The ‘Spirit of Travis’ has landed

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Donald Osborn
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  With the family of Brig. Gen. Robert F. Travis looking on, Gen. Arthur J. Lichte, Air Mobility Command commander and Chief Master Sgt. Joseph Barron, AMC command chief, delivered the 13th and final C-17 Globemaster III, "the Spirit of Travis" here, Nov. 5. 

"The delivery of our newest Globemaster, aptly named the 'Spirit of Travis' is historic as it marks the completion of our first C-17 squadron," said Col. Mark Dillon, 60th Air Mobility Wing commander. "The name 'Spirit of Travis' honors the best of our Air Force's past, present and future." 

General Travis' children, Robert F. Travis, Jr., Roger G. Travis and Jayne Travis-Drought joined twelve other Travis family members to celebrate this historic event. 

"I've never seen anything more beautiful in my life than when that plane landed," said Mrs. Travis-Drought. "I wish my father could be here to see it." 

The first C-17, "Spirit of Solano" arrived at Travis in August 2006. Less than 24 hours later, it took off on its first Operation Iraqi Freedom combat mission. Since then, Travis' 

C-17 aircrews flew more than 29,200 hours; more than 5,900 of those were during combat, General Lichte said. 

"What a rich mobility heritage we have," said General Lichte. "And what a bright future we look forward to where hope can be delivered on the wings of C-17s like this one that we flew in today." 

The day served as a fitting tribute to General Travis and his contributions he made to today's Air Force. 

"General Travis would be proud to know that the qualities he emulated are still alive and well in the daily actions of Airmen on the installation that bears his name, and those protecting democracy around the world," said Colonel Dillon. "These qualities make us the most powerful and respected Air Force in the world." 

The historical significance of the much anticipated final jet was not lost on the crew that had the honor of flying to the Boeing plant in Long Beach, Calif. to pick up the new aircraft that only had logged a mere 5.8 flying hours on it. 

"For me to fly the final C-17 in with General Lichte was an honor," said Capt. Mike Pasquino, 21st Airlift Squadron evaluator aircraft commander. "Especially with General Travis'family in attendance to welcome us. You could definitely tell the entire crew was excited. 

"This final aircraft brings us up to our full operational capacity and gives Team Travis the ability to bring more iron to the fight," he said. 

In General Lichte's remarks he took the opportunity to send praise to the entire Travis Team. 

"I am confident that with this Globemaster III, the 'Spirit of Travis,' the men and women of this total force base will continue coming together as one to deliver unrivaled global reach for America always," said General Lichte. "And you will carry out the spirit of Travis."
The C-17 Globemaster III is the newest, most flexible cargo aircraft to enter the airlift force. The C-17 is capable of rapid strategic delivery of troops and all types of cargo to main operating bases or directly to forward bases in the deployment area. The aircraft can perform tactical airlift and airdrop missions and can also transport litters and ambulatory patients during aeromedical evacuations when required. The inherent flexibility and performance of the C-17 force improve the ability of the total airlift system to fulfill the worldwide air mobility requirements of the United States. 

The C-17 measures 174 feet long (53 meters) with a wingspan of 169 feet, 10 inches (51.75 meters). The aircraft is powered by four, fully reversible, Federal Aviation Administration-certified F117-PW-100 engines (the military designation for the commercial Pratt & Whitney PW2040), currently used on the Boeing 757. Each engine is rated at 40,440 pounds of thrust. The thrust reversers direct the flow of air upward and forward to avoid ingestion of dust and debris. Maximum use has been made of off-the-shelf and commercial equipment, including Air Force-standardized avionics. 

The aircraft is operated by a crew of three (pilot, copilot and loadmaster), reducing manpower requirements, risk exposure and long-term operating costs. Cargo is loaded onto the C-17 through a large aft door that accommodates military vehicles and palletized cargo. The C-17 can carry virtually all of the Army's air-transportable equipment.