According to US Central Command, a deployed C-17 airlifter unit, the 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, has hauled in more than 100 tons of food, water, tents, and other supplies to Akrotiri, Cyprus in anticipation of the arrival of Americans brought there from Lebanon. They also have delivered Navy construction teams and equipment. The unit is based in Southwest Asia on a 120-day rotation.
The Air Force has kicked off its search for a used airliner it can convert into a new C-40 VIP airlifter. Congress added $250 million to the 2026 budget for the effort.


