Robins AFB hosts F-4 Phantom II dedication

On the afternoon of Friday, October 1, the Georgia Air National Guard’s 116th Air Control Wing hosted an F-4 Phantom II dedication ceremony. It was done in commemoration of Robins Air Force Base’s 80th anniversary. Some of the local and state government officials present at the dedication were Centerville Mayor John Harley, Warner Robins Mayor Randy Toms, Perry Mayor Randall Walker and Georgia Representative (District 146) Shaw Blackmon.

The 116th Air Control Wing Commander Amy Holbeck was the primary speaker, and during her time at the podium, she took a moment to address the crowd, saying, “This event today kicks off a two-day 80th anniversary celebration of the 128th Squadron as the first air unit assigned to the Georgia National Guard. The 128th began as an observation squadron on 1 May 1941.” In her spiel, Holbeck also announced that the original dedication ceremony had been set for May 2021, but due to COVID restrictions and precautions, it had been rescheduled.

The flags that decorated the area where the commander stood to speak waved in response to the breeze that was, no doubt, appreciated and enjoyed by those who had gathered for the outside ceremony.

“Georgia’s courageous men and women throughout history have served well in the 128th,” Holbeck commented. “In all missions, the 128th has served this country faithfully and honorably … in WWII, the Korean War, Vietnam War, Desert Storm … and the War on Terror in Iraq and Afghanistan. It is the dedication of the men and women of the 128th, both past and present, that has earned the 116th Air Control Wing 24 outstanding unit awards, more than any other wing in the history of the Air Force.”

That announced recognition from Holbeck brought a wave of applause from the audience of onlookers. As she continued to speak, the commander commented that special tribute was being paid to the men and women of the 128th Tactical Fighter Squadron who served the F-4 Phantom from 1983 until 1986.

“This group of professional aviators and maintainers pursued every avenue available to them to enhance in combat training and readiness,” she voiced. “It is a true honor to be standing before you today next to the aircraft that symbolizes American freedom earned by the sacrifices of those who served in our organization, our state and our nation.”

As the relatively brief dedication event drew near a close, all of the former and current Georgia National Guard members who had supported the F-4 Phantom II aircraft assembled at the front for a special ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the occasion. After the ribbon was cut, hugs and laughter were shared among those who had taken part in the ceremonial act while the audience applauded.

The dedicated aircraft was refurbished by the 116th Maintenance Group for display outside the main entrance of the of the 116th Air Control Wing headquarters at Robins Air Force Base.

HHJ News