'Spirit of Solano' arrives at Travis

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Meredith Mingledorff
  • 349th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AFPN) --  The much anticipated C-17 Globemaster III, the "Spirit of Solano," arrived home at Travis Air Force Base, Calif., on Aug. 8.

Festivities began with a flyover of all three major airframes now based at Travis: the C-5 Galaxy, KC-10 Extender and C-17. The crowd of approximately 2,000 applauded as Maj. Gen. Thomas P. Kane, director of plans and programs for Headquarters Air Mobility Command at Scott Air Force Base, Ill., taxied the aircraft into position.

"To the men and women of Team Travis: what a magnificent day," said General Kane, former commander of the 60th Air Mobility Wing at Travis. "You have reached a very significant milestone in presenting global power and reach into our country and the world. There are not too many bases that can boast three weapons systems."

The new arrival makes Travis AFB the first and only mobility base to have all three mobility weapon systems. Travis handles more cargo and passengers than any other military air terminal in the United States, and adding the C-17 to the inventory means adding tactical ability as well.

"Travis is critical to demonstrating our nation's air strength and is a leader in our country's engagements abroad," said Congresswoman Ellen Tauscher. "I am proud of our brave Airmen of Team Travis and I know that the arrival of the C-17 will keep Travis Air Force Base as the premier West Coast airlift base."

Getting straight to work, the "Spirit of Solano" is scheduled to fly its first mission to Europe in support of the war on terrorism today, the day after its delivery, said Col. Michael Shanahan, C-17 Program Office chief at Travis AFB.

The aircraft arrived approximately one month ahead of schedule "ready to use, fresh out of the box," a trend Boeing intends to continue, said Dave Bowman, the vice president and C-17 program manager at Boeing.

The C-17 Globemaster III is capable of carrying approximately 170,000 pounds internationally. It is able to land in rough terrain on significantly smaller airfields than the current cargo heavyweights, the C-5 and KC-10, allowing quicker movement of equipment and people with a smaller military footprint.

"We are proud to add the C-17's tactical prowess to our mobility fleet," said Col. Steve Arquiette, the 60th AMW commander. "The technologically advanced airplane provides both the crews and maintainers the opportunity to operate state-of-the-art equipment as we support our national objectives."

"Our first C-17 will now on be showcased around the world," said Col. Robert Millmann, the 349th AMW vice commander. "The enormous global reach capabilities emanating from the ramp and runways of Travis become all the more important as we continue to fight our nation's war on terrorism.

"A successful team must beat with one heart," Colonel Millmann said. "Together the 60th and 349th Air Mobility Wings, along with the 615th Contingency Response Wing and 15th Expeditionary Mobility Task Force will use, support, maintain and fly this and all future C-17s with determination, pride and professionalism."

The "Spirit of Solano" tail number 66154 is the first of 13 new C-17 aircraft to be delivered to Travis AFB. The new aircraft will be flown by the 301st and 21st Airlift Squadrons in cargo airlift and medical evacuation missions around the world.

The ceremony closed with recognition of the maintenance Airmen. General Kane presented aircraft keys to the Airmen of the two aircraft maintenance squadrons now responsible for the care and upkeep of the newest airframe.