Maryland Air Guard embarks on new era

By Air Force Tech. Sgt. David Speicher
Maryland National Guard

Army Maj. Gen. James A. Adkins, adjutant general of the Maryland National Guard, christens the new C-27J Spartan during an arrival ceremony August 13, 2011, at Warfield Air National Guard Base, Baltimore, MD while Air Force Col. Thomas E. Hans, commander 135th Airlift Group and Air Force Lt. Gen. Harry Wyatt, director of the Air National Guard, watch on. The 135th Airlift Group transitioned from the C-130J Hercules to the C-27J Spartan, which was designed to meet Air Force requirements for a rugged, medium-sized air-land transport. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Benjamin Hughes)
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BALTIMORE (8/15/11) -- The Maryland Air National Guard’s 175th Wing celebrated the arrival of its first C-27J Spartan Aug. 13, marking the beginning of their transformation from the C-130J Hercules, which it had been flying since 1999.

“For the Air National Guard, it's a great airplane. It fits the domestic niche where larger airplanes would be inefficient," said Air Force Lt. Gen. Harry Wyatt, director of the Air National Guard.

He compared the new aircraft to how larger airlines operate and how civilian companies use different size airplanes to meet the needs of their mission's to maximize efficiencies with a smaller airplane.

"It's an airplane that is really inexpensive, and costs less to operate," Wyatt said.

Wing members were excited for the future of their wing and the potential uses of their new airframe.

"It's a new chapter in the 135th," said Senior Airman J. B. Jennings, a loadmaster. "I think it is an honor to get this airplane.

“It's going to serve its purpose well. It is a new aircraft serving a new mission. Here in Maryland our domestic mission (covers a wide ranging geography) - we have the eastern shore, the mountains,” he said. “Whether we need to get supplies in or evacuate people this airplane gets into pretty much any runway in the state."

The Maryland Air National Guard lost their C-130Js due to the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure process. The remaining C-130Js will leave the base within the month. The 135th Airlift Group will have four C-27Js assigned here.

Air Force Brig. Gen. Allyson R. Solomon, the assistant adjutant general for air, Maryland Air National Guard talked about continuing the airlift mission. "It is fabulous because we have a future. I am glad to be here to witness the transition and recognize the past and look to the future."

"We are able to support domestic operations, which is one the key principles of being in the National Guard,” she said. "It's an opportunity that doesn't come without its challenges. It is a cultural change for us. It is like going from a Cadillac to a Maserati. We will see how the aircrews handle a sports car."

The C-27J has already proven itself in combat, flying its first mission in Afghanistan Aug. 4 with another Air National Guard unit.

Air Force Capt. Chris Meyer a C-27J pilot and project officer for the ceremony said, "The airplane has amazing capabilities. I am looking forward to employing them wherever we are needed."

175th Wing Commander Air Force Col. Scott Kelly said after the ceremony, "It is turning a page and looking to a new chapter. Our people with their expertise will take this to a new level."

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