A C-5M Super Galaxy aircraft taxis with other C-5Ms in the background Nov. 2, 2015, at Dover AFB, Del. Air Force photo by Greg L. Davis.
Brian Everstine
Air Mobility Command on Monday stood down all C-5M operations at Dover AFB, Del., following two nose landing gear issues within the past 60 days.
AMC Commander Gen. Carlton Everhart said in a statement the command is taking “appropriate measures to properly diagnose the issue and implement a solution.”
The stand down only impacts Dover, where 18 Super Galaxies are based. The Air Force has a fleet of 56 C-5s.
During the stand down, the base will inspect the aircraft’s landing gear to ensure proper extension and retraction, according to an AMC statement. AMC “will work to ensure worldwide mission requirements are minimally impacted,” the release states. This includes using C-5s from other locations, C-17s, and contracted aircraft.
Dover C-5s are active in supporting Atlantic Resolve operations in Europe, the ongoing mission in Afghanistan, and Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq and Syria, according to AMC.
The two incidents occurred on July 15 and May 22. Both times, C-5Ms from Dover were unable to lower landing gear at Naval Station Rota, Spain. During the May incident, the aircraft was stuck on the runway for about a day, prompting mobility airmen to find a way to tow it away, according to an Air Force release on the incident.