Aircraft Named for ASU by Maxwell's 908th Airlift Wing on Oct. 29!

Alabama State University & Maxwell's 908th Airlift Wing Strengthen Partnership!

- Maxwell to Name Aircraft for ASU; Host Nose Art Unveiling Ceremony with C-130H Hercules decorated with University symbols.

- ASU's President Ross and 908th Wing Commander Colonel Drescher in attendance.

WHEN: Thursday (October 29) @ 10 a.m. 
WHERE: Maxwell Air Force Base.
NOTE: The news media must be at Maxwell's Visitor Center by 9:15 a.m. sharp on Thursday to be escorted to the event. 

By Kenneth Mullinax/ASU

Alabama State University and Maxwell Air Force Base's 908th Airlift Wing (Maxwell) will strengthen their partnership as the 908th holds a Nose Art Unveiling Ceremony on Maxwell Air Force Base, Thursday, October 29, at 10:00 a.m.

A cadre of senior leaders from both ASU, led by University President, Dr. Quinton T. Ross Jr., and Maxwell's 908th, commanded by Wing Commander, Col. Craig W. Drescher, will host Thursday's military ceremony.

"ASU has a long standing tradition of working with and honoring the men and women of our armed forces, especially those stationed at Maxwell Air Force Base. For our University to be honored on Oct. 29 by having the nose of one of its aircraft decorated with ASU artwork and the aircraft named for the University is a tangible example of our growing partnership," said President Ross.

The naming of an aircraft is part of military tradition.

The military is full of historical traditions and one of those traditions is paying tribute to people and organizations that are important to it by naming buildings, parade fields or pieces of equipment after those people or organizations.

A little more than a year ago, the 908th started an initiative to name one of its aircraft after Alabama State University.

ABOUT THE 908TH AIRLIFT WING

The 908th is the state’s only Air Force reserve wing. The unit operates a fleet of eight C-130H Hercules cargo aircraft. Known as the “Workhorse of the Air Force,” this plane can carry 42,000 pounds of cargo, 92 troops, 64 paratroops or 74 litter patients. It can fly up to 386 mph with a range of 5,200 miles.  

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