2012: A year in review

  • Published
  • By TSgt. Timm Huffman
  • 439th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
WESTOVER AIR RESERVE BASE, Mass. --  During 2012, Westover Airmen racked up 198 flying missions, moved 3.1 million pounds of cargo and put 19 planes through the isochronal inspection process. In addition to the regular workload, the wing took on a number of other roles in 2012.

January began a string of Gillette Stadium flyovers, when 337th Airlift Squadron crew zoomed above the American Football Conference playoff game between the New England Patriots and the Baltimore Ravens. Aircrews performed two similar missions in the fall, once for the University of Massachusetts home opener in September and again for the Patriots in November.

In August, nearly 210,000 civilians attended Westover's open house to see performances and displays of military and stunt aircraft and even a jet-powered port-a-potty.

The theme of the air show, "A Salute to the Greatest Generation," honored veterans of World War II, including the 160 in attendance.

In October, when "Superstorm Sandy" slammed the East Coast, crews from the 439th flew a 14-hour sortie to deliver electrical workers and utility trucks from California to the disaster area in New York.

As the New England Federal Emergency Management Agency Incident Support Site, Westover also played host to 74 tractor trailers full of emergency supplies for victims of the massive storm.

Last year held grim news for the base in the form of the proposed budget cuts. The president's current budget proposal has Westover losing eight C-5s by 2016.

While 2012 was a successful and fast-paced year, Westover can't let its guard down, said Col. Steven Vautrain, commander of the 439th Airlift Wing. In the face of ever-changing U.S. policy, tension in the Middle East and the ongoing potential for natural disasters, 2013 will be busy for the 439th AW.