Old man turns 4,000

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Jason Smith
  • 7 BW/PA
OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM - Colonel Scott Vander Hamm, 40th Air Expeditionary Group commander, surpassed the 4,000-flying hours mark with his B-1 flight Saturday.

Lieutenant Col. Harry Foster, 40th AEG deputy commander, said reaching the 4,000-hour mark is a big achievement for any aviator.

"That's equivalent to spending more than four months in the air," said Colonel Foster, who has logged more than 2,000 hours in four different aircraft. "It's more significant because of the number of planes Colonel Vander Hamm has flown. It's a milestone few achieve."

Colonel Vander Hamm started recording flying hours during his Air Force flight training in 1986. Since then he has flown in T-37s, T-38s, T-43s, B-52s, B-1s and B-2s. Most of his hours are in the B-1, but Colonel Vander Hamm said there is no way to name a favorite aircraft.

"The most fun is probably the B-1," Colonel Vander Hamm said. "But one could argue until the sun goes down about what aircraft is the most capable. All of them have been unique and interesting. I have an appreciation for every aircraft I have flown."

In his 20-year career, Colonel Vander Hamm has spent 167 entire days in the air. Those are the kind of hours a man who has always wanted to fly can be proud of. His fascination with flying started during the initiation of the space program in the 1960s.

"My mom remembers better than I do, but she tells me that she took me to the San Diego airport when I was about three years old," said Colonel Vander Hamm. "We used to sit on the car hood off the end of the runway and watch airplanes take off and land."

Even Colonel Vander Hamm's name suggested at an early age he would be a flier. Scott Alan Vander Hamm is named after two of the first seven American astronauts, Scott Carpenter and Alan Sheppard.

As is the natural progression for Air Force officers, more rank has meant more non-flying responsibilities for Colonel Vander Hamm. Regardless, he said even if he had to give up flying, he would continue to serve his country in the Air Force.

"I'm an officer first and an aviator second," Colonel Vander Hamm said. "I enjoy people, and I enjoy the technical aspect of employing weapons systems. There's always a push and pull desire to fly and to be with people."

Colonel Foster agreed that Colonel Vander Hamm is a people person. The two have known each other since Colonel Vander Hamm was a captain.

"He has always been a remarkable aviator," said Colonel Foster. "He actually taught me to fly the B-2."

Perhaps the B-2 has a special place in Colonel Vander Hamm's long resume. In all of his missions, he names one on the first night of Operation Iraqi Freedom as his most memorable to date.

Colonel Vander Hamm was part of a three-ship B-2 mission originating from Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri. The crews of that mission were charged with striking integrated air defense, leadership, and command and control targets in Iraq.
The three Whiteman aircraft, along with Navy destroyers and submarines, and B-52s, partnered for the fight. During the 38-hour flight, Colonel Vander Hamm said he refueled five times from either KC-135s or KC-10s.

"Together, with decisive fire power, we enabled the Army and Marines to start their battle on the ground," said Colonel Vander Hamm. "Everything came together like a symphony. Being part of a mission that brought all of our services together is an amazing experience."

Experiences such as his first OIF mission are possible because of his supportive family, said Colonel Vander Hamm. The father of 10 said his family has stood with him throughout his career. A stable family life allows him to focus on the mission. To the contrary, he said even minor problems at home can take away from the mission.

"I don't like to think about the struggles deployed Airmen can have when they are concerned with problems at home," he said. "It can really make deployments difficult."

As has been the norm during Colonel Vander Hamm's career, he doesn't want any special recognition or celebration for surpassing the 4,000-hour milestone. He calls the feat "just another step on the boardwalk of his career."