A C-5 from Travis AFB, Calif., made history last week by carrying a damaged Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter from Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, to NAS North Island in San Diego. This mission marked the first time that a US cargo aircraft brought a damaged fighter back to the United States, in this case for repair, according to US defense officials. “Being that this is the first time we’ve ever done anything like this,” there was extensive coordination and planning, said Charles Miller, F/A-18 deputy program manager. The fighter’s right fuselage was severely damaged in a brake fire upon a diverted landing at Kandahar in March. Miller said the fighter was “unflyable,” so it required the lift. “Carrying cargo is what this aircraft was designed to do, and we’re glad to be a part this,” said Maj. Steven Hertenstein, the C-5 pilot. (Kandahar report by SrA. David Carbajal)
The Air Force's new Aircraft Readiness Unit will maintain and provide Collaborative Combat Aircraft for operations, but won’t serve as a “schoolhouse” teaching fighter pilots how to manage these escort drones.