DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- Representatives from the law enforcement, education, business, medical and local political arenas got a birds-eye view of an air-refueling mission May 11 as the new group of honorary commanders from the 436th and 512th Airlift Wings took part in a C-5 Galaxy orientation flight.
The day began with the flight mission and weather briefings at the 9th Airlift Squadron. Maj. Mark Heffernan, 436th Operations Support Squadron aircraft commander, then cleared the civilian commanders for their four-hour mission.
The dual air-refueling mission partnered a C-5 Galaxy from Dover with two KC-10 Extenders from the 305th and the 514th Air Mobility Wings at McGuire Air Force Base, N.J.
Allen Zipke, 512th Operations Support Flight honorary commander and administrator for the Campus Community School in Dover, was selected to ride up front for take-off and said the experience was something he'll never forget.
"I was in total amazement with the knowledge and complete expertise of our pilots and crew," said Mr. Zipke. "Watching them go through their checklists and knowing everything about the huge C-5 was unbelievable. The flight was a fantastic experience."
The unique opportunity for military and civilian leaders to join forces and learn about their equivalent career fields began more than 15 years ago. There have been more than 300 community leaders that have participated in orientation flights over the years. The inception of the Dover AFB Honorary Commanders Program took shape in 1992, as the first Air Mobility Command base to start the program.
The program's goal is to pair up two professionals - one military and one civilian - together to learn more about each other's profession. It's also a commitment from both sides to devote the time and attention into fostering a sense of community and understanding and maybe even lasting friendships.
The target audiences for becoming an honorary commander are professionals from the business, education, medical, finance and political career fields.
The program also allows an opportunity for an exchange of information and interaction between the two commanders.
Harry Naugle, 436th Civil Engineer Squadron honorary commander from the Delmar Fire Department, is in his fourth year in the program and can be seen around many of the CE facilities. He continues to share his enthusiasm and attends the squadron's commander's calls and presents a "Community Service" award to a squadron member at each event.
After yesterday's flight, Mr. Naugle stated before his involvement with the Honorary Commander program, he didn't realize the enormity of the Dover AFB mission.
"I appreciate what our military members do and I take every opportunity to spread the word in the community," he said.
Some of the greatest accolades for the program comes from Col. Chad Manske, 436th AW vice commander, who was at the controls for the take-off and landing on the May 11 flight.
"Dover Air Force Base and the Dover area community enjoy some of the best relationships between the military and local people of anywhere that I have seen in my military career," said Colonel Manske. "Our honorary commanders help us educate the rest of the community about Dover AFB and our global airlift mission - it's a win-win situation. A successful program like the honorary commander one here helps us to continue this important and lasting bond."