Photo By Lt. Col. Timothy Wade | U.S. Air Force Col. Douglas C. Jeffrey IV, 433rd Airlift Wing commander, delivers a briefing to civic leaders and honorary commanders at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, June 25, 2026. Jeffrey educated the distinguished visitors on the 433rd AW and the Air Force Reserve as a whole. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kevin Jones) see less
| View Image Page
433rd Airlift Wing Connects with Community During C-5M Civic Leader Flight
In a demonstration of strategic airlift capabilities and community partnership, the 433rd Airlift Wing hosted 44 local civic leaders for an orientation flight aboard a C-5M Super Galaxy on June 25, 2026.
The event provided Greater San Antonio area business owners, educators, and local government officials with a firsthand look at the daily operations of the "Alamo Wing" and the Air Force Reserve Command.
Participants arrived early to the wing, where they were briefed on the specific mission of the 433rd AW and flightline safety protocols before boarding the massive aircraft affectionally known as Fred—the largest aircraft in the U.S. Air Force inventory. During the flight, civic leaders were given the opportunity to tour the flight deck, interact with the aircrew, and experience the sheer scale and operational complexity of the military’s premier strategic airlifter.
Col. Douglas Jeffrey IV, 433rd AW commander, highlighted the importance of the event during the mission brief prior to the flight.
"Civic leader orientation flights are a vital tool for transparency and community integration," said the wing commander. "When our local leaders can physically see the equipment and meet the Reserve Airmen who operate it, it builds a foundation of mutual trust and advocacy that is essential for our mission readiness."
The flight concluded with a safe landing back at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, leaving the 44 attendees with a unique perspective on the dedication required to maintain global reach and air superiority.
The 433rd AW routinely engages with the public to ensure the surrounding communities remain informed and connected to the Reserve Airmen who live and work in their neighborhoods.
