NEWBURGH, N.Y., Aug. 9 (UPI) -- Boeing and the U.S. Air National Guard have marked Stewart ANG Base's transition from operating C-5A Galaxy aircraft to C-17 Globemaster IIIs.
The first C-17 assigned to Stewart arrived July 18 and the second July 29. The 105th Airlift Wing will be equipped with eight C-17s by the end of fiscal year 2012.
"The 105th Airlift Wing has a rich history of contributing to the success of countless airlift missions overseas, in the United States, and right here in the state of New York," said Bob Ciesla, Boeing C-17 program manager.
"The men and women of the 105th now have a new capability to provide global reach even to the most austere locations around the world."
Both a tactical and strategic airlifter, the C-17 flies intercontinental distances and can land combat-ready troops in remote locations or airdrop them where needed. It has a maximum payload of 164,900 pounds and can take off and land in 3,000 feet or less.
There are 234 C-17s in service worldwide -- 23 with international customers.
