria J. Allmond
  • 512th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Change is inevitable - except from a vending machine," American author Robert C. Gallagher once said. 

Humor and lost change aside, 2007 proved to be a year of transformation for the Liberty Wing, ranging from new leadership to a new mission. 

The year kicked off with the anticipation of the C-17 Globemaster III. To prepare for its arrival, the 512th Maintenance Group reorganized Feb. 4 and activated the 712th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, which assumed the C-17 maintenance mission. 

The 326th Airlift Squadron took their final C-5 flight March 10, converted to the C-17 mission April 1, and formally welcomed the first C-17, the Spirit of the Constitution, June 4. The next day, the 326th AS began a new era of airlift at Dover Air Force Base taking the first flight, a local training mission. The base welcomed six more C-17s throughout the year, the sixth aircraft arriving Nov. 9 and the seventh is slated to arrive Dec. 3. Dover is scheduled to receive six more C-17s in 2008. 

It was also a year of hails and farewells. The base welcomed several new commanders. Col. Randal L. Bright assumed leadership of the 512th Airlift Wing June 9 from Col. Ronald A. Rutland, who took a position with 22nd Air Force and retired Sept. 8. Col. Steven Harrison took command of the 436th AW May 8 from Col. Sam Cox who transferred to the Pentagon. 

Chief Master Sgt. Caroline V. Vennell, former 512th Airlift Wing command chief, retired March 10 and passed the torch to Chief Master Sgt. William T. Wild III, 512th Security Forces Squadron. 

This summer, the wing also said farewell to the 512th MXG Commander Col. Willie W. Cooper II, who moved to Pope Air Force Base, N.C. Col. Alan H. Lerner took the group's reigns upon his arrival from Willow Grove Air Reserve Station, Pa. He was one of several 913th Airlift Wing members to transfer to the Liberty Wing as Willow Grove Air Reserve Station, Pa., prepares to close. The 512th Aerospace Medicine Squadron wasn't left untouched. Col. Walton F. Reddish took command of the squadron upon Col. Jeffrey Hilovsky's retirement. 

A new mission and leadership were not the year's only highlights. The Air Force celebrated 60 years of air power, announced the creation of the Airman's Creed, a new medal, and updates to uniform wear policies and enlisted and officer performance reports. 

In April, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley announced the creation of the Airman's Creed, which exhibits the Air Force heritage and warfighting ethos. That same month, Air Force officials announced the creation of the AF Combat Action Medal, and the CSAF presented the first medals in June to six Airmen, one of which was a reservist. In November, Tech. Sgt. Gerry La Chance, a 712th AMXS shift supervisor, was the Liberty Wing's first recipient of this medal. 

In August, Air Force officials announced the mandatory wear date of November 2011 for the Airman Battle Uniform; and, Air Force Reserve officials revealed their plans for Air Reserve Technicians to wear military uniforms while working in civilian status.
The AF also changed the physical fitness test standards to pass or fail, eliminating the "marginal" category. AF officials also revealed new EPRs and OPRs, which incorporated fewer lines and a section to document annual fitness scores. 

August also saw hundreds of 512th Airmen take on Ability to Survive and Operate training, and in November, wing members participated in a deployment exercise in preparation for the Operational Readiness Inspection in July 2008. 

2007 saw the 46th Aerial Port Squadron move into their new facility in October; and, in November Air Mobility Command officials announced beginning Jan. 1, most cargo destined for locations in the Central Command area of responsibility will shift from Charleston AFB, S.C., to aerial ports here and at McGuire AFB, N.J. 

However, it wasn't a year of all work and no play. On Sept. 15, nearly 700 members of Team Dover celebrated the AF's 60th Birthday, with a 'Heritage to Horizons' Ball held at Dover Downs. The AF was founded Sept. 18, 1947. 

November kicked off with great news as well. AMC officials announced Nov. 2 that Dover AFB outperformed Travis AFB, Calif., and Charleston AFB, S.C., in the AMC Commander in Chief's Installation Excellence Award and rewarded Dover $100,000 for quality-of-life projects. 

Overall, it's been a year of exciting and historic events, and this year in review summarized, many but not all, of 2007's highlights. The New Year will usher in its own share of new challenges, one of which is preparing for the July 2008 ORI. And, once again, Liberty Wing members will prove true to the wing's vision that we are ready with unrivaled Airmen and global airlift for freedom's defense.