12 Nations Worked Together To Build Airlifter
In the culmination of many years of collaboration on the part of
a dozen nations, Boeing has delivered the first Strategic Airlift
Capability (SAC) C-17 Globemaster III during a ceremony at its
final assembly facility in Long Beach, paving the way for the
advanced airlifter’s historic arrival at Pápa Air
Base, Hungary, later this month. The SAC’s approach to shared
use of the strategic airlifter is regarded as a model for the
pooled acquisition and management of defense capabilities.
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“I salute the 12 nations that have joined together to form
the Strategic Airlift Capability,” said U.S. Air Force Col.
John Zazworsky, the first commander of Pápa Air Base’s
Heavy Airlift Wing (HAW).
“This aircraft, along with the two that will follow, is a
direct result of their commitment to giving SAC advanced airlift
capabilities that will save lives around the world. We look forward
to our first mission.” The HAW is the operational unit
responsible for conducting airlift missions in support of national
requirements.
“We’ve dreamed about this day for many years, and
now it’s here,” said Gunnar Borch, who serves as
General Manager of the NATO Airlift Management Agency (NAMA).
“This historic partnership shows how much can be accomplished
when nations work together to achieve a common goal.” NAMA is
responsible for the acquisition, day-to-day management, and support
of the C-17 fleet on behalf of NATO and all participating SAC
nations.
“What you are doing is being watched and admired around
the world,” said Jean Chamberlin, Boeing vice president and
general manager of Global Mobility Systems. “It is truly
remarkable to see 12 great nations working together to secure the
world’s most advanced airlifter to support military,
humanitarian, disaster-relief and peacekeeping missions. We thank
you for choosing the C-17 and its unequaled readiness for any
mission, anywhere, any time.”
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The SAC group includes 10 NATO nations -- Bulgaria, Estonia,
Hungary, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania,
Slovenia, United States -- and Partnership for Peace members Sweden
and Finland. They will share acquisition and operating costs for
the eventual fleet of three C-17s over the nearly 30-year
agreement.
The first SAC C-17 will arrive at Pápa Air Base just
prior to the activation of the HAW on July 27. Boeing will deliver
the two remaining C-17s in September and October.