Travis AFB launches first C-5 to land in North Afghanistan base

Mark Brighton

C-5 Galaxy departing from Travis AFB recently arrived at Camp Marmal in Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan - the first plane of its size to land at the Northern Afghanistan post.

The plane, which carried a 15-person crew from Travis' 22nd Airlift Squadron, was on a delivery mission, providing provisions and equipment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Officials were happy with the successful transport, as it shows that the military is making progress in securing the region.

"It's the tip of the iceberg of what's possible at that base," said Lieutenant Colonel Chris Colbert, commander of the 22nd, in a statement to the military press. "It's important to get that place supplied and built up, like the rest of Afghanistan. We're trying to make sure they don't have any weak points in the country."

Flying into the new camp was an uneasy experience, claims Colbert, as the region is not as secure as those around more visited cities like Kandahar or Bagram. Complications also arose due to the lack of visual aids for landing, as the aircraft was without the use of radar for approach.

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