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.
The incoming head of the 7th Air Force will face an intense mission while relying on 4th-generation fighters to stave off looming threats from North Korea and China.