An air show and much more: March ARB C-17 aircrew also supported humanitarian relief missions to Georgia

  • Published
  • By Col. Martin Wojtysiak
  • Air Force ROTC, San Diego State University
MARCH AIR RESERVE BASE, CALIF. --  March ARB's C-17 West Coast Demonstration Team (WCDT) added another satisfied European nation to their impressive list of international air show customers. The team, led by Aircraft Commander Lt. Col. Keith Guillotte, visited two Hungarian air bases during Aug. 13 - 18. The 10-member crew departed March on Aug. 13 moving "opportune" cargo and passengers destined to support humanitarian relief missions in the Republic of Georgia, during en route stops at McGuire AFB and Ramstein AB. 

After Ramstein, the 452 AMW team arrived Aug. 14 to a welcoming crowd at their first Hungarian destination, Pápa Air Base. Their arrival carried special significance as Pápa AB will be the new home of the 12-nation "Heavy Airlift Wing" (HAW) comprised of newly purchased C-17s. However, since the HAW's first aircraft aren't expected until late 2008, the March aircraft and crew made history as they provided the "first glimpse" of future Globemaster III operations at Pápa. 

The WCDT's appearance was further highlighted by an extraordinary payload the crew added during their stop at Ramstein. Upon opening the cargo door, loadmasters Tech. Sgt. Sergio Melendez and Staff Sgt. Rob Haberlein revealed bulging pallets (15,000 pounds in all) of school supplies, a gift from the U.S. Department of Defense to the City of Pápa. The Hungarian government was especially grateful for the supplies, destined to assist the city as it establishes the first English-speaking school in Pápa's history this fall. Mayer Gábor Kovács greeted each crewmember and expressed his personal thanks for their important delivery

Friday began early as the crew opened the aircraft for some special guests - Hungary's Minister of Defense, Imré Székeres, and a double-decker busload of media and press journalists looking for their first "up close and personal" tour of the C-17. Hungary's Chief of Defense, General Andras Hávril, also accompanied the gathering along with several other national and municipal leaders. Lt. Col. Guillotte and crew answered every question and meticulously covered the unique and contemporary aspects of the Globemaster III. That evening, all major Hungarian television networks featured the Defense Minister's visit with the March bird and crew. They also reported that the Team would demonstrate the jet at the Hungarian National Air Show the following day. 

Perhaps it was the public's anticipation of their first in-person look at a modern airlifter that brought the record turnout to the national air show at Kecskemét Air Base. Their eagerness was rewarded Saturday morning when Guillotte and fellow demo-pilot, Lt. Col. Tim Harris arrived from Pápa with an over-the-field "banana pass" that led to a majestic sweeping turn to a touch and go landing. 

The huge crowd was astonished by the powerful climb capability, as Lt. Col. Harris lifted the nose to nearly 40 degrees high - a truly amazing spectacle for such a sizeable aircraft. The exhibition ended with a crescendo as Lt. Col. Guillotte displayed the short-field capability, bringing the jet from landing to a full stop within 1,200 feet, then using earsplitting reverse thrust to back himself into takeoff position as tens of thousands of new fans cheered and applauded their approval. 

Over the course of the next two days, the Hungarian Air Force realized that the WCDT had "stolen the show" at Kecskemét. They happily arranged special transportation for visiting European air chiefs and their delegations, who had gathered for a conference sponsored by the Hungarian minister. The lure of the C-17 also forced air show organizers to hastily arrange a tram and convoy of buses to transport the general public to and from the C-17's static display. It seemed as if every Hungarian wanted to have a family picture marking standing before their future airlift capability. 

Beginning in 2009, the C-17 will be a presence in Hungary for at least the next 30 years. 

Before heading back to March, the AFRC crew took the opportunity to assist that permanent presence. Members of the HAW's initial cadre had already began preparing Pápa AB for the arrival of the first aircraft, and Guillotte and crew were delighted to fly a currency training mission for the Wing's incoming commander, Col. John Zazworsky, and two aircrew members of his advance team. Col. Zazworsky said he couldn't have been more thrilled with the 452nd crew's overall assistance, calling their trip to Hungary, "A great day for the Heavy Airlift Wing and a truly memorable day for the Air Base and
community of Pápa." 

Monday morning came a little too soon for Guillotte's busy crew as they packed their bags for the one-day trip back to March Field. They left with a newfound appreciation for Hungary - a steadfast U.S. partner within NATO and active participant in Allied Operations in Afghanistan and the Balkan Region. Moreover, they left after demonstrating more than just the remarkable characteristics of America's airlift workhorse. 

As a two-tour military attaché, I recognize quality military diplomacy when I see it. During their visit, the 452's WCDT demonstrated an uncanny knack for forwarding USAF interests and operations in Hungary. They effectively dealt with a minister, a chief of defense, several international air chiefs and thousands of sightseers among the general public. 

The crew performed as well as seasoned diplomats, proving that while it is possible to steal the show with aerobatic feats of power and finesse, it may prove much more lasting to steal their hearts with personal grace and elegant professionalism. Well done WCDT!