A C-17 Globemaster III from Charleston Air Force Base, S.C., leads a formation air drop over North Field, S.C., on Jan. 12, 2000. The C-17 is part of a nine-ship formation flying a training mission that includes an air drop, a short field landing and aerial refueling. The C-17 Globemaster III is the newest, most flexible cargo aircraft to enter the airlift force. The C-17is 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 is also able to perform tactical airlift and airdrop missions when required. The inherent flexibility and performance characteristics of the C-17 force improve the ability of the total airlift system to fulfill the worldwide air mobility requirements of the United States.