Alamo Wing showcases C-5M during tour

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Bryan Swink
  • 433rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas --  One of the 433rd Airlift Wing's C-5M Galaxies was on full display to 40 Airmen from the Inter-American Air Forces Academy and 11 children from the Harmony Science Academy of San Antonio during a tour Nov. 17.

The tour began with the guests getting to meet C-5M Galaxy pilots, flight engineers, and crew chiefs who provided a tour of the aircraft on the flight line and discussed its capabilities.

For many the IAAFA students, this was the first opportunity to get an up-close look at the second largest aircraft in the world and the largest in the U.S. Air Force's inventory.

"This is a great learning opportunity for our students," said Master Sgt. Bernardo Johnson, Inter-American Air Forces Academy instructor. "A large percentage of the students are logistics specialists who don't get to spend much time in or around large cargo aircraft."

After the tour, both groups headed toward the 433rd Maintenance Squadron Propulsion Shop to get an up-close look at the newly acquired C-5M engines. Senior Airman Shane Smith, 433rd MXS jet engine technician, said he was honored to showcase the engine to the IAAFA students, who were primarily air force members from Paraguay and Columbia.

"This is a great opportunity to share and discuss some of our experiences with our Latin American brethren so they can see how we do things," said Smith. "It was great to see their excitement and enthusiasm with what we presented to them."

The final stop of the tour for both groups was the 433rd MXS Metals Technology and Sheet Metal Shops. These shops ensure the aircraft serviceability and safety. The C-5 aircraft were originally built by Lockheed in the 1960's and the last one to come off the assembly line was in 1989. Therefore, many of the parts for the aircraft are manufactured in house.

Tours like this not only provide a clearer understanding of the mission of the wing for participants, but they also provide some Airmen the ability to showcase how much the Air Force has to offer and what serving has meant to them.

"I think it's great that we get an opportunity to show what type of jobs are available in the Air Force and the benefits available to them," said Tech. Sgt. Stephanie Rymers, 433rd Maintenance Squadron sheet metal mechanic. "There are so many opportunities for people who join, and it's great having the chance to inspire the younger generation."

For more information about the Alamo Wing's Base Tour Program, e-mail the 433rd AW Public Affairs office at 433aw.pa@us.af.mil.