A new-build C-17 transport aircraft arrived last week at JB Charleston, S.C., giving the 437th Airlift Wing its 60th C-17. Charleston’s Post and Courier reported that Gen. Gary North, Pacific Air Forces commander, flew the aircraft to Charleston from Boeing’s C-17 assembly plant in Long Beach, Calif., on Feb. 3. The 437th AW operates Charleston’s C-17s in concert with Air Force Reserve Command’s 315th AW under an association. Charleston hosts USAF’s largest assembly of C-17s.
Earlier this week, the People’s Republic of China confirmed it is halting its nuclear arms control talks with the U.S., in retaliation for the U.S. continuing to sell arms to Taiwan. The move reinforces a “pattern of behavior” from Beijing, experts say.