LONG BEACH, Calif., March 23, 2001 -- Darleen Druyun, principal deputy assistant secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition and Management, accepted on behalf of the U.S. Air Force the newest Boeing C-17 Globemaster III during ceremonies here today.
The airplane, the 72nd delivered to the U.S. Air Force, also was dedicated the "Spirit of the Cascades," in honor of the region near its home base, McChord Air Force Base in Tacoma, Wash. The aircraft flew to McChord after the ceremony.
Ms. Druyun also addressed Boeing employees in the C-17 assembly building before the ceremony.
This airplane and all future C-17s are equipped with a new extended range fuel containment system in the center wing area, and contain upgraded avionics required by the Global Air Traffic Management System.
A total of 13 C-17s are scheduled for delivery this year, nine to the U.S. Air Force and four to the United Kingdom Royal Air Force.
U.S. Air Force C-17s have amassed a fleet total of more than 250,000 flying hours.
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