JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
The 99th Airlift Squadron celebrated 70 years of accident free flight Aug. 2, 2013. The anniversary of this accomplishment began on August 1, 1943, four years before the Air Force became its own branch of the military.
Col. Michael Minihan, 89th Airlift Wing commander, presented a plaque to Lt. Col. Kevin Murray, 99th Airlift Squadron commander, commemorating the accomplishments of the unit.
"We don't hang the plaque on the wall and relax," said Minihan. "We have to stay vigilant, and it's taken the same amount of vigilance and dedication today, as it did on day one. "
The 99th Airlift Squadron began when the 99th Troop Carrier Squadron was activated at Sedalia Army Airfield, now, Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. The unit primarily flew C-47 transport aircraft and CG-4 glider aircraft. Upon completion of training in various locations around the United States, the squadron deployed to Langer Field, England in March of 1944 during World War II.
On its first combat mission, the squadron flew 18 C-47 aircraft over the beaches of Normandy, France, and dropped paratroopers from the 101st Airborne Division in the initial invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944.
Today, the 99th AS directly supports the President, Vice President, members of the Cabinet, Congress and other U.S. and foreign dignitaries. The squadron flies specially configured C-20 and C-37 aircraft on Special Air Missions directed by Headquarters United States Air Force. The squadron also maintains a rapid-reaction alert crew to support White House requirements in the event of a crisis.
Minihan commended all of the hard work and dedication of the Airmen from the unit, and hailed their pristine safety record. According to Minihan, the mishap free award is one-of-a-kind.
"This award is an incredible testament to the professionalism and dedication that these Airmen have to one another and the mission," he said.