Boeing delivered a C-17 training center to Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, where Air Force Reserve Command’s 445th Airlift Wing operates nine C-17s, announced the company. The facility, which includes a new and fully networked C-17 weapon system trainer, a training management system, computer-based training devices, a core integrated processor task trainer, and portable flight-planning devices, will enable the base to cut costs by training pilots and loadmasters onsite, according to the company’s May 7 release. “Since we received our first C-17 at Wright-Patt in January 2011, our local crews have had to go on temporary duty at other bases around the country to keep up their flying certifications,” said Michael Galle, C-17 program manager for training systems at the base. “Now that we have our own training center, we can increase training efficiency and reduce travel time and costs,” he said. Wright-Patt’s WST has the ability to be networked with other Air Force WST devices around the globe for cross-team mission training, states the release.
The Air Force is requesting about $141 million for initial enlistment bonuses in its fiscal 2026 budget, while Space Force wants $13 million.
