March transports M1 Abrams tank for training Published March 10, 2009 By Staff Sgt. Megan Crusher 452 AMW Public Affairs MARCH AIR RESERVE BASE, CALIF. -- The 452d TALCE, along with the 50th and 56th Aerial Port Squadrons and 729th Airlift Squadron, recently uploaded an M1 Abrams Tank onto one of March's C-17s and flew it here. The whole event was "an extraordinary training opportunity," said Senior Master Sgt. James Zubor, Air Transportation Superintendent. The tank, weighing nearly 129,000 pounds was brought in to support the training needs of both aircrew and ground handlers. Those participating learned how to on-load and offload the vehicle, while the aircrew gained experience with flying and landing such a heavy object onboard. The Airmen involved went to Victorville Southern Calif. Logistics Airport (formerly known as George AFB) to pick up the M1 Abrams tank from the Army's 1st Squadron, 11th Cavalry Regiment, where it was loaded, flown to March and off-loaded. It was later up-loaded and off-loaded several more times for additional practice. "The training was extremely successful and the folks received valuable training for upcoming deployments," said Senior Master Sgt. Zubor. (Senior Master Sgt. James Zubor contributed to this story.)