Officials at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony last week to mark the opening of the base’s new C-17 training system facility. Air Force Reserve Command’s 445th Airlift Wing will use the facility, which opened on July 16, for the annual refresher and currency training of its C-17 pilots and loadmasters, according to the release from facility-supplier L-3 Link Simulation & Training. The wing operates nine C-17s. “We are excited to have the opportunity to train our aircrews locally,” said Col. Stephen Goeman, 445th AW commander. “Having a simulator at Wright-Patterson will result in a significant savings in travel cost, as well as provide more training for our aircrews,” he said. The facility features “a new and fully networked C-17 weapons system trainer, a training management system, computer-based training devices, a core integrated processor task trainer, and portable flight-planning devices,” states a base release. C-17 prime contractor Boeing delivered the training facility to Wright-Patt in May. L-3 Link is scheduled to stand up the next C-17 training system facility before year’s end at Stewart ANG Base in Newburgh, N.Y.
Work Has Begun to Adapt Qatari 747 to Fly as Air Force One
Sept. 15, 2025
The Air Force has started modifying a Boeing 747 donated by Qatar for "executive airlift," a spokesperson said Sept. 15. President Donald Trump has said he wants to fly the jet as “Air Force One” since new presidential transports, held up by delays, won't be ready until after his term…
