43rd AW begins flying association with 440th AW Published Jan. 24, 2008 By Airman 1st Class Mindy Bloem 43rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- Pope's 43rd Airlift Wing and 440th Airlift Wing began a new chapter in their relationship Jan. 17 as members from both wings attended various briefings in preparation for their upcoming affiliation. The 43rd AW's 2nd Airlift Squadron and the 440th AW's 95th Airlift Squadron joined forces to begin flying operations as part of the integration process. Col. Merle Hart, 440th Airlift Wing Commander, has been a combat aviator for 26 years and discussed the operational direction he would like to move in. "The standards are going to be the same. I am going to make sure you are taken care of because you are a vital asset to the Air Force," he said. Colonel Hart also stressed the importance of forming a united front since servicemembers are all striving for the same goal in the Global War on Terror. As part of the same family, when a fellow member is deployed, it doesn't matter what wing he belongs to, it just matters what side he is on, he said. "As we become integrated, I am going to treat you the same as I treat my other guys," said Colonel Hart, "It's like two high schools in the same town. They're both still a part of the same town, just like we're both still part of the Air Force." Lt. Col. Bret Larsen, 95th AS Commander, said he is very excited about the possibilities and is eager to work as a team. "We are going to learn a lot, especially about the local area and Pope-related matters," he said. "We are new to Pope, and they (2nd AS) are going to teach us a lot. Plus, they have the benefit of youth, and youth seems to ignite a fire in you." He said he also thinks the 440th AW will bring plenty of knowledge to the table as well. "The 440th has a lot of flying hours," Colonel Larsen said. "We have a lot of unique experiences in our background we want to offer the 2nd AS that they may benefit from." Colonel Larsen said one of the things he is most looking forward to is working with the 2nd AS Commander. "I am really excited about working so closely with, Lt. Col. Howard Ward," he said. Colonel Ward feels the same way. "We are side-by-side in our working relationship," he said. "We are the examples for forging relationships between our squadrons. We want to blend these organizations together and continue to build the trust with our new associates." This alliance will also bring new flying opportunities to the 2nd AS since Pope is retiring the C-130 E models and will now fly the C-130 H models. "The members in my squadron are looking forward to flying the new aircraft this collaboration will bring. It is going to be opening a new world of capabilities for us as we begin to train with the 440th AW. I am looking forward to the wealth of experience they are going to be able to provide us with." Both Colonel Ward and Colonel Larsen said they are aware their squadrons are embarking on new territory and are excited about the potential this will bring to Pope. "This has never been done before, and it's a huge challenge," Colonel Larsen said. "We're setting a benchmark for the entire Air Force. It's exciting to be breaking new ground." "The deuce loves challenges and cannot wait to be involved in this exciting operation," said Colonel Ward.