700th Airlift Squadron - A glance at the past and present Published June 7, 2009 By Master Sgt. Angelita Colón-Francia 94 Airlift Wing DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga. -- The 700th Airlift Squadron here embodies the 94th Airlift Wing's primary mission to train C-130H aircrews for the United States Air Force. Comprised of approximately 120 personnel, the 700th AS is equipped with eight C-130H Hercules aircraft and tactically qualified aircrew to support air transportation for deployments, humanitarian airlift missions and aeromedical evacuations. The impact of the squadron on the "Total Force" is noteworthy. The squadron annually trains more than 100 Air Force Reserve, National Guard and active duty pilots, navigators, loadmasters and engineers trained to deploy in response to worldwide contingencies and emergencies. The combat ready aircrews are capable of using the C-130H aircraft to deliver cargo and personnel into and out of airports as minimal as dirt runways to international airports. In addition, the squadron regularly trains with the Army in airborne operations. "What we are able to do is significant compared to the amount of resources we have," said Lt. Col. Arlene Salmon, 700th AS Operations Officer. The 700th AS was activated on July 8, 1952 in Buffalo, N.Y. as the 700th Fighter Bomber Squadron and was equipped with P-51s. The move to Dobbins Air Force Base occurred in November 1957. The squadron's name was changed many times before it was renamed on June 1, 1992 as the 700th Airlift Squadron. The 700th AS has taken part in numerous Air Force Reserve exercises and has deployed in support of real world missions including Operation Desert Shield, Operation Provide Promise, Operation Provide Comfort II, Southern Watch, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. The squadron also regularly represents the Air Force Reserve Command at high profile events. Recent events include "Heritage to Horizons," marking the 60th anniversary of the Air Force and the 65th anniversary of the historic airdrop of Allied troop at Ste. Mère-Église, France. The 700th AS's success is due in large part to its Airmen. In fiscal year 2008, 700th AS Airmen took top wing honors for Airman of the Year, NCO of the Year, SNCO of the Year, and 1st Sgt. of the Year. "We're a close, cohesive squadron," said First Seargent Carl VanDiver. "We gel. That's why we're successful."
