The Flickr Operationiraqifreedom Image Generatr

On October 13, 2006, A young Iraqi children smile and play for the camera in Habbaniyah, Iraq. The 9th Engineer Support Battalion is deployed with I MEF (FWD) in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in the Al Anbar Province of Iraq (MNF-W) to develop the Iraqi Security Forces, facilitate the development of official rule of law through democratic government reforms, and continue the development of a market based economy centered on Iraqi reconstruction. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Corporal Christopher A. Baldwin)

Boeing C-17 Globemaster III, tail number 96-0002 performing several fly-by demonstrations before the crowd attending the airshow. The Boeing C-17 Globemaster III is a large military transport aircraft used by the USAF to perform tactical and strategic airlift missions, transporting troops and cargo throughout the world. The C-17 was first introduced to the USAF in 1995 replacing the Lockheed C-141 Starlifter and fulfilling some of the duties of the Lockheed C-5 Galaxy. The C-17 played a key logistical role during both Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq, as well as providing humanitarian aid in the aftermath of various natural disasters. The aircraft has a maximum carrying capacity of 170,900 pounds or 85.45 tons. The aircraft can carry a total of 134 troops and or one M1 Abrams tank.

This aircraft, 0002 is assigned to the USAF’s 437th Airlift Wing and the 315th Airlift Wing of the Air Force Reserve at Charleston AFB, South Carolina. Side note about this aircraft. In 2009 this aircraft was involved in a gear-up landing at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan. The USAF Aircraft Accident Investigation Board concluded the cause was the crew’s failure to follow the pre-landing checklist.

Thunder Over Columbus Air Show
Columbus Air Force Base, Columbus, Lowndes County, Mississippi.
September 21, 2024
P2024-0921_123609 IMG_0852 T6i.CR2

Boeing C-17 Globemaster III, tail number 96-0002 performing several fly-by demonstrations before the crowd attending the airshow. The Boeing C-17 Globemaster III is a large military transport aircraft used by the USAF to perform tactical and strategic airlift missions, transporting troops and cargo throughout the world. The C-17 was first introduced to the USAF in 1995 replacing the Lockheed C-141 Starlifter and fulfilling some of the duties of the Lockheed C-5 Galaxy. The C-17 played a key logistical role during both Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq, as well as providing humanitarian aid in the aftermath of various natural disasters. The aircraft has a maximum carrying capacity of 170,900 pounds or 85.45 tons. The aircraft can carry a total of 134 troops and or one M1 Abrams tank.

This aircraft, 0002 is assigned to the USAF’s 437th Airlift Wing and the 315th Airlift Wing of the Air Force Reserve at Charleston AFB, South Carolina. Side note about this aircraft. In 2009 this aircraft was involved in a gear-up landing at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan. The USAF Aircraft Accident Investigation Board concluded the cause was the crew’s failure to follow the pre-landing checklist.

Thunder Over Columbus Air Show
Columbus Air Force Base, Columbus, Lowndes County, Mississippi.
September 21, 2024
P2024-0921_123830 IMG_0897 T6i.CR2

Boeing C-17 Globemaster III, tail number 96-0002 performing several fly-by demonstrations before the crowd attending the airshow. The Boeing C-17 Globemaster III is a large military transport aircraft used by the USAF to perform tactical and strategic airlift missions, transporting troops and cargo throughout the world. The C-17 was first introduced to the USAF in 1995 replacing the Lockheed C-141 Starlifter and fulfilling some of the duties of the Lockheed C-5 Galaxy. The C-17 played a key logistical role during both Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq, as well as providing humanitarian aid in the aftermath of various natural disasters. The aircraft has a maximum carrying capacity of 170,900 pounds or 85.45 tons. The aircraft can carry a total of 134 troops and or one M1 Abrams tank.

This aircraft, 0002 is assigned to the USAF’s 437th Airlift Wing and the 315th Airlift Wing of the Air Force Reserve at Charleston AFB, South Carolina. Side note about this aircraft. In 2009 this aircraft was involved in a gear-up landing at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan. The USAF Aircraft Accident Investigation Board concluded the cause was the crew’s failure to follow the pre-landing checklist.

Thunder Over Columbus Air Show
Columbus Air Force Base, Columbus, Lowndes County, Mississippi.
September 21, 2024
P2024-0921_124224 IMG_0950 T6i.CR2

Boeing C-17 Globemaster III, tail number 96-0002 performing several fly-by demonstrations before the crowd attending the airshow. The Boeing C-17 Globemaster III is a large military transport aircraft used by the USAF to perform tactical and strategic airlift missions, transporting troops and cargo throughout the world. The C-17 was first introduced to the USAF in 1995 replacing the Lockheed C-141 Starlifter and fulfilling some of the duties of the Lockheed C-5 Galaxy. The C-17 played a key logistical role during both Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq, as well as providing humanitarian aid in the aftermath of various natural disasters. The aircraft has a maximum carrying capacity of 170,900 pounds or 85.45 tons. The aircraft can carry a total of 134 troops and or one M1 Abrams tank.

This aircraft, 0002 is assigned to the USAF’s 437th Airlift Wing and the 315th Airlift Wing of the Air Force Reserve at Charleston AFB, South Carolina. Side note about this aircraft. In 2009 this aircraft was involved in a gear-up landing at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan. The USAF Aircraft Accident Investigation Board concluded the cause was the crew’s failure to follow the pre-landing checklist.

Thunder Over Columbus Air Show
Columbus Air Force Base, Columbus, Lowndes County, Mississippi.
September 21, 2024
P2024-0921_123259 IMG_0811 T6i.CR2

Boeing C-17 Globemaster III, tail number 96-0002 performing several fly-by demonstrations before the crowd attending the airshow. The Boeing C-17 Globemaster III is a large military transport aircraft used by the USAF to perform tactical and strategic airlift missions, transporting troops and cargo throughout the world. The C-17 was first introduced to the USAF in 1995 replacing the Lockheed C-141 Starlifter and fulfilling some of the duties of the Lockheed C-5 Galaxy. The C-17 played a key logistical role during both Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq, as well as providing humanitarian aid in the aftermath of various natural disasters. The aircraft has a maximum carrying capacity of 170,900 pounds or 85.45 tons. The aircraft can carry a total of 134 troops and or one M1 Abrams tank.

This aircraft, 0002 is assigned to the USAF’s 437th Airlift Wing and the 315th Airlift Wing of the Air Force Reserve at Charleston AFB, South Carolina. Side note about this aircraft. In 2009 this aircraft was involved in a gear-up landing at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan. The USAF Aircraft Accident Investigation Board concluded the cause was the crew’s failure to follow the pre-landing checklist.

Thunder Over Columbus Air Show
Columbus Air Force Base, Columbus, Lowndes County, Mississippi.
September 21, 2024
P2024-0921_123642 IMG_0868 T6i.CR2

Boeing C-17 Globemaster III, tail number 96-0002 performing several fly-by demonstrations before the crowd attending the airshow. The Boeing C-17 Globemaster III is a large military transport aircraft used by the USAF to perform tactical and strategic airlift missions, transporting troops and cargo throughout the world. The C-17 was first introduced to the USAF in 1995 replacing the Lockheed C-141 Starlifter and fulfilling some of the duties of the Lockheed C-5 Galaxy. The C-17 played a key logistical role during both Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq, as well as providing humanitarian aid in the aftermath of various natural disasters. The aircraft has a maximum carrying capacity of 170,900 pounds or 85.45 tons. The aircraft can carry a total of 134 troops and or one M1 Abrams tank.

This aircraft, 0002 is assigned to the USAF’s 437th Airlift Wing and the 315th Airlift Wing of the Air Force Reserve at Charleston AFB, South Carolina. Side note about this aircraft. In 2009 this aircraft was involved in a gear-up landing at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan. The USAF Aircraft Accident Investigation Board concluded the cause was the crew’s failure to follow the pre-landing checklist.

Thunder Over Columbus Air Show
Columbus Air Force Base, Columbus, Lowndes County, Mississippi.
September 21, 2024
P2024-0921_123108 IMG_0800 T6i.CR2

Boeing C-17 Globemaster III, tail number 96-0002 performing several fly-by demonstrations before the crowd attending the airshow. The Boeing C-17 Globemaster III is a large military transport aircraft used by the USAF to perform tactical and strategic airlift missions, transporting troops and cargo throughout the world. The C-17 was first introduced to the USAF in 1995 replacing the Lockheed C-141 Starlifter and fulfilling some of the duties of the Lockheed C-5 Galaxy. The C-17 played a key logistical role during both Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq, as well as providing humanitarian aid in the aftermath of various natural disasters. The aircraft has a maximum carrying capacity of 170,900 pounds or 85.45 tons. The aircraft can carry a total of 134 troops and or one M1 Abrams tank.

This aircraft, 0002 is assigned to the USAF’s 437th Airlift Wing and the 315th Airlift Wing of the Air Force Reserve at Charleston AFB, South Carolina. Side note about this aircraft. In 2009 this aircraft was involved in a gear-up landing at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan. The USAF Aircraft Accident Investigation Board concluded the cause was the crew’s failure to follow the pre-landing checklist.

Thunder Over Columbus Air Show
Columbus Air Force Base, Columbus, Lowndes County, Mississippi.
September 21, 2024
P2024-0921_123914 IMG_0915 T6i.CR2

Boeing C-17 Globemaster III, tail number 96-0002 performing several fly-by demonstrations before the crowd attending the airshow. The Boeing C-17 Globemaster III is a large military transport aircraft used by the USAF to perform tactical and strategic airlift missions, transporting troops and cargo throughout the world. The C-17 was first introduced to the USAF in 1995 replacing the Lockheed C-141 Starlifter and fulfilling some of the duties of the Lockheed C-5 Galaxy. The C-17 played a key logistical role during both Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq, as well as providing humanitarian aid in the aftermath of various natural disasters. The aircraft has a maximum carrying capacity of 170,900 pounds or 85.45 tons. The aircraft can carry a total of 134 troops and or one M1 Abrams tank.

This aircraft, 0002 is assigned to the USAF’s 437th Airlift Wing and the 315th Airlift Wing of the Air Force Reserve at Charleston AFB, South Carolina. Side note about this aircraft. In 2009 this aircraft was involved in a gear-up landing at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan. The USAF Aircraft Accident Investigation Board concluded the cause was the crew’s failure to follow the pre-landing checklist.

Thunder Over Columbus Air Show
Columbus Air Force Base, Columbus, Lowndes County, Mississippi.
September 21, 2024
P2024-0921_123238 IMG_0807 T6i.CR2

Boeing C-17 Globemaster III, tail number 96-0002 performing several fly-by demonstrations before the crowd attending the airshow. The Boeing C-17 Globemaster III is a large military transport aircraft used by the USAF to perform tactical and strategic airlift missions, transporting troops and cargo throughout the world. The C-17 was first introduced to the USAF in 1995 replacing the Lockheed C-141 Starlifter and fulfilling some of the duties of the Lockheed C-5 Galaxy. The C-17 played a key logistical role during both Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq, as well as providing humanitarian aid in the aftermath of various natural disasters. The aircraft has a maximum carrying capacity of 170,900 pounds or 85.45 tons. The aircraft can carry a total of 134 troops and or one M1 Abrams tank.

This aircraft, 0002 is assigned to the USAF’s 437th Airlift Wing and the 315th Airlift Wing of the Air Force Reserve at Charleston AFB, South Carolina. Side note about this aircraft. In 2009 this aircraft was involved in a gear-up landing at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan. The USAF Aircraft Accident Investigation Board concluded the cause was the crew’s failure to follow the pre-landing checklist.

Thunder Over Columbus Air Show
Columbus Air Force Base, Columbus, Lowndes County, Mississippi.
September 21, 2024
P2024-0921_123634 IMG_0863 T6i.CR2

Boeing C-17 Globemaster III, tail number 96-0002 performing several fly-by demonstrations before the crowd attending the airshow. The Boeing C-17 Globemaster III is a large military transport aircraft used by the USAF to perform tactical and strategic airlift missions, transporting troops and cargo throughout the world. The C-17 was first introduced to the USAF in 1995 replacing the Lockheed C-141 Starlifter and fulfilling some of the duties of the Lockheed C-5 Galaxy. The C-17 played a key logistical role during both Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq, as well as providing humanitarian aid in the aftermath of various natural disasters. The aircraft has a maximum carrying capacity of 170,900 pounds or 85.45 tons. The aircraft can carry a total of 134 troops and or one M1 Abrams tank.

This aircraft, 0002 is assigned to the USAF’s 437th Airlift Wing and the 315th Airlift Wing of the Air Force Reserve at Charleston AFB, South Carolina. Side note about this aircraft. In 2009 this aircraft was involved in a gear-up landing at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan. The USAF Aircraft Accident Investigation Board concluded the cause was the crew’s failure to follow the pre-landing checklist.

Thunder Over Columbus Air Show
Columbus Air Force Base, Columbus, Lowndes County, Mississippi.
September 21, 2024
P2024-0921_123554 IMG_0846 T6i.CR2

Boeing C-17 Globemaster III, tail number 96-0002 performing several fly-by demonstrations before the crowd attending the airshow. The Boeing C-17 Globemaster III is a large military transport aircraft used by the USAF to perform tactical and strategic airlift missions, transporting troops and cargo throughout the world. The C-17 was first introduced to the USAF in 1995 replacing the Lockheed C-141 Starlifter and fulfilling some of the duties of the Lockheed C-5 Galaxy. The C-17 played a key logistical role during both Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq, as well as providing humanitarian aid in the aftermath of various natural disasters. The aircraft has a maximum carrying capacity of 170,900 pounds or 85.45 tons. The aircraft can carry a total of 134 troops and or one M1 Abrams tank.

This aircraft, 0002 is assigned to the USAF’s 437th Airlift Wing and the 315th Airlift Wing of the Air Force Reserve at Charleston AFB, South Carolina. Side note about this aircraft. In 2009 this aircraft was involved in a gear-up landing at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan. The USAF Aircraft Accident Investigation Board concluded the cause was the crew’s failure to follow the pre-landing checklist.

Thunder Over Columbus Air Show
Columbus Air Force Base, Columbus, Lowndes County, Mississippi.
September 21, 2024
P2024-0921_124232 IMG_0951 T6i.CR2

Boeing C-17 Globemaster III, tail number 96-0002 performing several fly-by demonstrations before the crowd attending the airshow. The Boeing C-17 Globemaster III is a large military transport aircraft used by the USAF to perform tactical and strategic airlift missions, transporting troops and cargo throughout the world. The C-17 was first introduced to the USAF in 1995 replacing the Lockheed C-141 Starlifter and fulfilling some of the duties of the Lockheed C-5 Galaxy. The C-17 played a key logistical role during both Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq, as well as providing humanitarian aid in the aftermath of various natural disasters. The aircraft has a maximum carrying capacity of 170,900 pounds or 85.45 tons. The aircraft can carry a total of 134 troops and or one M1 Abrams tank.

This aircraft, 0002 is assigned to the USAF’s 437th Airlift Wing and the 315th Airlift Wing of the Air Force Reserve at Charleston AFB, South Carolina. Side note about this aircraft. In 2009 this aircraft was involved in a gear-up landing at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan. The USAF Aircraft Accident Investigation Board concluded the cause was the crew’s failure to follow the pre-landing checklist.

Thunder Over Columbus Air Show
Columbus Air Force Base, Columbus, Lowndes County, Mississippi.
September 21, 2024
P2024-0921_123124 IMG_0805 T6i.CR2

Boeing C-17 Globemaster III, tail number 96-0002 performing several fly-by demonstrations before the crowd attending the airshow. The Boeing C-17 Globemaster III is a large military transport aircraft used by the USAF to perform tactical and strategic airlift missions, transporting troops and cargo throughout the world. The C-17 was first introduced to the USAF in 1995 replacing the Lockheed C-141 Starlifter and fulfilling some of the duties of the Lockheed C-5 Galaxy. The C-17 played a key logistical role during both Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq, as well as providing humanitarian aid in the aftermath of various natural disasters. The aircraft has a maximum carrying capacity of 170,900 pounds or 85.45 tons. The aircraft can carry a total of 134 troops and or one M1 Abrams tank.

This aircraft, 0002 is assigned to the USAF’s 437th Airlift Wing and the 315th Airlift Wing of the Air Force Reserve at Charleston AFB, South Carolina. Side note about this aircraft. In 2009 this aircraft was involved in a gear-up landing at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan. The USAF Aircraft Accident Investigation Board concluded the cause was the crew’s failure to follow the pre-landing checklist.

Thunder Over Columbus Air Show
Columbus Air Force Base, Columbus, Lowndes County, Mississippi.
September 21, 2024
P2024-0921_123825 IMG_0894 T6i.CR2

Boeing C-17 Globemaster III, tail number 96-0002 performing several fly-by demonstrations before the crowd attending the airshow. The Boeing C-17 Globemaster III is a large military transport aircraft used by the USAF to perform tactical and strategic airlift missions, transporting troops and cargo throughout the world. The C-17 was first introduced to the USAF in 1995 replacing the Lockheed C-141 Starlifter and fulfilling some of the duties of the Lockheed C-5 Galaxy. The C-17 played a key logistical role during both Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq, as well as providing humanitarian aid in the aftermath of various natural disasters. The aircraft has a maximum carrying capacity of 170,900 pounds or 85.45 tons. The aircraft can carry a total of 134 troops and or one M1 Abrams tank.

This aircraft, 0002 is assigned to the USAF’s 437th Airlift Wing and the 315th Airlift Wing of the Air Force Reserve at Charleston AFB, South Carolina. Side note about this aircraft. In 2009 this aircraft was involved in a gear-up landing at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan. The USAF Aircraft Accident Investigation Board concluded the cause was the crew’s failure to follow the pre-landing checklist.

Thunder Over Columbus Air Show
Columbus Air Force Base, Columbus, Lowndes County, Mississippi.
September 21, 2024
P2024-0921_123340 IMG_0825 T6i.CR2

Boeing C-17 Globemaster III, tail number 96-0002 performing several fly-by demonstrations before the crowd attending the airshow. The Boeing C-17 Globemaster III is a large military transport aircraft used by the USAF to perform tactical and strategic airlift missions, transporting troops and cargo throughout the world. The C-17 was first introduced to the USAF in 1995 replacing the Lockheed C-141 Starlifter and fulfilling some of the duties of the Lockheed C-5 Galaxy. The C-17 played a key logistical role during both Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq, as well as providing humanitarian aid in the aftermath of various natural disasters. The aircraft has a maximum carrying capacity of 170,900 pounds or 85.45 tons. The aircraft can carry a total of 134 troops and or one M1 Abrams tank.

This aircraft, 0002 is assigned to the USAF’s 437th Airlift Wing and the 315th Airlift Wing of the Air Force Reserve at Charleston AFB, South Carolina. Side note about this aircraft. In 2009 this aircraft was involved in a gear-up landing at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan. The USAF Aircraft Accident Investigation Board concluded the cause was the crew’s failure to follow the pre-landing checklist.

Thunder Over Columbus Air Show
Columbus Air Force Base, Columbus, Lowndes County, Mississippi.
September 21, 2024
P2024-0921_123622 IMG_0857 T6i.CR2

Boeing C-17 Globemaster III, tail number 96-0002 performing several fly-by demonstrations before the crowd attending the airshow. The Boeing C-17 Globemaster III is a large military transport aircraft used by the USAF to perform tactical and strategic airlift missions, transporting troops and cargo throughout the world. The C-17 was first introduced to the USAF in 1995 replacing the Lockheed C-141 Starlifter and fulfilling some of the duties of the Lockheed C-5 Galaxy. The C-17 played a key logistical role during both Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq, as well as providing humanitarian aid in the aftermath of various natural disasters. The aircraft has a maximum carrying capacity of 170,900 pounds or 85.45 tons. The aircraft can carry a total of 134 troops and or one M1 Abrams tank.

This aircraft, 0002 is assigned to the USAF’s 437th Airlift Wing and the 315th Airlift Wing of the Air Force Reserve at Charleston AFB, South Carolina. Side note about this aircraft. In 2009 this aircraft was involved in a gear-up landing at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan. The USAF Aircraft Accident Investigation Board concluded the cause was the crew’s failure to follow the pre-landing checklist.

Thunder Over Columbus Air Show
Columbus Air Force Base, Columbus, Lowndes County, Mississippi.
September 21, 2024
P2024-0921_123323 IMG_0816 T6i.CR2

Boeing C-17 Globemaster III, tail number 96-0002 performing several fly-by demonstrations before the crowd attending the airshow. The Boeing C-17 Globemaster III is a large military transport aircraft used by the USAF to perform tactical and strategic airlift missions, transporting troops and cargo throughout the world. The C-17 was first introduced to the USAF in 1995 replacing the Lockheed C-141 Starlifter and fulfilling some of the duties of the Lockheed C-5 Galaxy. The C-17 played a key logistical role during both Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq, as well as providing humanitarian aid in the aftermath of various natural disasters. The aircraft has a maximum carrying capacity of 170,900 pounds or 85.45 tons. The aircraft can carry a total of 134 troops and or one M1 Abrams tank.

This aircraft, 0002 is assigned to the USAF’s 437th Airlift Wing and the 315th Airlift Wing of the Air Force Reserve at Charleston AFB, South Carolina. Side note about this aircraft. In 2009 this aircraft was involved in a gear-up landing at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan. The USAF Aircraft Accident Investigation Board concluded the cause was the crew’s failure to follow the pre-landing checklist.

Thunder Over Columbus Air Show
Columbus Air Force Base, Columbus, Lowndes County, Mississippi.
September 21, 2024
P2024-0921_123815 IMG_0890 T6i.CR2

Boeing C-17 Globemaster III, tail number 96-0002 performing several fly-by demonstrations before the crowd attending the airshow. The Boeing C-17 Globemaster III is a large military transport aircraft used by the USAF to perform tactical and strategic airlift missions, transporting troops and cargo throughout the world. The C-17 was first introduced to the USAF in 1995 replacing the Lockheed C-141 Starlifter and fulfilling some of the duties of the Lockheed C-5 Galaxy. The C-17 played a key logistical role during both Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq, as well as providing humanitarian aid in the aftermath of various natural disasters. The aircraft has a maximum carrying capacity of 170,900 pounds or 85.45 tons. The aircraft can carry a total of 134 troops and or one M1 Abrams tank.

This aircraft, 0002 is assigned to the USAF’s 437th Airlift Wing and the 315th Airlift Wing of the Air Force Reserve at Charleston AFB, South Carolina. Side note about this aircraft. In 2009 this aircraft was involved in a gear-up landing at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan. The USAF Aircraft Accident Investigation Board concluded the cause was the crew’s failure to follow the pre-landing checklist.

Thunder Over Columbus Air Show
Columbus Air Force Base, Columbus, Lowndes County, Mississippi.
September 21, 2024
P2024-0921_123957 IMG_0938 T6i.CR2

Boeing C-17 Globemaster III, tail number 96-0002 performing several fly-by demonstrations before the crowd attending the airshow. The Boeing C-17 Globemaster III is a large military transport aircraft used by the USAF to perform tactical and strategic airlift missions, transporting troops and cargo throughout the world. The C-17 was first introduced to the USAF in 1995 replacing the Lockheed C-141 Starlifter and fulfilling some of the duties of the Lockheed C-5 Galaxy. The C-17 played a key logistical role during both Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq, as well as providing humanitarian aid in the aftermath of various natural disasters. The aircraft has a maximum carrying capacity of 170,900 pounds or 85.45 tons. The aircraft can carry a total of 134 troops and or one M1 Abrams tank.

This aircraft, 0002 is assigned to the USAF’s 437th Airlift Wing and the 315th Airlift Wing of the Air Force Reserve at Charleston AFB, South Carolina. Side note about this aircraft. In 2009 this aircraft was involved in a gear-up landing at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan. The USAF Aircraft Accident Investigation Board concluded the cause was the crew’s failure to follow the pre-landing checklist.

Thunder Over Columbus Air Show
Columbus Air Force Base, Columbus, Lowndes County, Mississippi.
September 21, 2024
P2024-0921_123457 IMG_0834 T6i.CR2