Flying Jennies interact with living history at squadron reunion

  • Published
  • By Maj. Marnee A.C. Losurdo
  • 403rd Wing Public Affairs
KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  The 815th Airlift Squadron's history dates back to World War II when it was originally activated as the 815th Bombardment Squadron flying B-17 Flying Fortress aircraft. Since then the squadron was inactivated and reactivated a few times before making Keesler Air Force Base its home in 1973 and has flown the C-119 Flying Boxcar, C-130 Hercules, WC-130 Hercules and C-130J Super Hercules aircraft.

Lt. Col. Jeff Ragusa, the 815th AS assistant director of operations, and three fellow crew members got a glimpse of squadron history Sept. 12 when Ragusa spoke about the squadron's current mission at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, during an Air Force reunion of former 815th Troop Carrier Squadron (Medium) members who were part of the 483rd Troop Carrier Wing at Ashiya, Japan.

The 815th T.C.S members flew C-119s and transported troops, supplies and equipment to Korea and evacuated casualties from there, according to the Air Force Historical Research Agency.

"I really enjoy interacting with people who have gone before me in this world of military flying," said Ragusa who spoke to a group of 35 people, which included eight Korean War veterans and their family members. "I like to hear which memories have remained with them through the years. It reminds me which things are important in the bigger, longer-lasting picture. They told stories about their brothers and sisters in arms and how circumstances brought them closer together into relationships that have stood the test of time. They mostly talk about their peers and how much fun they had in spite of dire situations. And, of course, they tell exciting flying stories."

The 815th was activated as the 815th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) in 1943 during WWII. The unit was deactivated in 1945 and reactivated eight years later as the 815 T.C.S. The unit began flying C-130s in 1965 and was re-designated a tactical airlift squadron in 1967, but was inactivated two years later. In 1973, the unit was reactivated as part of the Air Force Reserve at Keesler AFB to fly C-130s. In 1976, the unit was renamed the 815th Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, and tracked storms and hurricanes in the Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico and Easter Pacific for the next 12 years. In 1987, the unit was renamed the 815th AS resupplying forces and providing tactical airlift for Air Force operations.

Ragusa said he enjoyed the event and opportunity to discover the history of the culture of his unit, to include meeting the Airman who helped redesign the squadron emblem.

"He said his original intent was a more 'caricature' version of the one currently on our patch," said Ragusa.

The 815th AS emblem has the squadron name at the top and "Flying Jennies" at the bottom. The center of the patch has a mule running in the clouds in a white square with a cloud base.  According to the Air Force Historical Research Agency, the white square with the cloud base represents the sky, the primary theater of Air Force operations. The Jenny, a pack mule, symbolizes the speed and agility with which the squadron accomplishes its airlift mission.

"Looking at his version and hearing him describe his intentions gave me a new appreciation of our current symbol," said Ragusa. "I love knowing from where things come and these interactions often lead to new insights into the past that help us define our present."

Amy Richards, an attendee and daughter of Air Force veteran and Flying Jenny Ed Vincent, submitted the request for an 815th AS speaker. She thanked Ragusa and his crew for making the reunion a memorable one.

"Everyone in our group had a great time seeing the plane and having the opportunity to talk to the crew attending," she said. Ragusa and his crew flew to Wright-Patterson AFB on a training mission and returned the next day. The veterans got an opportunity before the evening banquet to see what the squadron currently flies. "My father ... laughed when he saw the coffee maker and microwave up on the flight deck. When he flew with the French Foreign Legion in Indo China their rations were a baguette, a chunk of cheese and a bottle of wine for each of the crew members; times have definitely changed."

She added that her only regret from this reunion was not having recording devices on each of the "original Flying Jennies."

"There was so much talk and laughter that day it was hard to take it all in," she said.

There is one more 815th T.C.S. reunion tentatively scheduled for 2017. Ragusa said when they have their final reunion they are going to send him their memorabilia from their time when they were stationed in Japan.

The 75th anniversary of the 815th AS is in 2018 and Ragusa is putting together a planning committee for a celebration event. For more information, please contact him at 228-377-3678.