Hercules has taken on a new spirit in Mansfield. On Saturday, July 5, the 179th Airlift Wing dedicated a Lockheed C-130 Hercules aircraft to the City of Mansfield. Present for the dedication was Mansfield’s mayor Tim Theaker, as well as representatives of U.S. Rep. Bob Gibbs, Sen. Sherrod Brown and Rep. Pat Tiberi. Wing Commander Col. Gary McCue officiated.
“We are very, very appreciative. I’m very excited today to dedicate this aircraft,” said Col. McCue.
The dedication of the Lockheed C-130 Hercules, named “The Spirit of Mansfield,” celebrates the return of the C-130 aircraft to Mansfield’s Air National Guard base since the federal Base Realignment and Closure Commission (BRAC) policy that eliminated Mansfield’s C-130s back in May 2005.
Before the aircraft was officially christened on Saturday by Mayor Theaker and Rep. Gibb’s wife Jody, Mayor Tim Theaker had a few words to share with the crowd.
“It’s a pleasure to be here today. You know, the support that we get from the government in Washington; Senator Brown, Congressman Tiberi and Congressman Gibbs and the support that we also get down at the state: Representative Romanchuk and Senator Obhof. It is evident that that’s why the 179th stays. Along with the support of the citizens of Mansfield,” said Theaker. “One time a boy asked me if the mayor has a plane like the president. Well, now I do,” he added.
The Spirit of Mansfield C-130 aircraft is now the eighth C-130 on the 179th Air National Guard base in Mansfield.
Mayor Theaker and Congressman Gibb’s wife Jody unveiled the banner that hid “The Spirit of Mansfield” painted sign above the aircraft’s door. According to Col. McCue, historically, a female must be present for the christening of a new aircraft. So to be safe, and to prevent a jinx, he said, Jody volunteered to assist in the unveiling.
Mayor Theaker and the City of Mansfield was also presented with a plaque from Col. McCue. The plaque had a picture of the C-130 and the Airwing’s coin.
The dedication of The Spirit of Mansfield aircraft launched the morning of Airport Day at Mansfield Lahm Airport. In the patriotic spirit of the day, Rep. Gibbs shared some words of appreciation that extended to the men and women who serve at the airport.
“I cant say enough about how proud I am to be here and to be able to thank the men and women who serve here. You know, they’re always ready at the service of the country. They’re always ready to go. It’s a privilege to be here to help dedicate this plane,” said Gibbs.
Col. McCue added, “I’m very proud of these men and women that serve at this airport. And the community support is everything and we know that. There’s a group in town that’s working hard, we will never give up but we will never stop working hard.”
Airport Day went on from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 5. The day featured aircraft tours, air shows, car shows, plane rides, and various vendors and exhibits.
There have been five rounds of the BRAC process since 1988. In 2005, the C-130s homed at Mansfield’s airwing base, were cut from the air wing’s program to, according to the federal BRAC policy, increase United States Department of Defense efficiency.
First designed and built in 1954 by Lockheed Corporation, the Lockheed C-130 Hercules aircraft is a four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft designed originally for paratroopers, medical evacuation and for transport of military cargo. It has since served the United States Air Force for a variety of military actions.
“I’m very proud of these men and women that serve at this airport. And the community support is everything and we know that. There’s a group in town that’s working hard, we will never give up but we will never stop working hard,” said Col. Gary McCue.
