A C-17 from the 12-nation Strategic Airlift Capability consortium’s newly established heavy airlift wing at Papa AB, Hungary, on Tuesday conducted the unit’s first mission to Afghanistan in support of NATO’s International Security Assistance Force. The C-17, operated by a multinational crew, delivered materiel to Mazar-e Sharif, to supply Swedish troops in the Afghan theater, SAC said in a release. “The first mission to Afghanistan is a big step forward for the efforts of the SAC nations … to address a critical shortfall in strategic lift,” said NATO official Peter Flory. The first SAC C-17 arrived at Papa July 27; the second aircraft was delivered Sept. 21. The wing’s third and final C-17 under current plans is slated to arrive this month.
As commander of Air Forces Central, Lt. Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich has been at the heart of almost all U.S. military action in the Middle East, from overseeing airstrikes against Iranian proxy groups to protecting troops as America’s air defense commander for the region. Just before handing over his command to…