908th Airlift Wing Retires Auburn C-130

The 908th Airlift Wing’s Auburn plane has been with the unit for 31 years.

In that time, it’s flown across the globe, even earning a purple heart when it was shot in combat.

Now, that plane is being retired, and a new C-130 bears the Auburn logo.

“A lot of men and women have served on, worked on, really dedicated a lot of effort to. Been all over the world in this aircraft. Going to be sad to see this go,” said Major Sam Manno.

Maj. Manno is the Chief Navigator of the plane. He also happens to be an Auburn alum.

He was in charge of the ceremony and helped transfer the heritage, along with the help of Auburn ROTC cadets.

This C-130 is a few years younger than the outgoing model. Officers here hope that means they stick around in the montgomery area for quite some time.

“It’s going to be a continuation of the mission. Less hours typically means that we’re going to have these planes for a little bit longer,” said Maj. Manno.

Lieutenant Colonel Jeff Welborn heads up Auburn’s ROTC program.

He says it was an honor for these cadets to be a part of the ceremony, and to see their university as part of something bigger.

“I think it means a lot to have an aircraft with the Auburn logo on the side, not only because it represents the united states air force but as I said before, it represents an institution that is committed to developing leaders around the globe,” said Lt. Col. Welborn.