The first of eight C-17 Globemaster IIIs was delivered from McChord on June 11, 2007 to Elmendorf AFB, Alaska. The newly named "Spirit of Denali," was piloted by two pilots and two loadmasters from the active duty Air Force and Alaska Air National Guard. C-17's based at Elmendorf will be flown by the active duty 517th Airlift Squadron and the 249th Airlift Squadron from the Alaskan Air National Guard.

Brig. Gen. Tony Hart and Col. Tom Tinsley, 176th Wing and 3rd Wing commanders, unveil the name of Elmendorf's first C-17 Globemaster III during a ceremony June 11 at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska. The eight C-17s will replace the C-130 Hercules mission at Elmendorf after 43 years of continuous airlift service at the base.

While assigned to McChord's 62d AW, C-17A 99-0169 is pictured in a low level pass over Rhein-Main AB on October 24, 2002.

Another view of -0169 approaching Rein-Main's AB's runway 25L on October 24, 2002.

Months later -0169 is back in German airspace supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.