According to Air Force Secretary Wynne, wounded troops have a much better chance of surviving thanks to the C-17. Speaking on Capitol Hill Wednesday, Wynne said that in Vietnam, injured troops had a 75 percent chance of survival, while, today in Iraq, the rate is up to 91 percent. He upped that survival rate to 93.5 percent if the troops make it to Balad AB, Iraq. Wynne said that the C-17 strategic airlifter—by operating near the front lines—is “allowing [the higher rate] to happen.”
The U.S. military conducted strikes on Iranian targets around the Strait of Hormuz on May 7, as the conflict with Iran flared up again—though officials say the ceasefire remains in effect.