End of an Era for C-12 Huron in U.S.

photo USAF

September 9, 2011 Aviation Machinist Mate Airman Amanda Huntoon, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West / NNS – defpro.com

CORONADO, Calif. | Sailors at Naval Base Coronado marked the end of an aviation era Sept. 7 with a disestablishment ceremony for the C-12 Huron aircraft.

The aircraft was used for a variety of needs including embassy support, medical evacuation, and the transportation of passengers and cargo.

The Huron first flew October 12, 1972 and the Navy purchased the aircraft in 1979. They have been used throughout the Navy, Army, Marine Corps, and the Air Force since that time. The aircraft can comfortably accommodate a pilot, co-pilot, and 8 passengers.

"When you are moving people from point 'A' to point 'B,' there is a sense of accomplishment," said Capt. Yancy B. Lindsey, commanding officer of Naval Base Coronado. "They were an important part of Naval Air Station North Island; they flew thousands of passengers."

"C-12's are small, so it was hard not to interact with the passengers. That was the fun part of the mission," Lindsey said.

The Navy plans to disestablish the C-12 within the continental U.S., but will continue to use them in other parts of the world. The financial demands of the Navy can no longer justify the need for these small aircraft within the U.S. with the availability of commercial transportation.

"Change is inevitable. It was just a matter of time. We should be thankful for having the opportunity to work on these aircrafts," said Lindsey

The C-12's will be transported for storage to Davis Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona