Operation Maggie Migration: a mammoth mission

  • Published
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AFPN) --  Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, and Travis AFB, Calif., took part in the transport of an unusual traveler Nov. 1 -- possibly their largest airlift passenger ever.

Maggie the elephant arrived at Travis for a quick stop before being transported to her final destination at the Performing Animal Welfare Society, an animal sanctuary near San Andreas, Calif.

"We're proud and happy to have her come through Team Travis. This is precious cargo, a national treasure for us," said John Buchanan, 60th Aerial Port Squadron.

Maggie, an African elephant, was living at the Alaska Zoo in Anchorage, Alaska, but due to recent health problems, it was decided she would fare better in a warmer climate.

After the Air Force agreed to transport Maggie in a C-17 Globemaster III, the Performing Animal Welfare Society covered the entire cost.

"When we first found out about Operation Maggie Migration, we said, 'How do we do this?' It is wonderful to see how Elmendorf, PAWS, Travis and all other organizations involved along the way, came together," Mr. Buchanan said. "We got the facility set up for her here to keep her comfortable during her stay. She will finally be in her new home shortly."

The decision to use military means to transport Maggie was made when no other commercial alternatives were available.

"Operation Maggie Migration is a great demonstration of the flexibility of not just the capabilities of the C-17, but of the Air Force's total force," said Col. GI Tuck, 60th Air Mobility Wing acting commander. "It has been an honor for the Air Force to be part of such a unique operation."

The large scope of the operation was evident in the size of the specially constructed 10,000-pound crate designed just for her safe transportation.

"She was kept restrained enough to keep her from trying to turn around in the cage, but she is still able to move and sway a bit," said Margaret Whittaker, animal behavior consultant to PAWS.

Once Maggie arrives at her new home, which is only a two-hour drive from Travis, she will be living with four other African elephants.

"She is interacting well with her trainers right now. We think she'll adapt well to her new home, with all that sunshine," Ms. Whittaker said.

"Everyone here at Travis knows about Maggie and are working together to get her to her new home," Mr. Buchanan said.

"Everyone's coming together to make this event a success," Colonel Tuck said. "It's history in the making."

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