Aug.
09, 2005 - In a
celebration Tuesday at the Long Beach C-17 facility, Boeing
delivered the U.S. Air Force its 138 th C-17 Globemaster III.
The advanced airlifter was christened the “Spirit of
California” – and for good reason. “It’s the first
true C-17, designed and assembled by Californians, and flown
by California citizen airmen from a base in California,”
said Dave Bowman, vice president and C-17 program manager.
“This aircraft truly represents the spirit of this great
state.” Added U.S. Rep. Juanita Millender-McDonald, whose
district includes the Boeing Long Beach factory: “That’s
about as homegrown as you can get,” she said. “We
should all be proud of that.”
California
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, in a statement read at the
ceremony, offered his congratulations, too. “As the newest
cargo carrier to enter the airlift force, the Spirit of
California showcases the vision and prowess of our military
and symbolizes the strength and ingenuity of our great
state,” said Schwarzenegger. “I am proud to
congratulate March Air Reserve Base for acquiring the C-17,”
said California ’s Governor. “I salute Boeing and the
United States Air Force for your unwavering commitment to
excellence in aviation technologies for our armed forces –
the greatest military in the world.”
Following the delivery
ceremony, attended by an estimated 1,000 C-17 teammates, the
aircraft headed for its new home at March in nearby Riverside,
about 65 miles from Long Beach. The new C-17 was piloted by
Maj. Gen. Robert Duignan, commander of the 4th Air Force,
headquartered at March ARB. It’s the first of eight
C-17s scheduled for delivery to the base between now and
January 2006. “When these airplanes hit the ramp at
March, they won’t be there long. They’ll be off, taking
the fight to the enemy,” said Duignan, referring to the
C-17s critical role in the war on terrorism. “And that’s
very important, because this is a war where we can’t come in
second place. We have to win.”
Since the Global War on
Terrorism began on October 7, 2001, C-17s have flown combat
missions daily -- 1,400 consecutive days, without missing a
beat. In Iraq , C-17s have delivered more than 70 percent of
all the cargo delivered, exceeded 95 percent departure
reliability, and have the highest operational readiness rate
of any airlifter: 84 percent. Boeing currently is on a
multi-year production contract to design, build and deliver
180 C-17s to the U.S. Air Force through early 2008. U.S.
Rep. Ken Calvert, whose district includes the Riverside base,
said the national interest requires additional C-17s beyond
those 180 on order.
“March continues to
play a unique and valuable role in our nation’s defense,”
said Calvert. “I will continue to work with my
(congressional) colleagues to make sure we get more of these
aircraft to meet the airlift needs of our military. And I
think you would all agree: March would be a great place to
have them.” March’s new C-17s will have upgrades
known as “Block 16” improvements, making the airplanes
more capable and reliable. Beginning with the C-17 delivered
Tuesday, these aircraft incorporate the latest in avionics
technology, a next-generation weather radar system, an
enhanced onboard inert gas generating system, and a new
stabilizer strut system.“The C-17 is the most
technologically advanced airlift aircraft ever built,” said
Ron Marcotte, Boeing vice president of Airlift and Tanker
Programs. “And March’s C-17s are the most capable in the
fleet.”
Those C-17s will be flown
and maintained by the 452nd Air Mobility Wing, part of the Air
Force Reserve Command. Marcotte Tuesday saluted the strong
historical ties between Boeing, Long Beach and the 452nd.
Tuesday’s celebration, for many, was a “welcome home” to
Long Beach for the 452nd, which was part of Long Beach Air
Force Base in the late 1940s and 1950s – before moving to
what is now March Air Reserve Base. The Boeing-March
connections don’t stop there; more than 900 C-17 Long Beach
employees live in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties, in
communities near the base. Fifteen Boeing teammates work on
base at March, providing C-17 field engineering, as well as
technical and spares support. And, several dozen Boeing Long
Beach employees serve as Reservists at March, supporting the
452nd and the 4th Air Force.
“It
is that tradition of the citizen-warrior that has kept this
nation strong over the centuries,” said Marcotte. “And it
continues today, in the form of the 452nd and the other
Reserve units around the country. I think all of us who live
with the freedoms we have today owe them a debt of
gratitude.”
