Travis C-17 aircrew perform flight training U.S. Air Force Logo Sept. 11, 2025 Travis C-17 aircrew perform flight training U.S. Air Force Maj. Douglas Urbino, left, 21st Airlift Squadron (AS) aircraft commander, and Capt. Kyle Mackey, 21st AS C-17 Globemaster III flight instructor, approach a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 912th Air Refueling Squadron, March Air Reserve Base, California, for refueling during a training flight over Northern California, Aug. 27, 2025. The training flight included aerial refueling and low-level flight exercises to ensure aircrews are ready for global missions. Aerial refueling is a critical capability for long-range missions and low-level flight training is crucial for tactical operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Robert Nichols) Details Download Travis C-17 aircrew perform flight training A U.S. Airman pushes a button on an overhead panel in the flight deck of a C-17 Globemaster III assigned to the 60th Air Mobility Wing during a training flight over Northern California, Aug. 27, 2025. The overhead panel of a C-17 contains controls for the externally blown flap system, which allows the aircraft to use engine thrust to keep the flaps extended, offering better lift and enabling steep, short-field takeoffs and landings at low speeds. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Robert Nichols) Details Download Travis C-17 aircrew perform flight training A U.S. Airman assigned to the 60th Aerial Port Squadron (APS) prepares to load cargo onto a C-17 Globemaster III assigned to the 60th Air Mobility Wing on the flight line at Travis Air Force Base, California, Aug. 27, 2025. The 60th APS is the largest aerial port in the Department of Defense and serves as the primary West Coast aerial port for Air Mobility Command. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Robert Nichols) Details Download Travis C-17 aircrew perform flight training A U.S. Airman stands on the ramp of a C-17 Globemaster III assigned to the 60th Air Mobility Wing as a C-5M Super Galaxy flies overhead on the flight line at Travis Air Force Base, California, Aug. 27, 2025. Both aircraft feature advanced aerodynamics, air refueling capability and can transport large, heavy equipment. The C-17 is specifically designed for tactical flexibility while the C-5 is made for maximum payload and volume. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Robert Nichols) Details Download Travis C-17 aircrew perform flight training U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Erica Dimarco, 21st Airlift Squadron (AS) loadmaster, trains Senior Airman Marios Campos, 21st AS loadmaster, on specialized fueling operations (SFO) for a C-17 Globemaster III on the flight line at Travis Air Force Base, California, Aug. 27, 2025. C-17 loadmasters are trained to participate in SFOs such as forward area refueling and wet-wing defueling processes which focus on refueling aircraft in austere environments to support global access and future combat scenarios. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Robert Nichols) Details Download Travis C-17 aircrew perform flight training U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Kolt Caylor, right, and Senior Airman Marios Campos, 21st Airlift Squadron loadmasters, sit on the ramp of a C-17 Globemaster III with the door open in preparation for a powerback maneuver on the flight line at Travis Air Force Base, California, Aug. 27, 2025. The C-17 is one of the few aircraft capable of using reverse thrust to move backward under its own power, called a powerback, allowing the C-17 to maneuver in and out of tight spaces in austere environments. Since the pilots’ view of what is directly behind the aircraft is severely limited, loadmasters communicate vital information to the pilots while backing up. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Robert Nichols) Details Download Travis C-17 aircrew perform flight training U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Luke Seo, 21st Airlift Squadron pilot, flies a C-17 Globemaster III on a training flight over Northern California, Aug. 27, 2025. The training flight included low-level flight training, which utilizes the aircraft’s high-lift wing, external blown flaps and thrust reversers, enabling it to perform well at low altitudes and complex terrain. C-17 aircrews are trained for Special Operations Low Level II missions which include inserting and extracting special operations personnel and equipment from austere environments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Robert Nichols) Details Download Travis C-17 aircrew perform flight training U.S. Air Force Capt. Mitchell Kouns, left, 21st Airlift Squadron (AS) aircraft commander, and 1st Lt. Luke Seo, 21st AS pilot, fly a C-17 Globemaster III on a training flight over Northern California, Aug. 27, 2025. The training flight included low-level flight training, which utilizes the aircraft’s high-lift wing, external blown flaps and thrust reversers, enabling it to perform well at low altitudes and complex terrain. C-17 aircrews are trained for Special Operations Low Level II missions which include inserting and extracting special operations personnel and equipment from austere environments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Robert Nichols) Details Download Travis C-17 aircrew perform flight training U.S. Airmen assigned to the 60th Air Mobility Wing load training cargo onto a C-17 Globemaster III on the flight line at Travis Air Force Base, California, Aug. 27, 2025. The C-17 is the most flexible cargo aircraft in the airlift force; capable of rapid strategic delivery of troops, tactical airlift and airdrop mission and the transport of litters and ambulatory patients during aeromedical evacuations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Robert Nichols) Details Download Travis C-17 aircrew perform flight training U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Kolt Caylor, right, and Senior Airman Marios Campos, 21st Airlift Squadron loadmasters, prepare a C-17 Globemaster III for cargo onload at Travis Air Force Base, California, Aug. 27, 2025. Loadmasters configure the compartment with appropriate systems for safe flight, ensuring necessary equipment is present and functioning to receive and secure incoming cargo. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Robert Nichols) Details Download Travis C-17 aircrew perform flight training U.S. Air Force Capt. Mitchell Kouns, 21st Airlift Squadron aircraft commander, boards a C-17 Globemaster III on the flight line at Travis Air Force Base, California, Aug. 27, 2025. The C-17 is one of the most flexible cargo aircraft in the airlift force; capable of rapid strategic delivery of troops, tactical airlift and airdrop missions and the transport of litters and ambulatory patients during aeromedical evacuations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Robert Nichols) Details Download Travis C-17 aircrew perform flight training Various patch stickers are displayed on a table while U.S. Airmen assigned to the 21st Airlift Squadron perform a pre-flight briefing at Travis Air Force Base, California, Aug. 27, 2025. Aircrews conduct extensive pre-flight briefings to cover flight details like weather, route, procedures, crew duties, potential emergencies, fuel and operational tasks. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Robert Nichols) Details Download