MS Air National Guard C-27J transports equipment to storm-ravaged NY

  • Published
  • By Captain Steven Stubbs
  • 186th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs Office
Meridian, Miss. --  A C-27J Spartan aircraft from the 186th Air Refueling Wing, Mississippi Air National Guard, transported ground equipment and personnel to New York supporting Hurricane Sandy relief efforts Saturday.

Air crews from Mississippi, Maryland and Ohio coordinated to perform the very first domestic relief operation by the C-27J. Power generators, HUMVEEs and transportation personnel from the 1484th Transportation Company, Ohio National Guard, were flown to Stewart Air National Guard Base, Newburgh, NY to supplement the concentrated clean-up process.

"I am very glad for the opportunity to participate in an actual mission instead of just training," said Lieutenant Colonel Kelly Miller, 186th Air Refueling Wing C-27J aircraft commander. "This is our first actual mission with the C-27J Spartan aircraft."

Mississippi guardsmen understand how this aircraft can be beneficial to relief efforts after experiencing similar situations with hurricanes striking the gulf coast region.

"This was a very successful mission," said Miller. "This operation definitely helps us to prepare for similar relief efforts here in Mississippi."

The C-27J is a medium-sized aircraft capable of taking off and landing on unprepared surfaces and airstrips which are less than 2,000 feet in length. The aircraft also features the unique capability to vary cargo floor height and attitude which ensures the easy loading and unloading of large payloads without ground support equipment as well as easy drive in/out of vehicles allowing immediate operation.