HANSON — Army Black Hawk helicopters flew in formation this weekend at the Cranland Airport bringing honor, tribute and strength to the family and friends of Chief Warrant Officer Three Scott Landis a year after his death in a private plane crash.
The military training coincided with the anniversary — fitting, as the hosting grounds were one of the most cherished places in Scott’s life, and also where he died after his plane went down last August.
Staci Landis and her two children were embraced by hundreds of servicemen and women among their close family and friends. Although they gathered to celebrate the life and legacy Scott left behind while celebating the recent birth of his daughter Olivia Scott. The Landis’ had learned they were pregnant only a few days before his tragic accident. Jack, 2 ½ and his infant sister were two of the many children at the community event.
In total, there were six Army UH 60 Black Hawks, three Medevacs and a Lakota helicopter UH 72.
Dozens of cell phones were focused skyward as guests recorded one Black Hawk after another cutting through the sky in a tremendous parade of mammoth military choppers, with rumbling engines and rotating blades.
All operating aircraft from around the state were on the grounds at Cranland Airport, according to CWO 3 Dan MacSwain who grew up in Hanson with Landis and flew overseas with him.
Staci Landis offered a special thank you to Cranland Airport, the Hanson fire department, and Scott’s former aviation unit for their support and execution to make the day as special as it was.
“Cranland was Scott’s favorite place on the planet so it was only fitting to celebrate him in that setting surrounded by his closest family and friends,” she said. “I learn more every day how many people loved my sweet Scott and how many lives he touched in his short life. It was a day filled with love, tears, and most importantly, Blackhawks.”
The choppers were due to continue their flight path toward Joint Base on Buzzard’s Bay Cape Cod for their training completion and a formal ceremony in Landis’ memory.
Hanson police and fire personnel, Boston Med Flight as well as team members from the Plymouth County technical rescue were among those in attendance as part of the drill.
Catering was provided by Catering by Warren Inc. and Krazy Cook Catering.