A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft taxis across the flightline at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, Aug. 4, 2026. As the most flexible cargo aircraft in the airlift force, the C-17 enhances the nation’s outreach through rapid and continuous global air mobility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Braxton Grant Stokes)

An Airman assigned to the 437th Airlift Wing marshals a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft onto the runway at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, July 27, 2026. The 437th commands one of the largest C-17 fleets in the world, capable of providing rapid support globally. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Braxton Grant Stokes)

A U.S Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft takes off from Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, Aug. 4, 2026. The C-17 provides rapid global mobility in support of national objectives worldwide. (U.S. Air Force photo Airman 1st Class Braxton Grant Stokes)

U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft taxi across the flightline at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, Aug. 4, 2026. The C-17 provides rapid global mobility in support of national objectives worldwide. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Braxton Grant Stokes)

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Talon Englemen, left, and Airman 1st Class Carson Motz, right, 437th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron aerospace maintenance apprentices, prepare a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft for takeoff at Joint Base Charleston, Aug. 4, 2026. The 437th AMXS is tasked with keeping the installation’s C-17 aircraft mission-ready around the clock. (U.S. Air Force photo Airman 1st Class Braxton Grant Stokes)

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 437th Airlift Wing prepare a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft for takeoff at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, Aug. 4, 2026. The 437th maintains and operates the largest fleet of C-17 aircraft in the world, constantly progressing the mission through rapid global mobility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Braxton Grant Stokes)

U.S. Air Force Capt. Colin O’Connor, left, and Capt. Michael Dempski, right, 16th Airlift Squadron pilots, smile aboard a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft before a mission at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, Aug. 5, 2026. The 16th Airlift Squadron projects power worldwide through sustained global air mobility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Braxton Grant Stokes)