This month marks 60 years ago since our Air Force set out to deliver hope to Berlin — a city of 2.5 million citizens — blockaded by the Soviets beginning in June 1948. The prospects of successfully supplying the people of Berlin by air alone seemed dim. "Operation Vittles" delivered food, coal and other critical supplies to Berlin — twice the population of O'ahu — via propeller-driven C-47s and C-54s for more than a year.

Our Air Force air-dropped 1.8 million tons of supplies, along with the more than 500,000 tons flown in by our British allies, during nearly 300,000 flights over Berlin. We flew an astounding 92 million miles. It was a mammoth operation demonstrating our commitment to a former enemy and America's determination to prevail over tyranny.

Through this effort we won the hearts of Berliners and fostered the ideals of freedom. Yet often with great effort comes great sacrifice. Berlin still honors the 31 American crew members who gave their lives.

Today, the same message of hope still flies out of Hawai'i and bases in Alaska, Guam, Japan and South Korea. Our airmen are continuing that effort in response to the natural disasters in the Asian-Pacific region. Air Force crews flew more than 150 flights into Burma delivering much-needed supplies and support.

The United States Air Force and our international partners could have done even more in an effort to save lives, but, tragically, Burma's ruling junta would not allow it. In addition to the aid to Burma, Hickam C-17s delivered supplies to China following a severe winter storm in January, and again last month after a destructive earthquake.

Pacific Air Force's strategically-placed C-17s obviously travel faster, farther and carry greater loads than the aircraft during the Berlin airlift. Today, advanced weather forecasting, improved communications, and computer- enhanced mission planning make this all seem simple compared to the challenges faced by Berlin airlifters.

One thing hasn't changed in the 60 years, and that is the spirit of our airmen. The men and women of today's Air Force are the same resolute and tenacious force they have always been. They are the guardsmen and reservists who grew up in Hawai'i and the active-duty airmen who now call Hawai'i their home.

It is only through the great partnership we enjoy with the people of Hawai'i and our Asia-Pacific partners that the Air Force is able to provide the global reach, vigilance and power demonstrated these past 61 years. From integrating our military families into your communities to supporting our vital training at Pohakuloa and Barking Sands, you help us ensure our airmen have the edge to provide our nation the best defense.

The Berlin Airlift and the missions we fly today remind us all what America stands for. It reminds us of American will, American might and of the sacrifices each airman — past and present — has endured to help make our nation the symbol of freedom and the deliverer of hope throughout the world.

Gen. Howie Chandler is commander, Pacific Air Forces. He wrote this commentary for The Advertiser.