CSX delivers Sarge, one of the Oldest Serving Air Force Locomotives, to a New Home

CSX salutes our veterans and individuals currently serving in the U.S. military. CSX railroaders had the honor of moving Sarge, a 1954 Baldwin locomotive, from Dobbins Air Force Reserve Base in Marietta, Ga. to Kirby Family Farm, a non-profit educational facility serving at-risk and special needs children in Williston, Fla.
 

Sarge, referred to as Dobbin’s Air Reserve’s “oldest working employee”, wore a blue paint scheme and operated as USAF #1248. It was one of 74 model #RS-4-TCs manufactured for the military, with 66 serving in the U.S. Army and eight in the U.S. Air Force. Sarge is the last recognized locomotive in this series to have been in active service.

Before transitioning the locomotive to CSX for delivery to its new home, the acting Colonel at the base rode Sarge to the rail spur in a ceremonious handoff recognizing the locomotive’s many years of service.  

CSX and its partner, the Florida Northern short line, completed the move from Marietta, Ga. to Williston, Fla. Upon arriving in Williston, CSX and volunteers transferred Sarge and other rail cars from the active rail line to a rail line at Kirby Family Farms using two large cranes. While the primary mission of Kirby Family Farms is to serve at-risk children, the interactive educational experience also hosts veterans groups. Daryl Kirby, founder of the non-profit, is a rail enthusiast and historian that grew up in a railroad family, spending time with his grandfather who was a lifetime railroader, even serving in a World War II railroad unit.

“Transporting Sarge to Kirby Family Farms was a great honor,” said Dan Labyak, CSX Clearance Bureau manager. “As an active member of the U.S. Navy Reserves it was rewarding to help Sarge transition to his next assignment, where he will continue to serve the community and bring cheer to at-risk youth, veterans groups and others that visit Kirby Family Farms.” Helping transport Sarge combines Dan’s professional vocations and passions. In addition to his role at CSX leading clearance projects, Dan serves as a Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserves, flying P-3C Orions out of Naval Air Station Jacksonville.  

Read more about CSX’s partnership with Kirby Family Farm and the recent move of the famous Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus Train

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