News

C-17 delivers Rangers to Rendezvous

  • Published
  • By Sandra Pishner
  • 446th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  With the help of a Reserve aircrew from McChord Air Force Base, Wash., more than 1,000 Rangers from the 75th Ranger Regiment jump started Ranger Rendezvous in Fort Benning Ga., Aug. 3-6. 

The 728th Airlift Squadron here flew one of two C-17s participating in the opening mass tactical airborne operation for the Rendezvous, a unit tradition that brings the entire 75th Ranger Regiment together for the Regimental change of command. 

Ranger family members and veterans traditionally attend the event as well, and were treated to the sight of their Soldiers jumping from a C-17. 

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 aircraft can carry 102 fully-loaded paratroops.