Travis AFB provides airlift support for Haiti humanitarian relief

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Holly Hess
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  A C-17 Globemaster III from Travis Air Force Base, Calif., deployed Wednesday in support of humanitarian relief for the recent earthquake in Haiti.

The aircrew was alerted at 11:15 a.m. Pacific Standard Time, and within 16 hours, the crew was on the ground in Haiti with support.

"We were told by the 618th Tanker Airlift Control Center that we were the first C-17 into Haiti," said Capt. Mike Rubeling, C-17 pilot with the 21st Airlift Squadron. "We are at the tip of the spear, providing the eyes and ears for all of Air Mobility Command.

"We set the foundation for humanitarian effort," he said. "Team Travis pulled together quickly, banding together almost like it was 9/11."

The C-17 was carrying 82,600 pounds of cargo and 73 passengers for humanitarian relief efforts. A three-man Security Forces Raven team was on board to provide aircrew and aircraft security.

On their way to Haiti, the aircraft stopped at March Air Reserve Base, Calif., to pick up California Task Force 2, an urban search and rescue team specializing in collapsed structures.

"The first few hours are the most critical to find survivors," said Capt. Chris Ross, C-17 pilot with the 21st AS. "Without immediate response the survivor rate would decrease vastly.

"Our combat controllers secured the airfield and controlled the airspace making it possible to provide support," he added.

Upon arrival in Haiti, 12 aircraft circled the airfield, waiting for their chance to land. The offloaded support cargo delivered by other aircraft crowded aircraft parking spaces.

"Additionally, a variety of languages and heavy accents made communicating a challenge when it came time to land," said Capt. Ryan Burns, C-17 aircraft commander from the 21st AS. "Italy, Germany, Belgium, France and the Dominican Republic were just a handful of the countries represented. This response is a major international effort."

Upon completing the mission, the C-17 and aircrew returned safely to Charleston AFB, S.C., where they will remain on alert if further support is needed.