Guam’s History as a U.S. Air Force Hub
Guam, and specifically Andersen Air Force Base, has a long and storied history as a strategic outpost for the United States Air Force in the Pacific. Its origins trace back to World War II when, in 1944, the 854th Airfield Construction Battalion began carving out what was then known as North Field from the dense jungle.
By February 1945, the airfield was operational and played a crucial role in the Pacific theater, launching daily B-29 Superfortress bombing missions over Japan. After the war, in 1947, the field was renamed North Guam Air Force Base, coinciding with the establishment of the U.S. Air Force as a separate service branch. Two years later, it was renamed Andersen Air Force Base in honor of Brigadier General James Roy Andersen.
Throughout its history, Andersen AFB has been a pivotal logistics and strategic hub. It was instrumental during the Korean War, the Vietnam War (serving as a major base for B-52 bomber operations, including the famous Operation Linebacker II), and Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. The base also played a significant humanitarian role, such as in Operation New Life in 1975, which processed over 100,000 Vietnamese refugees.
Today, under the 36th Wing, Andersen Air Force Base remains a critical forward-based logistics support center for U.S. forces operating in the Pacific and Indian Oceans.
The C-17 Globemaster III: A Modern Workhorse
The C-17 Globemaster III is a large military transport aircraft that has become a cornerstone of the U.S. Air Force’s airlift capability. Developed by McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) in the 1980s and early 1990s, the C-17 was designed to provide rapid strategic delivery of troops and cargo to main operating bases or directly to forward outposts in austere environments.
The aircraft’s development stemmed from the C-X program, which sought a modern airlifter to replace the aging C-141 Starlifter and supplement the larger C-5 Galaxy. The C-17 is based on the YC-15, a prototype from the 1970s Advanced Medium STOL Transport (AMST) competition.
The C-17 made its maiden flight on September 15, 1991, and the first production model was delivered to Charleston Air Force Base, South Carolina, on June 14, 1993. The first C-17 squadron was declared operationally ready on January 17, 1995.
Known for its flexibility, the C-17 can carry a wide range of cargo, including the M1 Abrams main battle tank, and can operate from short and unpaved runways. It is also capable of performing airdrops and aeromedical evacuations. The C-17 is operated by the U.S. Air Force as well as several allied nations.
The “Rapid Flush” and its Guam Debut
A “Rapid Flush” is a contingency procedure for the C-17 Globemaster III. It is designed to enable a rapid takeoff from a parked position in the event of an imminent threat or attack. This procedure minimizes the time the aircraft is vulnerable on the ground.
Based on available information, a “Rapid Flush” of a C-17 Globemaster III was performed at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, on July 16, 2023. The exercise was conducted by airmen from the 860th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and the 21st Airlift Squadron. This event was documented in a video released by the Air Mobility Command. While this is the first publicly documented instance of a “Rapid Flush” in Guam, the procedure is a known contingency for C-17 operations.