STEWART AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE , N.Y. - The first C-17 Globemaster III assigned to the 105th Airlift Wing, landed on the Stewart International Airport Runway July 18.The New York Air National Guard's 105 Airlift Wing is transitioning from the C-5A Galaxy and will eventually have eight C-17's assigned.
The C-17 made its maiden flight on Sept. 15, 1991, and the first production model was delivered to Charleston Air Force Base, S.C., June 14, 1993. The first squadron of C-17s, the 17th Airlift Squadron, was declared operationally ready Jan. 17, 1995.
The C-5A, in contrast, first flew in 1968 and the 105th Airlift Wing has operated the planes, hauling strategic cargo around the world. since 1985.
The wing will officially mark the transition from the C-5 to the C-17 with a ceremony Aug. 6.