Features

Fighting Doves celebrate 80 years of history, heritage

Story and photos by Airman 1st Class Regan Spinner
86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
August 4, 2023
U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Michael Steinke, C-21A aircraft pilot assigned to the 76th Airlift Squadron, gives a thumbs-up after prepping the aircraft for a flight at Ramstein Air Base, July 27. The 76th Airlift Squadron operates the C-21A aircraft and the C-37A aircraft, providing executive airlift and aeromedical evacuation support.

The 76th Airlift Squadron, also known as the Fighting Doves, celebrated the 80th anniversary of its establishment and honored those who came before them during multiple events hosted at Ramstein Air Base.

“This has been an incredible week, and I am humbled by what my team accomplishes every day,” said Lt. Col. John Field, 76th Airlift Wing commander. “As we honor the last 80 years of exceptional service, and exemplify what it means to be a Fighting Dove, I feel privileged to lead this team.”

The 76th AS was created as a part of the U.S. Army Air Corps, On Feb. 8, 1943, moving several locations from its original assignment at Homestead Army Air Field, Florida, before eventually being assigned to Ramstein AB.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. John Field, 76th Airlift Squadron commander, speaks during a presentation detailing the history of the 76th AS at Ramstein Air Base, July 26.

“The 76th Airlift Squadron has served in any capacity it has been called to,” said U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Issac Giefer, C-21A aircraft pilot assigned to the 76th Airlift Wing. “Today, the World’s Fastest Airlift Squadron’s [C-21A aircraft] sit alert 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, ready to launch within 2 hours to do aeromedical evacuation if called.”

Alongside the C-21A aircraft, the C-37A aircraft transports politicians, diplomats, and military personnel to wherever duty calls, allowing them to carry out crucial missions around the world.

Since its inception, the 76th AS has been an integral part of many missions, including but not limited to, aiding the transportation of U.N. troops to the Suez Canal in 1956, participating in the evacuation of Saigon in 1975, evacuating Americans from Panama during Operation Just Cause in 1989, participating in Operation Desert Shield in 1990, and Operation Desert Storm in 1991.

A board with patches from past members of the 76th Airlift Squadron is displayed on a wall at Ramstein Air Base, July 26. The 76th AS was born Feb. 8, 1943, and has since moved several locations from its original assignment at Homestead Army Air Field, Florida, before being assigned to Ramstein AB.

Celebrating 80 years of service gave service members the opportunity to remember the sacrifices of all those who have been a part of the squadron, and honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

The celebration consisted of several family events, a history presentation, and a piano burning event.

Piano burning, although the origin is still uncertain, is said to have began as a tribute to a fallen soldier during World War II. They are used today to mark special occasions and to honor pilots who have lost their lives.

Members of the 76th AS showcase their dedication to their mission day in and day out and conducted 10 different missions during their week of celebration.

A C-130J Super Hercules aircraft, a C-37A aircraft, and a C-21A aircraft park on the runway before a scheduled formation flight at Ramstein Air Base, July 25. The 76th Airlift Squadron organized a formation flyover to honor the heritage and history of the squadron.
U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 76th Airlift Squadron participate in a piano burning ceremony at Ramstein Air Base, July 26. The event was part of the squadron’s celebration of 80 years of history and heritage and to remember the Doves who lost their lives in service to their country. This tradition has been common in flying communities since World War II.
U.S. Air Force Maj. Jaime Van Neste, C-21A aircraft pilot assigned to the 76th Airlift Wing, speaks with Ramstein Air Base spouses at Ramstein Air Base, July 27. Spouses at Ramstein AB had the opportunity to see the inside of a C-21A and to learn about the capabilities of the 76th AS.
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