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.
Air Force F-16 pilot Lt. Col. Eric R. Emerson, who commanded a small quick reaction force of fighters responding to Iranian-backed militia groups in 2024, became the first Air National Guardsman presented with the Anthony C. Shine Award on Feb. 10.
