403rd Wing Dedicates Aircraft to Biloxi and Gulfport

  • Published
  • By Tech Sgt James B. Pritchett
  • 403rd Wing
Keesler AFB, Miss. --  A ceremony honoring the cities of Gulfport and Biloxi dedicating a 'Hurricane Hunter' WC-130J aircraft and a 'Flying Jenny' C-130J-30 aircraft by naming them the "Spirit of Gulfport" and the "Spirit of Biloxi" was held here Sept. 20.

Brig. Gen. Richard Moss, commander, 403rd Wing, presided over the ceremony, which recognized the special bond between his Air Force Reserve unit and the people of the Gulf Coast.

Gulfport Mayor, Brent Warr and Mr. Nathan Sullivan, representing Biloxi Mayor, A.J. Holloway, expressed their thanks for the work of the 403rd Wing.

"If it weren't for the armed forces and Keesler Air Force Base, we wouldn't have made it as far as we have," said Warr, who noted the contributions of Team Keesler following Hurricane Katrina which devastated the Mississippi Gulf Coast in August 2005.

"We depend on the data that's collected in these missions. It's nice. It almost feels like a little sense of closure on the storm, getting to see something beautiful named after the city that we probably wouldn't have had happen if it weren't for Katrina," said Warr.

"It is very special because for years and years we've enjoyed a very special relationship with Keesler and it's a true honor to have them honor our city this way by naming an aircraft after our city," said Sullivan.

General Moss also recognized the closeness between his troops and the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

"We are integrated with our communities," said General Moss. "This is a great opportunity to further emphasize the important connection between our Reservists and the communities in which we live and work. As we forge a brilliant future on the Gulf Coast, what better way to embrace our extended family in the communities than to dedicate our aircraft to them, a time-honored tradition since the earliest days of aviation."

"I have never seen such a warm, embracing relationship between the community and military," he said.

General Moss assisted each city leader in unveiling the city logos emblazoned on the nose of the aircraft.

The aircraft were named "The Spirit of," to remind aircrew they carry with them on each flight the hopes and prayers of their fellow Gulf Coast citizens and to remind the community this aircraft and aircrew are dedicated to protecting their way of life.

General Moss said he plans to name more of the wing's fleet for other cities in the area.

"In the coming months, we want to reach out and recognize our other neighbors here in South Mississippi," he said. "We have Reservists living all along the Coast and we know there are employers, families and friends out there who give our people the time and support they need to accomplish the mission."

Whether flying through the heart of a hurricane or landing on a narrow dirt airstrip in a foreign land, the men and women of the 403rd Wing carry with them the support of the people of the Gulf Coast.