Travis Air Force Base is America's first choice

  • Published
  • By Col. Dwight Sones
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing commander
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  In the previous Tailwind, we focused on our mission statement here at Travis Air Force Base: Global mobility excellence...Answering the call. As we begin 2012, I'd like to focus on our vision statement: America's first choice.

So why is Travis America's first choice? It starts with you, the Airmen. Your work ethic, positive attitude and dedication added to our Golden Bear Legacy of Excellence in 2011. It's a legacy that's ingrained in our history and I know it will continue in 2012.

To understand the origins of why we're America's first choice, it's important to first understand the origins of Travis. Following the attacks on Pearl Harbor in 1941, America needed a west coast focal point for aerial operations in the Pacific theater. Its proximity to rail, highway and water transport made Travis America's first choice for a West Coast base. They quickly built two long runways and began training pilots, transporting supplies and defending the West Coast. Travis played a vital role in winning World War II.

Since World War II, Travis has continued to be America's first choice. Travis C-54 Skymasters were called upon to deliver food during the Berlin Airlift. Travis RB-29 Superfortress performed combat reconnaissance during the Korean War. Travis KC-135 Stratotankers refueled bombers in Vietnam during Operation Linebacker II. During the Cold War, Travis B-52 Stratofortress sat alert armed with Hound Dog nuclear missiles. When Saddam Hussein attacked Kuwait, Travis C-141 Starlifters flew 954 airlift missions supporting Operation Desert Shield. Travis C-5 Galaxy aircraft were the first C-5s into Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom. When disaster struck in Haiti, Travis C-17 Globemaster IIIs and Travis Contingency Response Wing personnel were the first in during Operation Unified Response. In 2011, Travis KC-10 Extenders fueled the fight in Libya supporting Operation Odyssey Dawn.

As you can see, Travis has earned the title: America's first choice. Through the years, when our nation calls, we answer that call. It's a culture that's rooted in our history and has been passed down from Airman to Airman.

In 2011 you carried the torch with strength and grace. As we begin 2012, I ask you to remember all the Travis Airmen that have come before us. Remember their sacrifices, hard work and excellence that serve as the foundation of Travis. I challenge you to continue to build upon their legacy and continue to make Travis America's first choice.