C-17s welcomed to Stewart ANG Base

Boeing joined the US Air National Guard at Stewart Air National Guard Base (ANGB) on Aug. 6 to commemorate the base's transition to the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III airlifter. Stewart ANGB, home of the 105th Airlift Wing, previously flew the C-5A Galaxy and is the latest Air National Guard unit to transition to a fleet of C-17 aircraft.

The first C-17 assigned to Stewart ANGB arrived on July 18 and the second on July 29. The 105th Airlift Wing will be equipped with a total of eight C-17s by the end of fiscal year 2012.

"The 105th Airlift Wing has a rich history of contributing to the success of countless airlift missions overseas, in the United States, and right here in the state of New York," said Bob Ciesla, Boeing C-17 program manager. "This ceremony's 'New Wings for New York' theme is a fitting one as Stewart enters a new phase in its history with the arrival of the C-17.

"The men and women of the 105th now have a new capability to provide global reach even to the most austere locations around the world," Ciesla added. "Boeing is pleased to welcome the Wing to the proud group of C-17 operators to whom the world turns in times of crisis."

The 105th Airlift Wing has supported US Air Force missions including the delivery of emergency supplies and personnel to the US Gulf Coast following Hurricane Katrina; airlift of troops and cargo for operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom and Noble Eagle; transport of cargo and search and rescue teams to assist following the January 2010 earthquake in Haiti; and delivery of relief supplies to Japan following that country's earthquake and tsunami earlier this year.

"Boeing's support for the C-17 doesn't stop at delivery but continues through the C-17 Globemaster III Sustainment Partnership (GSP)," said Gus Urzua, Boeing C-17 GSP vice president. "The GSP 'virtual fleet' arrangement ensures increased mission readiness by providing all C-17 customers with cost-effective access to an extensive global support network."

Both a tactical and strategic airlifter, the C-17 flies intercontinental distances and can land combat-ready troops in remote locations or airdrop them directly where needed. The C-17's unique maneuverability allows it to operate on narrow taxiways and congested ramps. With a maximum payload of 164,900 pounds (74,797 kg), the C-17 can take off and land in 3,000 feet (914.4 m) or less.

There are currently 234 C-17s in service worldwide -- 23 with international customers. The US Air Force, including active duty, Guard and Reserve units, has 211. International customers include the UK Royal Air Force, the Canadian Forces, the Royal Australian Air Force, the Qatar Emiri Air Force, the United Arab Emirates Air Force, and the 12-member Strategic Airlift Capability initiative of NATO and Partnership for Peace nations. India became the newest C-17 customer in June, when India's Ministry of Defence signed an agreement with the US government to acquire 10 C-17s that will be delivered in 2013-2014.

Source: Boeing