All- weather Airman takes on Antarctica

Chief Master Sgt. Michael Beck competes in the St. Patrick's Day race, the "Shamrock Shuffle," during his tour of duty at McMurdo Station, Antarctica. The Fire Chief with the 349th Civil Engineer Squadron here, he volunteered for an eight-month rotation to support operations at the remote station. McMurdo is a U.S. Antarctic research center on the southern tip of Ross Island, on the shore of McMurdo Sound. Read more of the story in next month's issue of Contact magazine. (Courtesy photo)

Operation Unified Relief

TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Travis Air Force Base flight line was a hub of activity into the wee hours of Sun., Jan. 24, as Team Travis Airmen prepared to leave for Haiti. Here, Airmen load equipment onto a C-17 Globemaster. About 20 members of the 615th Contingency Response Wing left late Saturday night in the C-17, loaded with equipment and supplies for Haitian relief. The 60th Air Mobility Wing, 615th CRW and 349th public affairs Airmen welcomed media from four television stations and a local newspaper, who interviewed Airmen and family, and filmed the departure, including footage from inside the aircraft just before the door closed. After a few hours rest, coffee and a snack, the PA Airmen met up with PA from David Grant Medical Center to escort media filming the departure of 38 medical personnel in the wee hours of the morning. In addition to medical supplies, medicines and equipment, the medical team packed a mobile hospital, fondly known as "hospital in a box," onto their awaiting C-17. Travis Airmen providing support for the Haitian relief efforts could be gone for anywhere from two weeks to six months, as needed. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Meredith Mingledorff)

Travis Mass Launch

TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Travis Team tankers and cargo aircraft conducted its first-ever "mass" aircraft launch, Dec. 21. The base launched KC-10s, C-17 Globemasters and C-5 Galaxy cargo aircraft in succession. Once airborne, the aircraft flew in formation then separate to fly normal low-level and air refueling routes. More than 330 training events were conducted during the flights. The 615th Contingency Response Wing at Travis controled the C-17 aircraft during landing exercises. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Robert M. Rossman)

Travis Mass Launch

TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Travis Air Force base conducted its first ever “mass launch," Dec. 21. The base launched KC-10s, C-17 Globemasters and C-5 Galaxy cargo aircraft in succession. Once airborne, the aircraft flew in formation then separate to fly normal low-level and air refueling routes. More than 330 training events were conducted during the flights. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Robert M. Rossman)

The Spirit of Travis

TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- "The Spirit of Travis," Travis Air Force Base's final C-17 Globemaster III is the last of 13 C-17's scheduled to be delivered to Travis. (U.S. Air Force photo/Technical Sgt. Shinika L. Powell)

The Spirit of Travis

TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- "The Spirit of Travis," Travis Air Force Base's final C-17 Globemaster III is the last of 13 C-17's scheduled to be delivered to Travis. (U.S. Air Force photo/Technical Sgt. Shinika L. Powell)