Keesler squad & D-Day 73

SAINTE-MERE-EGLISE, France - Two 815th Airlift Squadron crews from Keesler Air Force Base in Mississippi participated in a six-ship multinational airborne mission here in the Normandy region June 4, 2017, to commemorate the 73rd anniversary of D-Day in WWII. In the early morning hours of June 6, 1944, paratroopers from the 82nd and 101st Infantry Divisions dropped into France in the opening moments of what would become known as “The Longest Day.” The aircraft followed the same route C-47s did to drop paratroopers on D-Day. The Keesler-based 815th AS is one of nine historical units taking part in various events and ceremonies throughout the region. Now a C-130J tactical unit, the 815th AS was the 815th Bombardment Squadron during WWII. “I’m honored and humbled to be able to fly in such a historic event that celebrates and commemorates all of the people that took part and those that made the ultimate sacrifice,” said Capt. Nicholas Foreman, an 815th AS pilot. (Source: 403rd Wing 06/06/17)