C-17 celebrates 20th Anniversary of first flight

  • Published
  • By Bill Hancock
  • 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB, Ohio --  The C-17 Globemaster, celebrated the 20th anniversary of its first flight on Sept. 15th with a luncheon and re-enactment.

The high-wing, 4-engine, military-transport aircraft, has tackled distance, destination and heavy, oversized payloads in unpredictable conditions, worldwide, since the 1990s.

"Since those early days, the Globemaster has supported every USAF operational contingency" said Col. Andrew D. Ingram, C-17 Systems Program Director, "Today, C-17s support coalition forces fighting terrorism in Afghanistan, Iraq and elsewhere. They support those responding to humanitarian and natural disasters of all kinds, from search and rescue to evacuations, from medical relief efforts across the globe, in contingency or in war, the C-17 delivers."

The first Globemaster was delivered to the 17th Airlift Squadron at Charleston Air Force Base, SC. on July 14, 1993. In 1994 the Globemaster was awarded aviation's most prestigious award, the Collier Trophy. By Jan. 17, 1995, the first Squadron of C-17s was declared operationally ready.

At 174 feet long and a wingspan of 170 feet the C-17 is among the largest aircraft in the USAF inventory. Used primarily for rapid strategic airlift of troops and cargo throughout the world. Designed to operate from unpaved, unimproved runways as short as 3,500 ft. and as narrow as 90 ft. coupled with the ability to back the aircraft and reverse direction on narrow taxiways, the C-17 can airlift cargo, and deliver fairly close to a battle area, making it very important during the recent decades of increased air mobility requirements and demands. Capable of tactical airlift, medical evacuation and air drop missions the aircraft has a maximum payload capability of 170,900 lbs.

"There is not a better example of the consequence of deliberate, strategic vision in defense procurement than the C-17 program in the decade of the 90s," Colonel Ingram said. "America's strategic airlift capability is a National treasure which allows us to deliver hope, fuel the fight and save lives anywhere in the world within a matter of hours."

Anniversary events included a luncheon celebrating the milestone and a re-enactment of the first flight from Edwards Air Force Base, CA. to Charleston Air Force Base, SC. on Sept. 15.

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