Homestead reservists depart for Cactus Aloha

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Ray Sarracino
  • 482nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MARCH ARB, Calif. --  For members of the 482nd Fighter Wing traveling to exercise Cactus Aloha in Hawaii, the adventure was in the journey. Initially scheduled to board a C-5A "Galaxy" from the 68th Airlift Squadron, a part of the 448th Air Wing based in San Antonio, Texas Saturday, they received the disappointing news that the aircraft had been delayed and could not meet the scheduled departure time. Undaunted, the travelers hunkered down for another night and prepared for an early Sunday morning. 

Upon arriving at the 93rd Fighter Squadron building Sunday morning they were greeted by the site of a massive tail of a C-5 jutting out over the treetops. This was the aircraft that would take them and their equipment to Hawaii. 

A few short briefings later they were on their way to the flight line to board the aircraft and head for their first stop: Refueling at March Air Reserve Base, Calif. 

Pit stop 

A short five hours and about 2,500 miles later they landed in California for a planned four-hour pit stop. The terminal crew at March welcomed the travelers as they made themselves at home. While waiting, good news came in the form of two buses from March ARB who came to pick up and deliver the travelers to the base exchange. A welcome alternative to watching reruns in the terminal. 

After the trip to the BX, it was back to waiting when word came that the C-5 was experiencing some minor maintenance trouble and departure might be delayed. Some exchanged knowing glances, others worried about access to clothing and toiletries in the event of being stranded overnight, while yet others expressed confidence in the maintainers' diligent approach to safety. As it turns out, the troubles were indeed minor and the aircraft was readied for departure. 

Upon boarding, travelers staked out their seats and hunkered down for the approximately six-hour flight to Honolulu. They arrived at Hickam AFB almost 24 hours after leaving Homestead ARB. After another very short briefing, the travelers began the process of settling in for the two-week long exercise. They were tired, hungry and jet-lagged, yet ready and motivated to do their best to make it a successful experience for everyone involved.