Team McChord Hosts Sandia Weapon Intern Program

Michael Melia, a Sandia National Laboratories Weapon Intern Program participant, observes the flight deck of a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft during a tour at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, May 6, 2026. The opportunity for the 62d Airlift Wing to host the WIP provides crucial insight into the efforts of both parties, connecting the civilian and military world professionally. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Frederick Barnes)

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Team McChord Hosts Sandia Weapon Intern Program

U.S. Air Force Capt. Austin Day, 62d Airlift Wing pilot, briefs participants of the Sandia National Laboratories Weapon Intern Program before boarding a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, May 6, 2026. Day briefed participants on the capabilities of the C-17 in performing airlift operations such as relocating personnel, vehicles and supplies. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Frederick Barnes)

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Team McChord Hosts Sandia Weapon Intern Program

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Austin Andrews, 62d Airlift Wing loadmaster, pulls a retractable chain inside of a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, May 6, 2026. Andrews demonstrated the location and purpose of various tools used in airlift operations aboard the aircraft for Sandia National Laboratories Weapon Intern Program participants. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Frederick Barnes)

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Team McChord Hosts Sandia Weapon Intern Program

U.S. Air Force Maj. Greg Isley, 62d Operations Group deputy director of aircrew plans and programs, speaks to participants of the Sandia National Laboratories Weapon Intern Program aboard a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, May 6, 2026. Isley answered questions pertaining to the aircrafts structure and how its many systems support and sustain operations while thousands of feet in the air. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Frederick Barnes)

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Team McChord Hosts Sandia Weapon Intern Program

Sandia National Laboratories Weapon Intern Program participants sit inside of a crash rescue engine at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, May 6, 2026. The group toured JBLM fire station 105 to further their understanding of McChord flightline operations and the various airlift capabilities of the C-17 Globemaster III aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Frederick Barnes)

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Team McChord Hosts Sandia Weapon Intern Program

Participants of the Sandia National Laboratories Weapon Intern Program pose for a group photo in front of a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, May 6, 2026. The group, consisting of professionals from various career fields in science, technology, engineering, and math, visited JBLM to understand 62d Airlift Wing airlift operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Frederick Barnes)

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Team McChord Hosts Sandia Weapon Intern Program

Published May 12, 2026
By By Airman 1st Class Frederick Barnes
62d Airlift Wing Public Affairs

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. --

The 62d Airlift Wing hosted participants of this year’s Sandia National Laboratories Weapon Intern Program at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, May 6, 2026. The group toured a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft, the air traffic control tower and JBLM fire station 105 to learn about Team McChord operations and capabilities.

A unique portion of the WIP is the opportunity to tour military installations such as JBLM. When visiting the 62d AW, civilian professionals get to step out of their usual rhythm and see firsthand the operational airlift capabilities of the C-17 and the systems and people that support its mission.