West Virginia International Yeager Airport (CRW) would like to recognize West Virginia International Yeager Airport Police Department (WVIYAPD) Officer Brian Jones for going above and beyond the call of duty.
On July 5, two military recruits traveling to boot camp became stranded at CRW after their flight was canceled and rescheduled for the following day. The two men were stuck with only a $10 meal voucher while waiting for a call from the Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO). At around 10:30 PM, the recruits were booked hotel rooms at a hotel in Beckley, West Virginia, over an hour away—allowing for little time to rest before they would have to travel back to CRW for their early flight.
Hearing this, Officer Jones arranged a ride to and from a Charleston hotel, which he paid for himself, and bought the men pizza.
Later, Police Chief Eric Johnson received a call from the mom of one of the men. She had spoken with her son, who told her of his experience and how kind the WVIYAPD officers were. She said her son hopes to be a police officer after military service.
This isn’t the first time Officer Jones has gone above and beyond for customers at CRW. In March, Officer Jones noticed a child who needed to burn off some energy before his flight. With permission from the child’s grandmother, Officer Jones took him around CRW. The child was taken for a walk on the ramp, saw police cruisers, met CRW Hercules, and was able to visit with a pilot inside the cockpit of a Spirit Airlines aircraft.
CRW would like to thank Officer Jones for creating memorable moments for our passengers and congratulate him on being named Employee of the Month for July.
West Virginia International Yeager Airport (CRW) will be working with American Airlines to transport the family of an American Hero to Washington D.C. this Wednesday at 3:00 PM.
After laying in state at the West Virginia State Capital, Hershel Woodrow “Woody” Williams will be flown via West Virginia Air National Guard C-130 to Washington D.C., where he will be honored during a state funeral. Williams was the last living WWII Medal of Honor Recipient.
A charted plane from American Airlines will follow the C-130 and transport family and friends of Williams to D.C. The aircraft will receive a water cannon salute as it departs.
“To be able to assist with the departure out of CRW is a true honor. William’s devotion to this country and all those he served is beyond remarkable,” said CRW Director and CEO Nick Keller. “He’s an American hero who will be missed by many.”
“We are tremendously proud to do our part in honoring Woody Williams and his heroic legacy of sacrifice and service,” said Randy Stillinger, Manager of Military and Veterans Initiatives for American Airlines. “With the help of our team members across the country, we will see that Woody’s family is well taken care of on their journey to Washington DC, where Woody will be honored by a grateful nation. While a hero from our Greatest Generation has passed, we reinforce our commitment to the Woody Williams Foundation and continue to support his heartfelt mission to care for families of the fallen.”
Williams served in the United States Marine Corps. He received the military’s highest decoration of valor, the Medal of Honor, for his heroism above and beyond the call of duty in World War II on the island of Iwo Jima.
CRW will continue to honor his memory through our Woody Williams Military Flight Operations Center.
West Virginia International Yeager Airport (CRW) will have nightly closures of Runway 5/23 starting July 25 through November 18, 2022.
The closures are necessary for Phase 3 of CRW’s Runway 5-23 rehabilitation project, mandated and funded by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This comprehensive upgrade will provide a 2-inch asphalt overlay of the entire runway, including rehabilitation of the runway lighting system, the installation of energy-efficient LED runway edge lights, electrical conductors, and runway exit sign modifications.
Much of the work will be done overnight into the early morning hours to align the construction with the Airport’s commercial air traffic schedules. Below is a look at scheduled runway closures:
“The runway is at a point where it hasn’t been rehabbed since 2003,” said Airport Director and CEO Nick Keller. “The repairs are necessary to ensure CRW is set up for success as we continue to grow into the future.”
This is the final phase of CRW’s three-year Runway Rehabilitation Project, which was funded by an Airport Improvement Program grant. West Virginia Paving, Inc. was awarded the prime contract, and Airport Design Consultants Inc will provide construction management and inspection services. The airlines that service CRW were notified in advance of the closures.
The Transportation Security Administration says there is a pent-up demand for travel, and that will be seen at checkpoints in airports across the nation.
So far, TSA has reported they are seeing checkpoint volumes at about 85% of pre-pandemic levels, and those will only increase as summer travel progresses.
Here are some quick need-to-know tips:
With labor shortages with airlines and TSA combined with an increase in travelers, you could run into some delays. TSA lines could be unpredictable this travel season. Make sure you have your ID and boarding pass in hand and ready to go.
TSA says one of the biggest mistakes people make while checking in is bringing oversized liquid, gels, and aerosols.
Each passenger may carry liquids, gels, and aerosols in travel-size containers that are 3.4 ounces or100 milliliters. Each passenger is limited to one quart-size bag of liquids, gels, and aerosols. Everyday travel items that must comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule include toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, mouthwash, and lotion.
Flying earlier in the day means your flight is less likely to get canceled – and you will have more options if it does. Summer travel also means a higher risk of weather delays since severe weather generally begins later in the afternoon. Flying in the morning could help avoid thunderstorms and weather delays, which in turn can have a domino effect.
If you’re checking a bag, make sure to check with your airline on the check-in requirements. Generally, you must do so 45 – 60 minutes before a domestic flight. United, American Airlines, and Delta all require travelers to check their bags 60 minutes before their flight.
TSA is urging anyone flying to enroll in PreCheck. Not only does it get you through the checkpoint faster, but it also eliminates the need for a bin (in most cases) and decreases the amount of contact you have with TSA agents. Enrolling in PreCheck is relatively easy, but it does take a few weeks.
Enrolling is a two-step process. You can start the application online by scheduling an appointment at an enrollment center. The appointment takes about 10 minutes. Your fingerprints are taken for a background check, and you have to pay $85 for a 5-year membership. After that, it normally takes a few weeks to get your approval. Once you are approved, the renewal process is done online.
TSA has put together a list of what food items can stay in your carry-on and what needs to be in your checked baggage. The simple rule TSA follow is, if you can spill it, spread it, spray it, pump it, or pour it, pack it in a checked bag. Here is the full list.
Be patient and kind to TSA, airline, and airport workers as they work through being short-staffed.
West Virginia International Yeager Airport Staff and the Central West Virginia Regional Airport Board Members are mourning the loss of Hershel Woodrow “Woody” Williams today. His heroism and dedication will be remembered around the world for generations to come.
“Woody William’s devotion to service members, veterans, and their families was remarkable,” said Yeager Airport Director and CEO Nick Keller. “He was a true American hero, and his commitment to our service members will live on at CRW through the Woody Williams Military Flight Operations Center.”
The Woody Williams Military Flight Operations Center at CRW was dedicated in July 2019 as part of the Home Base Program. The center consists of flight planning, operations, briefing, equipment lockers, communications, and office space that is utilized by military aviation units basing at West Virginia International Yeager Airport for training detachments. The top-notch facility is part of the Airport’s efforts to bring in more business from military sources to increase flight operations and invigorate the local economy.
Born on a dairy farm in 1923 in Quiet Dell, West Virginia, Hershel Woodrow “Woody” Williams dedicated his life to recognizing and commemorating the service and devotion to duty of our service men and women. Woody Williams was a retired United States Marine Corps warrant officer who received the military’s highest decoration of valor, the Medal of Honor, for heroism above and beyond the call of duty in World War II, on the island of Iwo Jima.
Woody noted in a recent interview with CRW staff that in 1943 when he enlisted in the Marines in Charleston, West Virginia, he knew someone was trying to take our freedom away, and he wanted to be a part of protecting America. When we asked about the day he received his Medal of Honor, Woody humbly said he was just doing the job the Marines had trained him to do.
He will be greatly missed by many, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of West Virginians, Veterans, and all service members who pass through West Virginia International Yeager Airport. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his beloved family and all who mourn this tremendous loss.
West Virginia International Yeager Airport lowered all flags to half staff in honor of Benny Mallory, who passed away at 91 Monday evening.
Mallory was the founder of the Mallory Airport in South Charleston and was an award-winning pilot with an esteemed aviation career training of over 40,000 pilots.
His love for aviation began in the 1950s and never slowed down. He flew commercially for many politicians, including former President John F. Kennedy, during a visit to West Virginia.
CRW offers our deepest condolences to Mallory’s loved ones. We are forever grateful for the impact he made on aviation.
The Mallory Airport says they will host a memorial gathering for the public at 1:00 PM Saturday, June 25 for Mallory.
