NY airport surprises aircrew with impromptu welcome home

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Stacia Zachary
  • 1st Special Operations Wing
NEW YORK --  LaGuardia Airport personnel received an unexpected arrival Dec. 27, 2011,
when the 4th Special Operations Squadron aircrew radioed the airport
requesting permission to land.

Deployed in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and New Dawn since 2003, the
AC-130U Spooky Gunship was on its final leg home. The unexpected arrival
became an opportunity for everyone at LaGuardia Airport to honor the crew in
true New York fashion.

"Robert McAdams, the station manager for SheltAir Aviation, LaGuardia
Airport's fixed base operator, notified my office of the AC-130U's scheduled
arrival time and that the aircraft was en route from Iraq to Hurlburt
Field," said Thomas Bosco, general manager for LaGuardia Airport.

With timing of the essence, the staff responded with the singular goal of
honoring returning service members who are travel weary and itching to set
foot on U.S. soil.

"The Port Authority (of New York and New Jersey) earn their living by
thinking, organizing, and acting quickly and decisively," said Bosco. "So,
it wasn't difficult at all for them to organize personnel and equipment for
the event. As the word spread of the AC-130's arrival, airport workers, who
could safely break away from their duties for a few minutes, did so in order
to render a heartfelt "thank you" to our brave men and women in uniform."

The aircrew was bringing one of its finest and most battle-tested assets
home. The final AC-130U Spooky Gunship from the 4th SOS was closing in on
U.S. soil - something the plane had not touched down on since 2003.

Taxiing into the designated parking spot, the crew was overcome with
emotion. For many, this was their first glimpse of the United States in
months. Off the nose of the aircraft, emergency vehicles lined the taxiway
with their flashing lights beckoning them forward into the parking spot.
Personnel from every section at the airport stood cheering and waving
American flags as well as fire trucks symbolically saluting the aircraft and
her crew with water cannons.

"It is indescribable the feelings our crew had as we taxied up to the
amazing reception," said Capt. Justin Harvey, AC-130U Spooky Gunship pilot
of 4th Special Operation Squadron. "For me this was a top 5 moment of my Air
Force career at this point. I could hardly taxi the aircraft my hands were
shaking as we pulled into parking."

Choosing to land at LaGuardia Airport became a symbolic nod to Americans
whose lives were irrevocably changed by 9/11. While the aircrew was coming
home from Iraq instead of Afghanistan, the homecoming had a reassuring
effect on those who attended.

"Port Authority police and civilian airport workers felt compelled to
organize a warm and appropriate welcome to our returning heroes," Bosco
said.

Given the horrific 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center, and informed the
aircrew's intent to put "boots on the ground" in New York City, Bosco said
it was a fitting conclusion to their combat mission.

While the homecoming was deeply appreciated by the aircrew, it left an even
more lasting impression on the LaGuardia staff.

"Welcoming the AC-130 crew was one of the most striking and heartwarming
moments of my career," remarked Port Authority Police Officer Dan Francis.

Kevin Dauwalter, Chief Operations supervisor at LaGuardia Airport, said he was
deeply moved by the home coming and grateful for the opportunity to say
thank you to those who risk their lives to defend our freedoms at home.

The aircraft's return represented the end of Hurlburt Field's commitment to
the OND mission but underscores Hurlburt Field's commitment to protect
America and her allies.

"Although this aircraft's arrival signifies the end of one chapter, we
remain engaged in operations around the globe and vigilant in the defense of
our country's freedom," said Col. Jim Slife, commander of 1st Special
Operations Wing.

As one of the final four planes to come back to the 4th and 9th Special
Operation Squadrons here, the impromptu welcome home salute cemented what
service members already knew: America is a "grateful and patriotic nation."

"We want the crew members to know that New Yorkers, and indeed all
Americans, are grateful for their service to the nation in defense of our
liberty," Bosco said.