FORT WORTH, Texas –
Marine Transport Squadron (VMR)-1 conducted a ceremony to celebrate achieving full operational capability with the C-40A aircraft at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas, June 18.
U.S. Rep. Marc Veasey (D-Texas, 33rd) and Texas Rep. Keresa Richardson (R-Collin County) joined Marines and their families to commemorate VMR-1’s readiness achievement. Their attendance showcased the strong community relations and local support that have helped strengthen the squadron’s mission and connection to North Texas.
Since receiving the C-40A aircraft in June 2023, VMR-1 has transported more than 11,000 passengers and 1.2 million pounds of cargo. Today, the squadron operates with five C-40A crews, supported by ground and logistics staff.
“We directly support numerous missions for the Marine Corps,” said Lt. Col. Hanson W. Pitchford, commanding officer, Marine Transport Squadron (VMR) 1, Marine Aircraft Group 41, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Forces Reserve. “We’re tasked out with really once-in-a-lifetime missions, some of which were to Australia, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea and the Philippines, as well as flying into Europe and the Middle East.”
VMR-1 has demonstrated its global reach by transporting the commandant of the Marine Corps to Iwo Jima for the 80th anniversary of the historic World War II battle, honoring the legacy of the Marines who fought and fell there.
Earlier this year, the squadron also transported the Marine Forces Reserve Band to Panama, where the band performed for local audiences and strengthened partnerships through cultural exchange.
“We like supporting Marines. It’s a lot more fun for us to have Marines in the back,” Pitchford said. “Marines are always really excited when they see these planes. So, they’re very happy to fly.”
With its full operational capability declared, VMR-1 stands ready to deliver agile, long-range airlift in support of Marines worldwide. VMR-1’s upcoming missions include exercise Arctic Edge 2025 in Alaska, further proving its place as a vital force multiplier for the Marine Corps.
“Flying in Arctic Edge 2025 … will be something that we probably look to continue into the future— flying these planes long distances in cold weather or austere environments. So that’s something we’re training towards,” Pitchford said. “It’s something we’re helping out with the larger Marine Corps. We’re also developing plans for next year, where we continue to push what can be done with the planes, establish the precedents of how we do direct support.”
Written by Cpl. Kanoa Thomas with the Marine Forces Reserve. 