Miss. The C-130J is the newest version of this venerable airlifter, with enhanced capabilities and reduced operating costs. The 315th Airlift Wing at Charleston AFB, S.C., continues its transition to the C-17, having played a key role in this new plane's outstanding performance to date, highlighted by the success of Operation Joint Endeavor in Bosnia. The 446th AW at McChord AFB, Wash., is spinning up for its conversion as well. The C-17 is Air Mobility Command's new core airlifter and one of the Air Force's highest procurement priorities. Reserve crews and maintainers have been, and will continue to be, critical to the future effective utilization of the C-17.
New airplanes are expensive.
Often, upgrades and enhancements can be done for relatively few dollars, significantly improving a unit's capabilities without the disruptions a conversion creates. Also, we are buying targeting pods that will allow us to use laser-guided munitions. These types of programs let us apply airpower more precisely under any condition, while reducing unnecessary risks to our pilots. Just as important, they allow maximum interoperability with active-duty units, increasing our usefulness and effectiveness while reducing unique training and spares requirements. Increasing useful payload by one-third and reducing operating and maintenance costs allow our tanker crews to fly more missions farther.