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

US Amasses More Airpower in Middle East with Dozens of Fighters

Feb. 17, 2026
The U.S. continued to move a significant amount of airpower toward the Middle East in recent days as talks to forge a nuclear deal with Iran hung in the balance. Flight tracking data indicate there was unusually heavy movement of dozens of fighter jets and other assets that might be…

Space Force Surveys Industry For Refueling Tech

Feb. 17, 2026
As the Space Force continues to weigh the military utility and economic viability of on-orbit refueling, it’s looking to industry for more details about capabilities that could start servicing satellites by 2030. 

USAFA Board Seeks More Cadets, New Facilities

Feb. 17, 2026
The U.S. Air Force Academy should grow its cadet corps by 10 percent and build a “home” for the U.S. Space Force on site, rather than create an entirely new service academy, a congressionally mandated oversight committee writes in a new report.

Air Force Working with Collins, Shield AI to Build Autonomy Software for CCAs

Feb. 13, 2026
The Air Force is working with Collins Aerospace and Shield AI to develop the software Collaborative Combat Aircraft will use to fly missions alongside manned fighters, the service revealed Feb. 12—and drone-maker General Atomics was quick to announce it has already flown its YFQ-42A aircraft with Collins’ system. 

How the Space Force Is Managing Growth at Its Busiest Launch Range

Feb. 13, 2026
If the forecast holds, the world’s busiest spaceport is poised to get even busier. The Space Force’s latest projections show that its Eastern Range at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida could be supporting as many as 500 launches annually by 2036—a fivefold increase over the next 10 years.

Pentagon Brings ChatGPT into Its Official AI Tool Set

Feb. 13, 2026
The Pentagon’s adoption of generative artificial intelligence tools—including the recent addition of the world’s most popular model, ChatGPT—holds promise for more efficient work for Department of Defense personnel but also poses risks unless users remain vigilant, experts told Air & Space Forces Magazine.