U.S. and Portuguese support Russian An-124

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Chyrece Campbell
  • 65th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
LAJES FIELD, Azores --  A Russian An-124 stopped here April 1 before continuing on its mission across the Atlantic.

In a true demonstration of the international support, the Russian An-124, the world's largest cargo aircraft currently in use, was taxied by Lajes Field Airmen and fueled by a Portuguese fuel company.

The members of the 65th Operations Support Squadron transient alert taxied the aircraft to its parking place.

"This was my first time in my 14-year career that I taxied a Russian An-124," said Tech. Sgt. Gerald Redd, transient alert shift supervisor.

"It was like parking the State of Liberty," added Sergeant Redd. "Working with the Portuguese can be very rewarding and I truly enjoy it. We help each other support the mission here at Lajes as we work hand and hand."

The aircraft received a total of approximately 30,000 gallons of fuel from the Portuguese company.

"Since the runway is under construction, we took extra measures to make sure the aircraft would be able to take off and land without any problems," said Paulo Goulart, 65th Operations Support Squadron airfield management shift leader.

"We work together every day to help aircraft with approach and take off as well as tracking aircraft," Ten. (1 Lt.) Nuno Silva, Portuguese air force radar and tower controller supervisor.

Lajes Field, which is capable of landing the space shuttle or any other airframe in the world, is a shared runway with the military and Portuguese air force. Any aircraft landing at Lajes, no matter the type or country of origin, gains bilateral support. Host nation relations is more than just a Lajes Field pillar, but a way of life.