C-9 squadrons' history ends with Yokota tribute

(EXCERPT) , By Jennifer H. Svan, Stars and Stripes Pacific edition,
Saturday, September 27, 2003

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan — The yellow and blue flags of two squadrons
here were rolled up and put away as scores of airmen prepared for new
assignments.

The 30th Airlift Squadron and 374th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron
were deactivated at a ceremony Thursday and relegated to the Air Force
history books.

“In the circle of life, there is no end,” said Col. Barbara Johnston,
the 374th Aeromedical Evacuation commander. “I just say another
chapter.”

And the next one begins immediately for many squadron members.

1st Lt. Michael Lindner, a C-9 pilot, was departing for McChord Air
Force Base, Wash., on Friday, where he’ll train to become a C-17
aviator.

“It’s a little sad, but it was a great first assignment,” he said,
referring to the 30th Airlift Squadron.

While many of the squadron’s 26 pilots and 11 enlisted personnel
prepare for transfers to the United States, about 119 military
personnel and family members of the 374th Aeromedical Evacuation
Squadron are headed to Okinawa’s Kadena Air Base. The squadron will
continue to provid...

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---------------------------
Otis Willie
Associate Librarian
The American War Library
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