The Mississippi Air National Guard’s 172nd Airlift Wing has named one of its C-17s “The Spirit of the Purple Heart,” recognizing the US military’s oldest decoration. The airlifter, which, in 2006, flew the one-millionth hour mission for the C-17 fleet, now has a Purple Heart medal painted on its nose. (Report by TSgt. Mike Smith.)
Air Force depots are not typically meant for quick repair jobs, but during Operation Epic Fury, the service moved some of its stateside heavy maintenance capability forward to fix battle-damaged aircraft closer to the fight.
