53rd Wing celebrates 70th birthday

  • Published
  • By Lois Walsh
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Reveling in its rich history, the 53rd Wing celebrated its 70th birthday Feb. 3.

The wing, established in 1940 and activated at MacDill Field, Fla., on Jan. 15, 1941, trained fighter pilots in the P-35 and P-40 aircraft and later flew P-39 patrols in defense of the Panama Canal. Through the years, and several redesignations later, the wing emerged to where it is today--supporting the warfighter by providing operational test and evaluation of new equipment and electronic systems.

Past commanders, veterans, community leaders and active 53rd Airmen packed a hangar to acknowledge the wing's accomplishments and advancements. Dr. Charles Merkel, wing historian, presented a slide show with highlights of the 70 years of airpower excellence.

"Our future and legacy will continue to our 100th birthday and beyond," Dr. Merkel said.

Brig. Gen (ret) Douglas Richardson, wing commander from 1998-2000, spoke about when he first visited the base as a cadet from the U.S. Air Force Academy. He talked about his experiences as commander and the changes the wing's seen in the last 10 years. He categorized his experience in four themes: people, family, friends and faith.

"The primary job of commanders is to take care of people," General Richardson said.

He coined a former 53rd honorary commander, Art Dees, when the general found out both the wing and Mr. Dees had the same birthday.

The general said due to the complex and diverse mission and geographical separation of the wing, leadership did not take on a traditional role. He counted heavily on working together with local communities and the faith and trust he had in his friends, co-workers and fellow commanders with the bottom line, supporting the warfighter.

The wing dedicated a time capsule filled with artifacts from today's 53rd Wing. Items like coins, patches, photos and letters from the commanders speaking of current operations. It will be on display in the 53rd's headquarters building, until it is opened in 2041, for the wing's 100th birthday.

In closing, Col. Michael Gantt, 53rd commander, said it was a big week for the wing, citing several events, including the birthday celebration and culminating with the annual awards dinner. After thanking those present, and reflecting on the wing's future.

"It certainly would be fatuous of us to think that we know how this organization will look in 2041. Just like our past, this organization will be shaped by world events and guided by the outstanding leadership of our current and future squadron and group commanders; 2041 holds the promise of continued Airpower Excellence. What I do know is that the Sword and Shield of the 53d Wing will be carried into the future by Airmen of tremendous talent."