11, 2001 and operated the boom to accomplish multiple aerial refueling from one end of the jet, the pilot flying the jet shared similar sentiments.
"Even if it wasn't a conscious influence, how could something as terrible as that event not leave an impact?"Īs Farmer recounted his day on Sept. "At the end of the day, I think I must've been influenced by it," Farmer said. He would join the service two years later. At the time, he worked in a pickle mill in Oregon, and was not allowed breaks to hear the news developments on 9/11. Jonathan Farmer, 9th Air Refueling Squadron boom operator.įarmer had yet to join the military when the twin towers were attacked. "Showing people the capabilities of the Air Force 12 years after 9/11 is appropriate because it shows that our resolve is still strong," said Tech. The Freedom Launch also served as a remembrance of 9/11, as the first C-17 took off at 8:46 a.m., the same time American Airlines Flight 11 crashed into the World Trade Center's North Tower on Sept. "Our love, energy, audacity and passion for what we do on a daily basis just delivered more than 8 million pounds of thundering airpower," Weber said. Even with empty cargo bays the weight of all the aircraft combined results in a staggering amount. "It was a team effort and symbol for not only the Airmen in the wing, but it also demonstrated a capability that we're always ready," Mott said.įor Weber, the operations that Travis Airmen handle on a daily basis is evidence of their ability to tackle any challenge. Had all 22 aircraft been carrying the maximum cargo amount at take off, the Freedom Launch would have moved more than 4.1 million pounds of cargo, and with the aerial refueling that cargo could be delivered anywhere in the world. "We cannot wait to do it again and next time with 23 jets." David Mott, 60th Operations Group commander. "A lot of pride and ownership from all agencies across the wing went into this launch," said Col. Once in the air, the aircrew completed various formations, air refuelings, and contingency rejoins to practice precision fundamentals at maximum levels while maintaining safety. Not only was the operation record setting for the maintenance group, it was also the largest mass launch of three types of aircraft in the history of Travis, according to Mark Wilderman, 60th AMW historian.
Such volume of three heavy airframe types has never before been generated and launched by a single owning organization."
"Our active duty, Reserve, civilians, maintenance technicians, and aerial port specialists generated 22 launches. Mark Weber, 60th Maintenance Group commander. "The Freedom Launch was a total team effort for the MXG," said Col. Preparing for the Freedom Launch required an unprecedented magnitude of effort by the group. Prior to take off, the maintenance group ensured the aircraft were ready to fly. The training emphasized large-formation aerial refueling and tested operations support, aircraft maintenance, fuels and air traffic control capabilities. Travis conducted a mass launch of 22 mobility aircraft Sept.11, to practice the maximum level of combat capability for the operations, maintenance, and support groups.ĭuring the operation, dubbed the Freedom Launch, seven C-17 Globemaster IIIs, 11 KC-10A Extenders, and four C-5 Galaxies departed in 36 minutes and 21 seconds on both operational and training missions.
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