Team McChord Airmen showcase C-17 during air show

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jacob Jimenez
  • 62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Hundreds of people waited up to an hour to tour the C-17 Globemaster III Aug. 27-28 at the JBLM Airshow and Warrior Expo at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington.

The air show’s two static C-17s were a popular attraction during the show, drawing crowds to line up for a glimpse of the inside of the aircraft.

“It’s great to show people the C-17 up close,” said Capt. Sean Keyes, 8th Airlift Squadron pilot. “A lot of people ask ‘what do all these buttons do?’ The kids are speechless and just love looking out the windows.”

Visitors to the air show were allowed to walk around the inside of the C-17 and received insight about the aircraft’s many mobility capabilities.

“This is definitely one of the big hits of the air show; I had some people come by more than once to see the jet,” said Airman 1st Class Samuel Leonard, 8th AS loadmaster. “This is good to show people what we do, and for them to know that when something is going on in the world that we are here and capable of delivering global airlift.”

Air show spectators expressed gratitude to see the aircraft up close and learn about the C-17's diverse mission.

“This was great, it is an impressive piece of machinery,” said Joel Springer, show spectator. “I was a little surprised to see the inside and to see the bare bones of it.”

 Besides being briefed by loadmasters, spectators were also allowed to tour the flight deck of the C-17 and have their questions answered by pilots.

“This is great to show people the purpose behind what we do and it helps them gain a better appreciation for the military,” said Capt. Sean Sellers, 7th AS pilot. “This is important for the general public to build trust.”

While viewing the C-17, spectators also learned about some of the aircraft’s capabilities, including air medevac and airdrop.

“It was cool to talk to the air medevac Airmen; it’s like a mobile hospital,” said Lindsey Tompkins, spectator and local nurse. “I’m sure it’s much harder to work in the air. It’s amazing that they can do emergency lifesaving work while in flight.”  

While experiencing the C-17 on the ground air show spectators also got to see the C-17 in action from below. The C-17 air performance demonstrated the aircraft’s airdrop capabilities and its maneuverability.      

“This helps inform people of why we fly and the importance of the C-17 mission,” said Sellers. “Airdrop is a capability that many people have told me they never knew we had.”

Though regularly seen flying in the local area, some spectators considered being able to see the inside of a C-17 a rare treat.

“People are happy to wait an hour to see the aircraft and have said this is a once in a lifetime opportunity,” said Senior Airman Brandon Lawson, 7th AS loadmaster. “It’s great to tell people about what I do and answer their questions about the C-17.”