The first of eight C-17s destined to replace the C-5As of the New York Air National Guard’s 105th Airlift Wing landed Monday at Stewart ANG Base in Newburgh. “It’s sad to see the C-5As go, but it’s the right thing for the future of the base,” said Brig. Gen. Verle Johnston, 105th AW commander, reported the Hudson Valley Times Herald-Record. Stewart will officially mark the transition to the Globemaster in an acceptance ceremony on Aug. 6. The wing currently operates a fleet of 13 C-5s that will gradually phase out as crews transition to the C-17 over the next two years. “It’s a beautiful airplane. It’s a breath of fresh air,” remarked SMSgt. John Sheehy, a 105th AW crew chief, who flew on the C-17 on its delivery flight from Charleston AFB, S.C. Lower maintenance requirements will likely mean workforce cuts to a sizable portion of the wing’s maintenance division, according to the Times Herald-Record. (Includes Stewart release)
The U.S. military is sending more fighter jets to the Middle East to step up its war with Iran, adding to what is already the largest buildup of airpower in the region since the 2003 invasion of Iraq. For now, the operation shows little sign of coming to a quick…