New C-17A delivered to McChord AFB

(U.S. Air Force Photo by Adamarie Lewis-Page) 

Gen. William M. Fraser III, U.S. Transportation Command commander, visited McChord Field July 17, 2012 as he delivered a new McDonnell Douglas (Boeing) C-17A (P-217) 10-0217 Globemaster III aircraft.

During his short visit, Fraser also took the opportunity to meet with leadership and hold a commander's call for McChord Field Airmen.

"It's an honor and privilege to be here," he said. "This is my first time to visit and to be able to come in the way I did today was something I never expected having the pleasure of doing. To be asked to deliver the C-17A was indeed a privilege and it's something not everybody gets to do."

After the C-17A delivery, the general learned more about the joint base relationship and the 62nd Airlift Wing's unique missions. In addition, he held a mentorship session with leadership.

The mentorship session was followed by a commander's call where Fraser emphasized his appreciation for all Airmen.

"My hats off to each and every one of you who are making the mission happen and I thank you for your service," he said. "I want to thank your families as well because they have to make the same sacrifices as you do."

He also stressed the importance of taking care of yourself.

"In today's environment with the places we go and the things we do, you need to take care of yourself and your family," Fraser said. "Also, it's important to be socially engaged, physically fit, and find some kind of spiritual balance."

As commander of USTRANSCOM, Fraser plans, coordinates, directs and monitors movement and deployment of forces and material necessary to meet military objectives.

USTRANSCOM is the single manager for global air, land and sea transportation for the Department of Defense. The 62nd AW reports to Air Mobility Command, which is a component command of USTRANSCOM.

In the past six months, the 62nd AW has flown more than 5,700 sorties, 21,500 hours, 1,350 missions, moving 47 million pounds of cargo and 16,000 passengers in an effort to provide global airlift and support the USTRANSCOM mission.

"The 62nd AW has made tremendous contributions," he said. "I'm proud of what they're doing because they're really making a difference in the lives of many."

Fraser departed McChord Field later that day continuing his official travels.

"Thanks to JBLM for a wonderful visit," he said. "I want to thank all the Airmen and their families again for their service."

(Staff Sgt. Frances Kriss - 62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs)