Welcome "Spirit of Solano"

  • Published
  • By Col. Steve Arquiette
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing commander
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  The first of the long-awaited C-17s, the "Spirit of Solano," arrives Tuesday marking another significant point in Travis history for the 60th Air Mobility Wing and our partners in the 349th Air Mobility Wing! 

We have worked many years for this day and there are many people and teams to thank as we proudly accept this new weapon system and mission for Team Travis and our community. 

The successful bed down of the aircraft, which will be arriving over the next year, took a great deal of planning and hard work. I would like to specifically recognize Col. Michael Shanahan and the rest of the C-17 Program Office along with their planning committee for overseeing this project. 

Over the last eight months, they have planned every detail of ensuring C-17 mission success, overseeing the critical task of enabling a smooth bed down of 13 aircraft, including more than $180 million worth of construction projects. 

The great arrival ceremony, starting at 10 a.m., will cap off their efforts with style! 

We must also thank our community partners for their immense support during this process. They have been behind us every step of the way and I am extremely excited the aircraft was named in honor of their hard work and dedicated support. 

The Solano County Board of Supervisors recently read a public proclamation during an official gathering which clearly annunciated their pride and their pledge for further support of all members of Team Travis. 

While looking forward to this new mission is exciting, it's also equally important to look back and understand where we've been. As we observe the 56th anniversary of the B-29 crash that killed the general this base is named after, it's interesting to reflect at the significant history this base has as Air Mobility Command's largest wing. 

Soon after the on-base crash that killed Brig. Gen. Robert Travis on Aug. 5, 1950, the Fairfield-Suisun Army Air Base was named in his honor. At the time of his death, General Travis commanded the 9th Strategic Air Command which was located here at the base. A graduate of West Point and an aviation engineer, the general became a command pilot and commanded the 41st Combat Wing during World War II. 

Through the years, Travis established itself as a major West Coast base. Travis became a busy transport base to and from the wars in Korea and Vietnam, including bringing back Prisoners of War as they were released from Vietnam and supporting the repatriation of our fallen heroes. 

Today, we continue to play an essential role in the Pacific basin as well as diligently serve in the Global War on Terrorism. From our medical and support people deploying to the fight, to our aircrew members who endlessly bring cargo, fuel and people to and from the area of responsibility, to our families who serving their country at home, every member of Team Travis is heavily involved! 

So, as we celebrate the arrival of this great new aircraft to Team Travis, I ask you to take a moment and remember our history. Stop by our fabulous Museum here on base and spend an hour looking and learning--you'll be amazed at the accomplishments Team Travis has achieved over the many years! We are turning another page, but our legacy continues on. 

BE PROUD! BE SAFE!