ANDREWS AFB, Md. –
A new C-37B arrived at Andrews Wednesday, piloted by General Arthur Lichte, commander of Air Mobility Command.
"Today is a special day for SAM Fox and Air Mobility Command," said Brig. Gen. Margaret Woodward, commander of the 89 AW. "This first ever C-37B in the Air Force inventory provides the 89th with an extraordinary increase in capabilities that will impact the SAM Fox mission serving our highest levels of government for decades."
The C-37B Gulfstream 550 will be added to the 89th Airlift Wing fleet and mission of transporting our nation's senior civilian and military leaders to locations around the globe, during peace, crisis, and conflict, and providing combat ready forces to theater combatant commanders.
The occasion marked the tenth anniversary of the arrival of two C-32A aircraft, one of which was piloted by General Lichte, then brigadier general and 89 AW commander. The aircraft were specifically configured for the wing, and the transportation of the vice president and, members of the cabinet and congressional officials.
"In an organization that strives every day for perfection," she continued, "this aircraft moves us one step closer to a fleet of aircraft every bit as capable as the SAM Fox Airmen that fly them, maintain them, serve our passengers, provide intelligence, enable our communications and all others who so ably meet our 24/7 mission."
"We often say one good diplomatic mission can save a hundred combat missions," General Woodward. "If that's true, then this aircraft and all the Airmen who will fly aboard and serve on the ground in support will undoubtedly be part of history unwritten time and time again."
"I can't tell you how proud I am of the men and women of the 89th who perform this absolutely critical mission for us at Air Mobility Command," said General Lichte. "General Woodward had it right, the missions that you fly save lives. Because of the things that you are doing, and because of the people that you take halfway around the world and back, you help to save the lives of Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines every day."
"Some of you may say, 'Why do we need such great passenger comfort?'" said General Lichte, "It's because of the passengers that fly on these airplanes when they step off that airplane they have to be ready to go. They have to be well rested and sometimes they've traveled 10 or 12 hours."
"To have an airplane like this with all the communications capabilities this aircraft has, it really does wonders for diplomacy," General Lichte said.
The C-37B is similar to its predecessor the C-37A in looks, but offers more to the crew and passengers because of the improvements made in the last 10 years. The C-37B offers greater communication capabilities and greater pilot situational awareness resulting in increased safety for the crew and passengers. It is also more reliable which decreases maintenance time.
"Enhanced cockpit design, technology, reliability, communications and ease of maintenance make the C-37B a giant leap forward in our ability to serve the global needs of our distinguished customers and poise SAM FOX for the future," said Maj. Jay Hutzell, 99th Airlift Squadron pilot.