First Operational C-17 Delivered

June 14, 1993

The first operational McDonnell Douglas C-17A Globemaster III transport is delivered to the 437th Airlift Wing at Charleston AFB, S.C.

Related

Next-Gen USAF Airlifter Expected by 2038; C-17 to Fly Another 50 Years

Nov. 21, 2025
A newly-released Air Force plan to replace the C-5 and C-17 airlifters with a single airplane type called the Next-Generation Air Lifter (NGAL) will keep those fleets in service another 20 and 50 years, respectively. The plan will likely require a service life extension for the C-17 fleet.

Purdy: Space Force Needs More Acquisition Experts to Implement Reforms

Nov. 21, 2025
Space Force leaders say that while they’re eager to implement the Pentagon’s newly announced acquisition transformation strategy, civilian personnel cuts and a prolonged government shutdown have depleted the acquisition and contracting workforce, adding to pressures on the cadre that could make it difficult to hit the ground running on reform.

USAF B-52 Bombers, Navy Fighters Fly Near Venezuela

Nov. 21, 2025
Multiple B-52H Stratofortress bombers flew off the northern coast of South America Nov. 20, the latest show of force by U.S. bombers in the region as the Trump administration builds up its military power in the Caribbean.

Tennessee Guard to Receive Eight KC-46s

Nov. 20, 2025
The Air Force has tapped McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base as its preferred location for the next base to host KC-46 aerial refuelers, replacing the KC-135s that have been there since the 1970s.