T
he first of eight new C-17 strategic airlifters arrived at Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, where the active 517th Airlift Squadron and a new Air National Guard unit—the 249th Airlift Squadron—will share operation and maintenance duties. The 517th formerly flew C-130 tactical airlifters and gave up its last Hercules in March. SSgt. Francesca Popp reports that the units, which should receive their final C-17 in November, each provided crew members to fly the first Elmendorf C-17, named the “Spirit of Denali,” to the Alaskan base.
Air Force Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich assumed command of U.S. European Command on July 1, taking over the key assignment as the U.S. and its allies contend with a resurgent Russia and a grinding war in Ukraine.
