The 517th Airlift Squadron at Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, flew its last sortie in a C-130 Hercules tactical transport on March 23. The unit, which has flown Herks for some 43 years, is transitioning to the new C-17 Globemaster III airlifter. The squadron commander, Lt. Col. Gary Gottschall commanded the last flight. Earlier this year, the unit marked its last combat flight, supporting operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Airmen basic rarely go on to become four-star generals, but one who did retired last week after a 42 year career that saw him rise from a lowly slick-sleeve to the head of one of the Air Force’s most important major commands.