Loading a C-17

Staff Sgt. Robert Kellen prepares to load a pallet onto a C-17 Globemaster III June 13, 2011, at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan. Sergeant Kellen is assigned to the 455th Expeditionary Aerial Port Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Natasha E. Stannard)

C-17 lands at Shindand for first time

A C-17 Globemaster III lands at Kabul International Airport June 1, 2011, in Kabul, Afghanistan. The C-17 recently landed for the first time at Shindand Air Base marking the first time the large military aircraft landed at the base since the refurbished runway opened in December 2010. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Amber Williams)

Mobility exercise

A formation of C-130 Hercules flies May 18, 2011, during an exercise above the Nevada Test and Training Range. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Kevin J. Gruenwald)

Mobility exercise

Several C-130 Hercules taxi May 18, 2011, after an exercise at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Kevin J. Gruenwald)

FAST defenders keep fliers safe in Afghanistan

Senior Airman Kendall Wilson looks into the desert surrounding an unsecured runway April 10, 2011, in Afghanistan. Airman Kendall is a fly away security team member who travels with aircraft and prevents unauthorized access to the flightline. Airman Wilson is assigned to the 451st Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Emily F. Alley)

FAST defenders keep fliers safe in Afghanistan

Fly Away Security Team Leader Staff Sgt. Mark King guards a C-130 Hercules April 10, 2011, in Afghanistan. FAST members are the first to step off the plane on an unsecured runway, which may have no fence or security. The Airmen will sweep the area for explosives, then watch for suspicious people who try to approach or board the aircraft. Sergeant King is assigned to the 451st Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Emily F. Alley)