'Sunseekers' showcase new Clippers

By Miriam S. Gallet - Editor

Last Saturday evening, under beautiful clear skies and in front of a crowd of 500, that included government and military officials, civic and community leaders, Sailors, their families and friends and members of the media, the Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VR) 58 “Sunseekers” officially commemorated the arrival of their two newest aircrafts and recognized their namesake cities at a ceremony aboard NAS Jacksonville.

The new C-40A “Clipper” is the military’s version of the civilian 737-700C passenger aircraft and the newest aircraft in the Navy’s inventory. The aircraft replaced the Naval Reserve’s aging C-9B Skytrain fleet, which the “Sunseekers” flew for 23 years. VR-58 is the second squadron to fly the C-40. Fort Worth, Texas-based VR-59, home of the Fleet Logistics Support Wing, first flew the plane early last year.

The two C-40 aircraft are named “The City of Jacksonville” and “The City of St. Augustine.” During the ceremony, Commander, Fleet Logistic Support Wing Capt. Vic Van Heest presented a model of the C-40 to St. Augustine Mayor Mark Alexander. Jerry Holland, president of the Jacksonville City Council received a model of the new aircraft from VR-58 Commanding Officer Cmdr. Gary Weistroffer. Both, Alexander and Holland praised the arrival of the C-40 and its mission.

Photos by Miriam S. Gallet Don Childre, support manager, The Boing Co., gives a tour of the inside of the C-40 to his daughter and son in-law, Melissa and Jason Hyrne.

Also in attendance was U.S. Rep. Ander Crenshaw of Florida. When asked about the new aircraft, Crenshaw replied, “I was born and raised in Jax. I live down the street from NAS and to have this type of plane here is great. They move people and heavy cargo. They do all the lifting for the Navy and to have them here is an honor. I salute the men and women of VR-58 and I will continue to work to ensure that they have all the resources they need available to them.”

The arrival of the C-40 does not change the mission of VR-58, a reserve transport squadron based at NAS Jacksonville. However, they will now accomplish their mission at a lesser cost and at a greater speed. The efficient C-40 will set new standards for performance, low-cost operations and reliability for the fleet logistics support mission. The new “Clipper” flies higher, faster, farther and with a greater load than the C-9B.

VR-58 is one of the six Naval Reserve squadrons that provides seven days a week, around the clock worldwide logistical support for all Department of Defense agencies. The NAS Jax “Sunseekers” are proud to be part of the team that provides 100 percent of the Navy’s worldwide in-theater medium and heavy logistics airlift support.

AT2 Matt Trexter, crew chief for the new C-40A "City of Jacksonville, " shows the cargo deck to visitors at the ceremony Aug. 24. Inside the cargo deck are from AM1 William Wlaker, load master, and AK1 Lorri Howard, transport safety specialist.

According to Lt. Cmdr. Bryan Wright, VR-58 public affairs officer, the new aircraft will enable the squadron to fly one of three different configurations. It will be able to fly the all-passenger rig, which will carry 121 passengers, compared to 90 passengers for the C-9B, the all cargo rig, which can carry 41, 000 pounds, compared to 25, 000 pounds for the C-9B, and the combination rig, which can carry three pallets of cargo and 70 passengers, compared to three pallets and 45 passengers for the C-9B.

According to Weistroffer, the men and women of VR-58 have spent thousands of man-hours preparing for the arrival of their new aircraft and have completed all necessary ground and maintenance schools and simulator training.

“The initial training for the C-40 is state-of-the-art computer based training, or CBT, which is done right in our own VR-58 squadron hangar. Maintenance and aircrew schooling takes place in Atlanta, and simulator training takes place at Boeing training facilities in Seattle. The Flight Safety International training facilities are in Miami and additional simulator training is provided at CAE training facilities in Irving, Texas, ” said Weistroffer. “The C-40 is a tremendous aircraft that our entire squadron couldn’t wait to get its hands on.”

Also in attendance was NAS Jacksonville Commanding Officer Capt. Mark Boensel who had nothing but praise for the men and women of VR-58.

Dena Hiscock listens to Crew Chief AT2 Matt Trexter as he explains the cockpit of the new C-40 "Clipper."

Boensel, who toured the new C-40 said, “It’s very exciting to have the new C-40. It gives the squadron and the air station more capability. It reinforces the vital role NAS plays. This aircraft is much quieter than the one it replaced and the neighbors loved it too.”

When compared to the former “Skytrain”, the C-40A has superior range and performance capabilities, updated avionics, and quiet, clean, fuel-efficient engines. The new aircrafts will increase the squadron’s rapid response capability to the Fleet’s worldwide airlift requirements.

With the nation at war against terrorism, the “Sunseekers” will continue transporting heavy loads and transporting personnel to destinations all over the world. Only now, they’ll do it faster than ever before.