New Westover C-5 model replaces one lost in microburst

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) - A new addition came to Westover Air Reserve Base in Chicopee Wednesday, as a new C-5 model was mounted near the base's front gate.

This is actually Westover's second model, since the first was destroyed by a microburst in July of last year .

According to Col Steven Vautrain, Commander of the 439th Airlift Wing, this new model was built from scratch by the maintenance workers on base.

“It's a good representation of all of their work that they put into it,” Vautrain said. “And now when people drive on the base to the Westover Road gate, that'll be the first thing they see.”

Commander Vautrain also told 22News that crew labored over this new C-5 model for nine months.