The head of Air Force Reserve Command, Lt. Gen. John Bradley, flew a new C-17 transport aircraft named after the late President Ronald Reagan to its home at March ARB, Calif., on Jan. 13. Upon its arrival, former First Lady Nancy Reagan helped dedicate the new airlifter. The 452nd Air Mobility Wing at March is the first Reserve unit to fly its own C-17s. Wing officials expect to declare the unit operational this summer.
The six-week government shutdown did not affect the hours flown by Air Force pilots, a service spokesperson told Air & Space Forces Magazine—avoiding what could have been a major blow at a time when flying hours are already lower than they have been in decades.
