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Australia receives seventh C-17 in record time

The first of two additional C-17 transports ordered by Australia in April has arrived in the country.

By Richard Tomkins
A Royal Australian Air Force C-17A Globemaster sits in a parking space on RAAF Base Amberley, Australia, July 23, 2013. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Zachary Wolf
A Royal Australian Air Force C-17A Globemaster sits in a parking space on RAAF Base Amberley, Australia, July 23, 2013. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Zachary Wolf

CANBERRA, Australia, July 29 (UPI) -- A seventh Boeing C-17A Globemaster III transport was delivered to Australia this week, just three months after it was ordered from the United States.

The transport was a so-called white tail aircraft, built by Boeing on spec and awaiting a purchaser.

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"The active involvement of a number of United States and Australian agencies has been pivotal in meeting the successful delivery of this aircraft and I applaud everyone involved in the acquisition program," Minister of Defense Kevin Andrews said at a ceremony on Tuesday at Royal Australian Air Force base. "This acquisition signifies considerable work opportunities for the local industry, with $300 million being spent to upgrade facilities.

"With its proven ability to transport heavy equipment, vehicles and helicopters in a short time frame, the C-17A's capabilities are vital to Australia's national security and safety."

The second C-17 ordered in April is expected to be delivered later this year.

"The C-17A fleet has been integral to recent operations including the rapid deployment of Australian forces in support of the Iraq Government, assistance in the Queensland floods, and the recovery of MH17 victims from Eastern Ukraine," Air Marshal Leo Davies, head of the Air Force, said.

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"The Air Force is dedicated to developing a networked, future joint force that can respond across the spectrum -- from combat to humanitarian support. An additional two C-17A aircraft will help us achieve that."

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