Friday, March 20, 2026 l Vol. 51, Number 12
SERVING TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE AND THE MILITARY COMMUNITY OF SOLANO COUNTY
LAMAT 2026 Page 2
51ST CES Page 3
BLUE ANGELS Page 5
TAILWIND
TRAVIS
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HOIST
RESCUE Airman Breanna Lewis/U.S. Air Force file
An HH-60W Jolly Green II hoists a simulated survivor during an aerial demonstration for Saluting Our Aviation Roots at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., Feb. 25.
Airman awarded Silver Star for heroism during combat operations Tech. Sgt. Alexandra Longfellow
U.S. AIR FORCES IN EUROPE – AIR FORCES AFRICA
Tech. Sgt. Gabriel Enders/U.S. Air Force file photos (2025)
An LC-130 Hercules assigned to the 109th Airlift Wing, New York Air National Guard, is loaded with cargo at Williams
Field, Antarctica, Dec. 22, 2025. The 109th Airlift Wing travelled to Antartica to support Operation Deep Freeze.
From New York to the South Pole Staff Sgt. Ethan Sherwood AIR MOBILITY COMMAND
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. — New York Air National Guard 109th Airlift Wing airmen conduct one of the most unique airlift missions in the world, flying the only C-130 platform on skis instead of wheels. The LC-130 Skibird is equipped to deliver personnel and cargo to some of the most remote and inhospitable regions on the planet. Each year, the wing supports Operation Deep Freeze, providing critical airlift support to the National Science Foundation’s research operations in Antarctica. The LC-130’s specialized skis allow airmen to land in icy and snowy conditions where normal aircraft can’t operate. “We specialize in polar oper-
An LC-130 Hercules assigned to the 109th Airlift Wing, New York Air National Guard, is loaded with cargo at Williams Field, Antarctica, Dec. 22, 2025. ations,” said Maj. Anthony Amico, 109th Airlift Wing officer in charge of LC-130 operations. “The LC-130 has the unique capability to land on ski runways both in Greenland and Antarctica; we’re the only airlift wing in
the world with that capability.” ODF has played a defining role for the 109th AW for decades. “We are very good at our job,” said Amico. “Operation Deep Freeze has been going for close to 50 years. We get the mission done in the coldest, driest, most remote environments on Earth.” The LC-130’s ability to operate in these conditions makes the aircraft a critical asset for both scientific research and national defense missions. In addition to supporting the NSF, the wing frequently participates in Arctic exercises and joint operations with partner nations. “I think what we do is very unique and incredible,” said Lt. Col. Dia Ham, 109th Operations Support See Freeze, Page 7
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany — Air Force Maj. Michael A. Blea, assistant director of operations for the 480th Fighter Squadron, 52nd Fighter Wing, at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, was awarded the Silver Star during a ceremony at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, March 3. The presentation of the award recognized Blea’s extraordinary heroism in combat during his deployment to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in 2025. He is now one of fewer than 100 airmen to earn the Silver Star since the Air Force was established as an independent military service in 1947. Air Force Lt. Gen. Jason T. Hinds, U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa commander, presented the nation’s third-highest military decoration for valor in combat to Blea before both an in-person and virtual audience of airmen, family members and distinguished guests. According to the official citation, Blea distinguished himself through conspicuous gallantry while engaged in combat operations against See Silver, Page 6
Senior Airman Sydney Franklin/U.S. Air Force file (2025)
Maj. Michael Blea, 480th Fighter Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot, poses for a photograph at Spangdahlem AB, Germany, Dec. 10, 2025. Blea received the Silver Star for conspicuous gallantry during a ceremony at Ramstein AFB, March 3, 2026.