Airlift legacy

  • Published
  • By Col. Mark Dillon
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing commander
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  This year marks the 60th Anniversary of one of the most distinguished air mobility efforts in history -- the Berlin Airlift. The successful airlift operation was the first Cold War victory and a true triumph for democracy.

The legendary humanitarian effort supplied 2.3 million tons of food, coal and other necessary equipment to two million West Berlin residents stranded during the Soviet blockade. The successful airplane-only delivery of life-saving essentials occurred as a result of dedicated air mobility pioneers. These pioneers -- LeMay, Tunner, Clay, Halvorsen -- overcame insurmountable challenges and along the way improved airlift efficiency, implemented new safety rules and innovated new tactics, techniques and procedures. When Operation Vittles ended on Sept. 30, 1949, 278,228 missions were flown in 322 days.

That sortie pace -- one flight every 90 seconds -- matches Air Mobility Command's current operations. It was dedicated and innovative Airmen who, much like you, were the key to success.

The Berlin Airlift helped to unify former World War II enemies, and develop lasting camaraderie between the United States and Germany. In commemoration of this historic effort, the German government is sponsoring a traveling exhibit which highlights the heroism and heritage of the Airmen of 60 years ago. Our air museum will host the exhibit from Oct. 15 through Nov. 28. Fittingly, the display will be flanked by the museum's C-47 Skytrain, "Okie Dokie," which flew the air corridors into Berlin. During the event's opening ceremony Oct. 15, 20 Berlin Airlift veterans from Northern California will be honored by the German Consulate.

To further celebrate this historic milestone, Lt. Col. Tom Brannon, a retired United States Marine Corps pilot, will present a thought-provoking lecture Oct. 17 at 1:30 p.m. in the base theater. Mr. Brannon, a renowned military motivational speaker and intense airpower advocate, will reflect on past air campaigns and inspire professional development. I encourage all Team Travis Airmen to come out and hear Mr. Brannon speak. 

As the decades pass, Team Travis has diligently preserved our air mobility legacy. Next week's German Consulate ceremony and Mr. Brannon's lectures are two great examples celebrating that legacy. The "we can haul anything" determination of Gen. Curtis LeMay during the Berlin Airlift continues today as we successfully prosecute the Global War on Terrorism.