Department of Defense

The year also brought the first C-17 Globemaster III cargo aircraft, the Spirit of Hawaii, to Hickam Air Force Base, Feb. 8, 2006. The Spirit of Hawaii was the first of eight C-17 aircraft to make Hickam its home as part of the first active duty and Air National Guard classic associate units. The Hawaii Air National Guard and the 15th Airlift Wing began developing a working relationship with the arrival of the C-17 simulator, the opening of the C-17 Maintenance Complex, the first 15 AW C-17 refuel, and the completion of the first C-17 Home Station Check. With the acceptance of the C-17, the HIANG said farewell to the C-130 after 20 years of service. The last C-130 departed Hickam, Feb. 15, 2006.

– 2006 Annual Report pp. 15