Boeing delivers third C-17 for ISAF

LONG BEACH, Calif., Oct. 8 (UPI) -- The Boeing Co. delivered its third C-17 Globemaster III to NATO forces in support of a consortium of 12 nations in a strategic airlift initiative.

The C-17 Globemaster III is assigned to the NATO Airlift Management Organization in support of the 12-nation Strategic Airlift Capability. The C-17, based at Papa Air Base in western Hungary, will operate in support of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan.

The SAC Heavy Airlift Wing, activated in July, conducted its first Afghan mission in September, delivering supplies to Swedish troops based in Mazar-e-Sharif.

The SAC participating nations include Bulgaria, Estonia, Finland, Hungary, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Slovenia, Sweden, Romania and the United States.

The member states of the SAC share acquisition and operation costs of the C-17 fleet under the terms of a long-term agreement.

Boeing said it has 19 C-17s in service with its international customers.