TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- After more than four decades of service at Travis Air Force Base, the 45th Aerial Port Squadron was officially inactivated during a poignant ceremony in Hangar 46, Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025.
Airmen, distinguished guests, and family members gathered in Hangar 46 to witness the final chapter of the squadron, a vital component of the 349th Air Mobility Wing (AMW). The ceremony was steeped in military tradition, honoring the unit’s storied history and the thousands of Airmen who served in its ranks.
Lt. Col. Dennis F. Hale, commander of the 349th Mission Support Group and the ceremony's presiding officer, spoke to the unit’s enduring impact.
“While this is a somber event, I want you to consider that this is not a funeral, but a celebration," said Hale. "It's a celebration of the 61 years that the 45th Port Dawgs have answered the nation’s call, raising their hands to say, ‘Send Me!’ Even though this flag is about to be furled, the legacy of the 45th lives on and now becomes the heritage of the 55th and 82nd Aerial Port Squadrons and countless other units and professional organizations around the globe."
The event was narrated by the squadron’s own Senior Master Sgt. Chelsea Eckenrode, who guided attendees through the ceremony's traditions. Following the national anthem and invocation, a solemn moment of silence was held to honor members of the 45th who have passed away.
Eckenrode also shared the history of the squadron, which was first organized in 1964 at Homestead Air Force Base, Florida, before being relocated and designated the 45th APS at Travis AFB on Oct. 1, 1981. She detailed the rich symbolism of the unit's emblem.
"The globe represents the world-wide network of U.S. Aerial Porters," Eckenrode explained during the ceremony. "The eagle depicted in national colors represents the unit's support of a variety of aircraft. Finally, the motto, 'Pro Patria,' is Latin meaning 'For One's Country'."
The ceremony’s pinnacle moment began with the publication of the official orders. Citing Special Order GS-0-1-1, the 45th Aerial Port Squadron was declared inactivated.
In his final act as commander, Lt. Col. Conrad M. Evans II saluted the presiding officer and declared, "Sir, I relinquish command." He then presented the squadron’s guidon to Lt. Col. Hale. With the assistance of Chief Master Sgt. Amie J. Rutten, who served as the guidon bearer, the flag was ceremoniously furled and encased, symbolizing the official end of the squadron’s mission.
The most powerful moment, however, occurred on the hangar floor. Standing before his assembled squadron for the last time, Evans addressed them directly. "It has been truly an honor and pleasure to serve with you," he said.
Following his words, Chief Master Sgt. Rutten led the unit in a thunderous final chant.
"45TH A-P-S!" Rutten shouted.
"PORT DAWGS... BARK ... AND YOU KNOW IT!" the formation roared back in unison.
At the command of Lt. Col. Evans, the Airmen performed their final duty as members of the squadron: they removed their 45th APS patches. The sharp sound of dozens of hook-and-loop fasteners tearing in unison echoed through the vast hangar, a stark and final act of transition.
With Evans’ final command, "Squadron, dismissed," the Airmen who formed the heart of the squadron fell out of formation for the final time.
The men and women of the 45th APS will continue their service and bring their expertise to other units within the wing. They will be reassigned to the 55th and 82nd Aerial Port Squadrons, ensuring their valuable skills remain a part of the 349th AMW's global mobility mission.
The ceremony concluded with the playing of the Air Force song, closing a significant chapter in the history of the 349th Air Mobility Wing, Team Travis and the Air Force Reserves.