Standing in the shadows of a two-ton aircraft, Senator Coons celebrated the Air Mobility Command Museum’s newest installment, the C-5A Galaxy, with remarks at the plane’s dedication ceremony Saturday morning. The famous military plane, nicknamed “Zero–One–Four” after its recognizeable tail number, is the first and only C-5A to be on display at any museum in the country and is especially historic because it is the only aircraft to have ever launched a Minuteman missile in flight, taking place in 1974 off the California coast.
The brief dedication ceremony symbolically transferred the aircraft from the 164th Airlift Wing of the Tennessee Air National Guard to the AMC Museum.
“This C-5 was part of the fleet that supported missions all over the world,” Chris said. “It flew missions during wartime and missions of humanitarian relief, missions on nearly every continent, and in every possible flying condition.”
C-5s have been assigned to Dover AFB for over 42 years and the museum’s new C-5 was originally assigned at Dover Air Force Base from 1973-1977. The aircraft made its final flight from Tennessee in August and has spent the last few months being prepared for its addition to the museum’s collection.
Chris closed his remarks recognizing the impact of the 167 volunteers who keep the museum operational. “To the men and women who make the AMC Museum run, not just as a site for tourism, but as a site for engagement, for education, and for inspiration, we thank you,” he said. “It is a big piece of America’s history, and that makes it an important piece of America’s future.”
For more information about the C-5A display and the Air Mobility Command Museum, visit www.amcmuseum.org.