The airmen of the 517th Airlift Squadron deployed to Southwest Asia from Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, have marked the last combat flight they will make in the C-130 Hercules tactical airlifter, which the squadron has flown since 1960. The Alaskan unit is transitioning to the new C-17 strategic airlifter. According to the Rock Slate, the 517th Firebirds amassed more than 6,000 mishap-free combat flying hours covering operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.
LIVE: Caine Leads Global Toast to the Doolittle Raiders
April 17, 2026
Continuing a 80-year-long Air Force tradition started by Gen. Jimmy Doolittle and his fellow Raiders in 1946, the Air & Space Forces Association, Air Force and Space Force units, and AFA members around the world are raising a glass to the anniversary of the legendary Doolittle Raid.