The C-17: Rainbow After Rain

OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM:Following a sudden downpour, a rainbow arcs over a line of U.S. Air Force aircraft at Moron, Air Base, Spain. (Photo credit: U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. P.J. Farlin)

The C-17 made its maiden flight on Sept. 15, 1991, and the first production model was delivered to Charleston Air Force Base, S.C., June 14, 1993.

The first squadron of C-17s, the 17th Airlift Squadron, was declared operationally ready Jan. 17, 1995. The Air Force originally programmed to buy a total of 120 C-17s, with the last one being delivered in November 2004. Current budget plans involve purchasing 180 aircraft. The original 120 C-17s were based at Charleston AFB; McChord AFB, Wash., (first aircraft arrived in July 1999); Altus AFB, Okla.; and at an Air National Guard unit in Jackson, Miss. In September 2004, McGuire AFB, N.J. began basing the first of 13 aircraft expected by June 2005.

The C-17 is operated by the Air Mobility Command at the 437th Airlift Wing, Charleston AFB, S.C.; the 62nd Airlift Wing, McChord AFB, Wash; the 305th Air Mobility Wing, McGuire AFB, N.J.; the 315th Airlift Wing (Associate Reserve), Charleston AFB, S.C.; and, the 446th Airlift Wing (Associate Reserve), McChord AFB, Wash; and the 172nd Airlift Wing, Mississippi ANG. Additionally, Air Force Materiel Command operates one C-17 at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio; and Air Education and Training Command operates eight aircraft at Altus AFB, Okla.

Mission:

The C-17 Globemaster III is the newest, most flexible cargo aircraft to enter the airlift force. The C-17 is capable of rapid strategic delivery of troops and all types of cargo to main operating bases or directly to forward bases in the deployment area. The aircraft is also capable of performing tactical airlift and airdrop missions when required. The inherent flexibility and performance of the C-17 force improve the ability of the total airlift system to fulfill the worldwide air mobility requirements of the United States.

The ultimate measure of airlift effectiveness is the ability to rapidly project and sustain an effective combat force close to a potential battle area. Threats to U.S. interests have changed in recent years, and the size and weight of U.S.-mechanized firepower and equipment have grown in response to improved capabilities of potential adversaries.

This trend has significantly increased air mobility requirements, particularly in the area of large or heavy outsize cargo. As a result, newer and more flexible airlift aircraft are needed to meet potential armed contingencies, peacekeeping or humanitarian missions worldwide. The C-17 is capable of meeting today’s demanding airlift missions.