C-17 pilot for air show recalls his introduction to flying at Keesler Published March 25, 2009 By Angela Guirola 81st Training Wing Public Affairs KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, BILOXI, MISS. -- Spectators at next week's Thunder on the Bay Air Show will find at least one former Gulfport resident as part of the sky-high performance. Lt. Col. James Cole, director of operations for the 58th Airlift Squadron at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, is flying with his C-17 formal training unit. The unit provides initial and follow-on flight training to Air Force, National Guard and Air Force Academy cadets. Although Colonel Cole was never stationed at Keesler, he did many things on base as he was growing up. He gained an interest in the Air Force when he participated in the Keesler Civil Air Patrol unit as a cadet. "I actually learned to fly at the Keesler Aero Club in 1985," Colonel Cole recalled. "I flew my first solo flight at Keesler, so it is a real treat to get to come back and fly at Keesler again." During his time in the Aero Club, he flew light Cessna aircraft. Colonel Cole's training at Keesler didn't help him for his C-17 duties, but he pointed out, "My time at Keesler motivated me to enter the military as an officer and pursue a career in aviation." As an Air Force pilot who's been on active duty since 1992, Colonel Cole has flown the T-3A, T-37B, T-1A, C-13A, and C-17A. "I have over 6,000 hours of combined military and civilian flight time, including over 4,000 hours in military jet aircraft," the colonel remarked. He's been stationed at Altus since February 2008. The C-17 Globemaster III is the Air Force's newest, most flexible cargo aircraft. The C-17 is capable of rapid strategic delivery of troops and all types of cargo to main operating bases or directly to forward bases in the deployment area. The aircraft can perform tactical airlift and airdrop missions and can also transport litters and ambulatory patients during aeromedical evacuations. The C-17 demonstration team flies 10 to 15 shows each year to demonstrate the aircraft's capabilities. The Keesler performance is scheduled to last about 10 minutes. "We demonstrate a high speed pass, a low speed pass, a tight 360-degree turn over the airfield, a tactical departure and an assault, or short field landing," he explained. "While most are in the U.S., we do support some overseas shows," Colonel Cole said. "We will be traveling to Puerto Rico and Canada this year." His team members include Majs. Kent Freeman and Bernie Allemeier. The team flies with one pilot, one copilot and one safety observer. According to Colonel Cole, all of the team members are instructor pilots for the C-17 formal training unit at Altus. The team will also include a loadmaster who's responsible for the cargo compartment of the aircraft. Colonel Cole, a graduate of Harrison Central High School and Mississippi State University, says he's very excited about returning to south Mississippi. "It is coming back home for me," he said. "I grew up on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and coming home for me is always great." His parents, Stuart and Martha Cole, and his brother and sister-in-law, Robbie and Carrie Cole, still live in Gulfport. "I am thrilled to be returning to Keesler," he commented. "I remember coming to the Keesler air shows as a kid, and the whole team is looking forward to being there." Susan Griggs, Keesler News staff, contributed to this report.