C-5 Stripped
The fourth of seven Programmed Depot Maintenance surge aircraft takes off on an operational check flight following completion of a compressed PDM work package. The aircraft, which was depainted upon its arrival for PDM, flew “stripped” due to the compressed schedule but will be painted before heading home to Stewart Air National Guard Base, N.Y. The ongoing PDM surge, which involves both C-5s and C-17s, began in mid-February enabling Mobility Air Forces to better support increased airlift requirements around the world. Since the surge began, three C-5s going through PDM have been delivered on an accelerated schedule.