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Red Hatter Reunion

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Stacia Zachary
  • Editor
POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  The 3rd Aerial Port Squadron enjoys a rich history firmly entwined with the glory of the post-World War II era and the 18th Aerial Port Squadron. Members of the 18th APS paid a visit to their old stomping grounds Oct. 5. The veterans toured the newer facilities and met with the Airmen who have since filled their jobs. 

The 18th APS was activated in March 1, 1955 under the command of Col. Oliver Holmes and served as the conduit. 

On Sept. 6, (Ret) Master Sergeant Frank Lewis donated the remaining funds of the 18th Aerial Port Squadron's booster club to the 3rd APS booster club. Mr. Lewis met with Lt. Col. Shively, the 3rd APS commander, and Majo Maxwell, Operations Officer, to talk about the history of the 18th APS and visit the current 3rd APS. 

The 18th APS was activated March 1, 1955, under the command of Col. Oliver Holmes and supported troop carrier wings -- a similar mission 3rd APS conducts. When they were reorganized and reassigned to 3rd Air Force at Dobbins AFB, Ga., and the 459th Troop Carrier Wing at Andrews AFB, Washington D.C. This reorganization spread the squadron to seven locations throughout the United States until October 1962 after the "Cuban Missile Crisis," one of which was at Pope. While stationed at Pope, the squadron's mission was to bring troops back for intensive training in preparation for new military operations such as the Cuban Missile Crisis and Vietnam. 

"It was probably the most crucial role the Air Force had," explained (Ret.) Lt. Col. Herman Phelps, 18th APS commander during the Cuban Missile Crisis. "At that time we were flying C-119's and we were talking about the invasion of Cuba and moving the 82nd airborne to the island of Cuba and to get all of the equipment ready and fly them there and to air drop the equipment to them. That was exceptionally crucial." 

Members from the 18th APS alumni were able to catch a glimpse of the newest the Air Force has to offer by way of loading and unloading aircraft. Much of the work, formerly done by brute strength, is managed with computer technology and mechanics. 

"Training back then was not the same as it is today," said 2nd Lt. Justin Dagastino, 3rd APS Passenger and Fleet services flight chief. "In the 1950s and 1960s, the only way to load an aircraft was to either push the cargo by hand or lift it by hand and carry it in. 

When the 18th APS Alumni toured our facility (Oct. 5), they saw the new technology we have and how load plans are now done on computer to maximize cargo space while providing safety for the aircraft and Airmen." 

The 18th APS continues to be an important part of 3rd APS. 

"18th APS was, in essence, a part of 3rd APS. As a Reserve unit, they spent their time on active duty working and training with 3rd APS or 3rd Mobile Aerial Port Squadron as it was known in the early days," said Lt. Col. Wilma Shively, 3rd Aerial Port Squadron. "More than 70 percent of aerial port capability comes from the Guard and Reserve. Without them, the active duty component would not be able to perform its mission. They were an integral part of operations with the 3rd APS." 

The Airmen of 3rd APS also know how important it is to maintain a tie with their past. For Airman 1st Class Ken Shelton, 3rd APS, it's a matter of pride and continuing to keep the retirees involved in what they helped create and maintain. 

"The 3d APS tour gave the retirees an opportunity to observe the many ways in which the APS business has evolved over the years," said Airman Shelton. "From their visit through the air delivery hangar, to the showcasing newest equipment, to their witnessing of a C-17 live loading operation on Green Ramp, it was great to see their eyes widen in amazement at the operations we perform daily and at the equipment and technology that is used to complete today's demanding mission." 

Colonel Holmes visited 3rd APS knowing a lot had changed since he was in command of an aerial port squadron. How much, he wasn't quite prepared for. 

"It's been 40 years since I have been back into this kind of environment and when I was in the active reserve program we trained two weekends a month, and 15 days active duty during the summer," Phelps continued. "And to come back and see the changes that have taken place over the past 40 years is an exciting adventure for me."