The first C-17 squadron to deploy and operate from within Southwest Asia—the 17th Airlift Squadron from Charleston AFB, S.C.—flew more than 3,300 sorties, delivering more than 85 million pounds of cargo and nearly 100,000 US and coalition military members over its three-month rotation. And, according to an Air Force release, the squadron rated a first for having one C-17 crew conduct combat airdrops to six drop zones in less than one hour. It’s a tough act to follow, but the 14th Airlift Squadron is now in theater to continue the work.
US Space Command Should Always Be Led by a Guardian
Sept. 12, 2026
General Stephen Whiting took command of U.S. Space Command in January 2024, and if customary three-year tenures hold, his tour would end in January 2027. The question now before the President and Senate is who should follow him? Whoever they choose, it has to be a Guardian—and so should every successor…


