The sun rose behind the Altus Air Force Base flightline this morning to reveal beautiful skies and weather that far exceeded expectations for today’s big jump. It was an early start for everyone, as the team loaded bags and equipment in the van at 0400. Once at the aircraft, everyone went to work like a well-oiled machine. Golden Knights media relations set up three tripods to record in-flight video, and SFC Arlyn Slade performed pre-mission checks on SSG Borger’s parachute and equipment.
Prebreathing started at 0600 on the nose, as maintenance technicians did last minute checks of the aircraft electrical systems. About five minutes into prebreathing, the technicians found that there was a problem with the aircraft’s emergency backup power system, which put everyone involved in high gear immediately. Luckily, the planning process had been exhaustive so everyone knew exactly what do do. The alternate aircraft was parked 100 feet away and and was fired up within minutes of the discovery. Crew members disconnected their oxygen, rushed to the other aircraft, and reconnected their masks as quickly as they could. Meanwhile, ground support personnel brought the gear and cameras and reconfigured the new aircraft for the mission. Everything was back on track in no time and the hitch only pushed the drop time back by 20 minutes.
Wheels were up at 0720 and the aircraft immediately began the climb to 32,000 feet. Everything went as planned while in flight, and SSG Borger exited the C-17 at 0749 and landed safely at approximately 0756. He traveled a total of 11.5 miles and now holds the world record for greatest distance traveled while in freefall. SSG Borger was in freefall for 6 minutes 35 seconds, just short of the current world record of 6:48.
Overall, the jump went well and everyone was safe. The level of support the Golden Knights have received from everyone at Altus is unparalleled and the successful attempt could not have been possible without them.
Story and pictures by SGT Rachel Medley
photos:
-View of the C-17 from the catwalk behind the cockpit
-SSG Borger dons his mask to start prebreathing
-Mr. Micheal Battise from the Golden Knights media relations department gets it all on camera
-SFC Slade and SSG Borger prebreathing
-An Oklahoma sunrise silhouettes the the C-17 as the engines spool up
-The C-17 taxies out for take-off
-SSG Borger chats with the media after the jump
GoArmy.com
Golden Knights on Facebook
Golden Knights on Flickr
Golden Knights on Twitter
Golden Knights on YouTube
Official Team Website
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
congratulations on a fine accomplishment! Blue Skies!
Congratulations!! I have lived here in Altus for 20 years and I really dont pay alot of attention to what is going on at AFB, but I heard about this record attempt in full detail and became very interested! Now I am a friend to the Golden Knights FB! Thank GOD everything went as planned and all is well!! Good and Very Brave job SSG Borger and crew!!
Superb!
you guys get paid to do this?! congratulations on the record! i know this will help future insertion capabilities. money well spent.
@Brian Tarver:We get paid to do less than that. And it helps with nothing. Good day now.