There are now five new C-17 airlifters at Dover AFB, Del., allowing the base to provide two aircraft and two aircrews ready for real-world mobility taskings at any time, reports TSgt. Kevin Wallace. With the arrival of the fourth C-17 last month, Dover received its first assignment from the Tanker Airlift Control Center. By the end of next year, the Delaware base expects to have a total of 13 new airlifters.
With upcoming budget deliberations and an expected Nuclear Posture Review, Air Force and U.S. Strategic Command leaders are making the case that the Ground-Based Strategic Deterrent is a critical program and is actually cheaper than extending the life of the aging Minuteman III. Other modernization programs, such as nuclear command…