Civic leaders go for a ride

  • Published
  • By Capt. Hamilton Underwood
  • Los Angeles Air Force Base Public Affairs
LOS ANGELES (AFNS) --  Civic leaders from throughout the Southern California area had the opportunity to see Air Force operations up close, including an orientation flight.  The event was part of the lead-up to Air Force Week-Los Angeles which kicks off Nov. 14. 

Air Force Week serves as the premier platform to share the Air Force story with fellow citizens and will include community visits and talks by Air Force officials, flight demonstrations and displays providing an up close and personal look at the men and women of the Air Force serving worldwide in defense of freedom.

Maj. Gen. Robert Duignan, 4th Air Force commander, and Brig. Gen. James Melin, 452nd Air Mobility Wing commander, hosted 78 civic leaders Nov. 10 at March Air Reserve Base in Riverside, Calif.  A highlight of the visit was a flight in a C-17 Globemaster III that included an aerial refueling.  

"It's important for our civic leaders to have this opportunity to feel, hear and see what the Air Force is capable of doing," said General Duignan.  "This flight gave them that chance ."

This mission included the refueling with a KC-135 Stratotanker and an opportunity to visit the flight deck to see operations there.

"What I can't get over is (the Airmen's) willingness to do the job without hesitation on a daily basis," said Elizabeth Baker, a consultant from San Diego.

After the C-17 landed, the civic leaders were given the opportunity to take photos and talk with the flight crew. 

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