62d AW showcases Global Airlift Power during nine-ship departure

A U.S. Air Force service member conducts preflight checks on a C-17 Globemaster III at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, Jan. 8, 2025. The pilot ensured the aircraft was fully prepared for a nine-ship formation exercise, showcasing the 62d Airlift Wing's readiness and precision in global mobility operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Elizabeth Schoubroek)

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62d AW showcases Global Airlift Power during nine-ship departure

A C-17 Globemaster III generates a powerful downdraft as it prepares for takeoff at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, Jan. 8, 2025, causing water to be picked up from the ground. The dramatic effect of the engine wash highlights the immense power and capability of the C-17's engines during takeoff and landing operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Elizabeth Schoubroek)

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62d AW showcases Global Airlift Power during nine-ship departure

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Andrew Madrid, a crew chief assigned to the 446th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, prepares to marshal a C-17 Globemaster III at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, Jan. 8, 2025. The 446 AMXS plays a vital role in ensuring the aircraft’s readiness, supporting rapid global mobility and airdrop missions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Elizabeth Schoubroek)

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62d AW showcases Global Airlift Power during nine-ship departure

A C-17 Globemaster III takes off as flightline personnel, including aircraft maintenance crews, security forces, vehicle operators, and leadership, observe the departure at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, Jan. 8, 2025. These dedicated teams ensure the safe and efficient operation of the flightline, supporting the 62d Airlift Wing’s mission readiness and global mobility capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Elizabeth Schoubroek)

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62d AW showcases Global Airlift Power during nine-ship departure

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Andrew Madrid, a crew chief assigned to the 446th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, marshals a C-17 Globemaster III at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, Jan. 8, 2025. The 446 AMXS plays a vital role in ensuring the aircraft’s readiness, supporting rapid global mobility and airdrop missions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Elizabeth Schoubroek)

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62d AW showcases Global Airlift Power during nine-ship departure

U.S. Air Force crew chiefs assigned to the 446th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron pose for a group photo at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, Jan. 8, 2025. The crew chiefs are responsible for ensuring the operational readiness of C-17 Globemaster III aircraft, performing routine maintenance, inspections, and preparing the aircraft for mission-critical operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Elizabeth Schoubroek)

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62d AW showcases Global Airlift Power during nine-ship departure

U.S. Air Force Maj. Ross Wiginton, a pilot assigned to the 8th Airlift Squadron, records mission details on a data card during preflight preparations at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, Jan. 8, 2025. The aircrew was preparing for a nine-ship C-17 Globemaster III formation, showcasing the 62d Airlift Wing's precision airdrop capabilities and commitment to rapid global mobility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Elizabeth Schoubroek)

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62d AW showcases Global Airlift Power during nine-ship departure

Mount Rainier is visible from the skies above Washington state, through the cockpit of a C-17 Globemaster III as another C-17 flies in the distance, Jan. 8, 2025. The aircraft were part of a nine-ship formation during a large-force exercise at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Megan Geiger)

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62d AW showcases Global Airlift Power during nine-ship departure

U.S. Air Force Capt. Nate Foss, a pilot assigned to the 8th Airlift Squadron, uses an iPad to monitor flight information and mission data during a nine-ship C-17 Globemaster III formation exercise, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, Jan. 8, 2025. The iPad provides real-time access to navigation charts, flight details, and other critical mission data. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Megan Geiger)

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62d AW showcases Global Airlift Power during nine-ship departure

A C-17 Globemaster III is visible through the cockpit of another C-17 over the skies of Washington state Jan. 8, 2025. The aircraft were part of a nine-ship formation during a large-force exercise at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Megan Geiger

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62d AW showcases Global Airlift Power during nine-ship departure

Aerial view of a C-17 Globemaster III with the rear ramp open, as an airdrop load parachute is deployed, over the Washington state skies Jan. 8, 2025. The aircraft is part of a nine-ship formation during a large-force exercise at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, demonstrating the 62d Airlift Wing’s precision airdrop capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Megan Geiger)

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62d AW showcases Global Airlift Power during nine-ship departure

A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III takes off from the flightline at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, Jan 8, 2024. The aircraft is operated by a crew of three (pilot, co-pilot and loadmaster), reducing manpower requirements, risk exposure and long-term operating costs. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Colleen Anthony)

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62d AW showcases Global Airlift Power during nine-ship departure

Published Jan. 14, 2025
By Senior Airman Elizabeth Schoubroek
62d Airlift Wing

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. --

The 62d Airlift Wing executes a nine-ship C-17 Globemaster III formation from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., Jan. 8, 2025. The exercise demonstrated the wing's rapid global mobility capabilities, including precise airdrop operations and synchronized departures, highlighting the readiness and skill of aircrew and maintainers in supporting U.S. and allied missions worldwide.