The 60th Air Mobility Wing at Travis AFB, Calif., received its 13th and final new C-17 earlier this month, more than two years after the first one landed at the base and some three years since the base began preparing for the arrival of the new airlifter. The wing’s 21st Airlift Squadron switched from the behemoth C-5 airlifter to the C-17, sharing the aircraft with Air Force Reserve Command’s 301st Airlift Squadron at Travis. Within 24 hours of arrival of its first C-17 in August 2006, the 21st AS began flying operational missions in Southwest Asia. Earlier this year, the 21st AS made its first mass deployment. Travis units—active duty and Reserve—fly C-5, C-17, and KC-10 aircraft. Attending the ceremony marking the arrival of the base’s last C-17 were members of the Brig. Gen. Robert F. Travis family. The C-17 is named the Spirit of Travis. (Includes Travis report by TSgt. Donald Osborn)
Lawmakers are growing impatient for an overdue fighter recapitalization study from the Air Force, and members say they'll demand more detailed justifications for future aircraft retirements.