An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : News : Article View
NEWS | Oct. 2, 2012

West Virginia Air Guard crew honored for saving plane after bird strike

By Master Sgt. Matthew Hilborn Air National Guard Readiness Center Public Affairs

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. - Quick thinking and exemplary teamwork allowed an aircrew from the 167th Airlift Wing to land safely after their Air Force C-5 Galaxy aircraft sustained severe damage to its engines as a result of multiple bird strikes during takeoff.

The West Virginia Air National Guard members received the Earl T. Ricks Award during the 2013 Air Force Association's Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition here Sept. 16. The award recognizes Air National Guard personnel for outstanding airmanship.

Those honored were Air Force Lt. Col. Jonathan Goldstein, Capt. Ryan Hawk, 1st Lt. Samuel Harrison, Senior Master Sgt. Timothy Nicholson, Master Sgt. Michael Kalbfleisch, Master Sgt. Devin Paskewich, Tech. Sgt. Nicholas McFadden, Staff Sgt. Chad Witmer, Staff Sgt. Jordan Soltis and Senior Airman Jeremy Barr.

"Both the unit and other training really prepare you for these types of emergencies," said Master Sgt. Micheal Kalbfleisch, a 167th flight engineer who was part of the aircrew. "In fact, there is a simulation training scenario that we do once a year where you lose two of your engines and have to handle the situation."

The fully loaded aircraft departed April 19 from Navy Station Rota, Spain, en route to an Air Base in the Middle East in support of Operation Enduring Freedom when the incident occurred. The crew assessed the damage and was able take the appropriate actions saving themselves and the plane.

Col. Shaun Perkowski, the 167th Air Wing vice commander, said the unit is proud of the Airmen and how they handled themselves under duress.

"The way they worked together to safely land their crippled airplane was simply outstanding," Perkowski said. "It took great technical skill and knowledge, awesome leadership and a crew working together at their best."

 

 

Related Articles
Peter DeJoseph, left, a Red Cat flight trainer, observes as Staff Sgt. First Class Gregory Mannen, center, and Staff Sgt. Timothy Powers operate the Flightwave Edge 130 unmanned aircraft system during training at the 249th Regional Training Institute, Rees Training Center, Oregon, Sept. 4, 2025. The Edge 130 provides vertical takeoff and landing capabilities with transition to fixed-wing flight, offering up to 90 minutes of flight time and advanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities for Oregon Army National Guard units.
Oregon Guard Advances Drone Capabilities With New Training Systems
By Maj. Wayne Clyne, | Sept. 16, 2025
RAYMOND REES NATIONAL GUARD TRAINING CENTER, Ore. – The Oregon Army National Guard is transforming its unmanned aircraft systems training at the 249th Regional Training Institute, introducing advanced platforms while...

Maj. Gen. Gent Welsh, the adjutant general of the Washington National Guard, and Lt. Gen. Nur Hafis bin Abdul Karim, deputy chief of the Royal Malaysian Air Force, exchange gifts during an office visit Sept. 12, 2025, at Camp Murray, Wash. The Washington National Guard and Malaysia have been partners through the National Guard State Partnership Program since August 2017.
Washington Guard Hosts Visit From Royal Malaysian Air Force Deputy Chief
By Joseph Siemandel, | Sept. 16, 2025
CAMP MURRAY, Wash. - The Washington National Guard welcomed a senior delegation from Malaysia as part of its long-standing partnership Sept. 11 – 13 at Camp Murray and Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. The delegation included...

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Laura Clellan, The Adjutant General of Colorado, and Lt. Gen. Thomas Süssli, chief of the Swiss Armed Forces, at the signing of the Letter of Intent for the new National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program partnership between Switzerland and Colorado. (Photo Courtesy U.S. Embassy Bern)
Colorado Guard, Switzerland Become Partners in Program
By Colorado National Guard | Sept. 15, 2025
CENTENNIAL, Colo. – The Swiss Confederation and Colorado National Guard have officially become state partners under the Department of War National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program or SPP.A signing ceremony with...