C-12 Huron

C-12 Huron's, like the one pictured here, left Osan Air Base to head to Yakota Air Base on 1 July 2007 with the inactivation of the 55th Airlift Flight. The C-12's provided airlift capabilities for Osan for 15 years, moving numerous people and pieces of equipment during those years. (Courtesy Photo)

Team Osan says goodbye to the 55th Airlift Flight

Published July 17, 2007
By Staff Sgt. Christopher A. Marasky
51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- As the old saying goes, you don't know what you've got 'til it's gone.

Of all the aircraft stationed here at Osan Air Base, the C-12 Huron is one that may leave Osan feeling the truth of that well-used proverb.

As of July 1st, the Huron will no longer be a part of Team Osan. The 55th Airlift Flight was inactivated, and the airlift capability of Osan AB all but taken away.

"It's a lot of the little stuff people are going to miss," said Lieutenant Colonel Kevin Brown, the last C-12 pilot to depart Osan AB. "A lot of the things we accomplished just aren't going to be accessible or feasible now."

The C-12 is a light, twin propeller aircraft used for small cargo and personnel transportation. The 55th ALF carried out a number of missions while assigned to Osan AB from July 1, 1992 until July 1 of this year, totaling 15 years of flight. In the past two years, the 55th flew 1379 sorties (3035 hours), moving more than 5000 passengers in the Korean and Japanese areas of responsibility.

The C-12s are now headed to Yakota Air Base, Japan. With the loss of the C-12, Osan will now rely on other Pacific Air Force operations for airlift capability.

"Just because we're gone, it doesn't mean it's impossible to get airlift," said Colonel Brown. "PACAF has given us incredible support."