Aircraft Change Proposed for 167th Airlift Wing Published Feb. 3, 2012 By Master Sgt. Emily Beightol-Deyerle 167AW/PA Martinsburg, W.Va. -- Eight C-17 Globemaster aircraft will replace the 167th Airlift Wing's current fleet of eleven C-5 aircraft, according to the Force Structure Overview released today by the Secretary of the Air Force. Numerous aircraft changes are planned throughout the Active, Reserve, and Guard components in order to align with the new strategic guidance in the Air Force's FY13 budget submission. According to Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff General Norton Schwartz, the Air Force will be "a smaller but superb force that maintains the agility, flexibility, and readiness to engage a full range of contingencies and threats." No details are available on the impact the aircraft change will have on the force structure at this time. "We are prepared to continue doing our nation's work in the aircraft we are currently assigned and will move forward into the C-17 with the same pride, dedication and outstanding service," said Col. Roger Nye, commander of the 167th Airlift Wing. Aircraft changes are expected to take place in fiscal year 2014 and 2015. The C-17 Globemaster is the newest, most flexible cargo aircraft to enter the airlift force. It is capable of rapid strategic delivery of troops and all types of cargo to main operating bases or directly to forward bases in the deployment area.