Boeing will deliver the Air Force’s 223rd and final C-17 to service officials on Sept. 12 during a ceremony at the company’s assembly plant in Long Beach, Calif., company C-17 spokeswoman Tiffany Pitts told the Daily Report on Wednesday. That same day, the C-17 will make the cross-country trip to JB Charleston, S.C., its beddown location. Upon the aircraft’s arrival, the base will hold its own ceremony to celebrate the delivery, said Charleston spokesman Capt. Frank Hartnett. Gen. Paul Selva, head of Air Mobility Command, is scheduled to attend Charleston’s ceremony, said Hartnett. So, too, is Lt. Gen. Stanley Clarke, Air National Guard director, and Lt. Gen. James Jackson, Air Force Reserve Command boss, said Hartnett. Base officials have also invited former AMC commanders and former Charleston wing commanders to attend, he said. Charleston is home to more than 50 of the Air Force’s C-17s; the Air Force’s first production C-17 arrived there in June 1993.
Three of four congressional committees with influence over defense policy have voted to change the official name of the Department of Defense to the Department of War—but final approval of the Pentagon rebrand is months away and not yet assured.