For the first time in its proud history, the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) brought together its entire fleet of Boeing C-17A Globemaster III aircraft in a single location. The impressive line-up, which took place at RAAF Base Amberley in Queensland, marked not just a milestone for Australia’s heavy airlift capability but also a symbolic “family gathering” of the workhorses that have transformed the way the RAAF operates at home and abroad.
The C-17 entered Australian service in December 2006, when the first aircraft arrived at Amberley. Over the following decade, a total of eight Globemasters were delivered, making No. 36 Squadron one of the most strategically important units in the RAAF. Capable of transporting up to 77 tonnes of cargo, including battle tanks, helicopters, and humanitarian supplies, the C-17 has become synonymous with rapid global mobility. Its contributions have ranged from supporting combat operations in the Middle East to delivering aid in the wake of natural disasters across the Pacific and beyond.
Until now, however, the fleet had never assembled in one place for a coordinated display. That changed with the historic “family photo” on the Amberley flight line, where all eight aircraft stood nose-to-nose, their massive tails dominating the skyline. For those present, the sight was as moving as it was monumental.
Air Commodore Stewart Dowrie, Commander of the Air Mobility Group, described the gathering as both a celebration and a statement. “Bringing the entire fleet together is a rare opportunity,” he said. “It reminds us not only of the incredible capability the C-17 provides Australia, but also of the dedication of the men and women who operate, maintain, and support these aircraft every day.”
For the crews of No. 36 Squadron, the event was more than ceremonial. Many pilots and loadmasters have served on multiple aircraft in the fleet, often rotating between them as missions demanded. Seeing them all lined up together underscored the collective strength of the squadron’s efforts over the years.
The occasion also served as a powerful reminder of the C-17’s enduring versatility. Since their arrival, the Globemasters have proven indispensable in missions such as delivering relief supplies after Cyclone Pam in Vanuatu, evacuating Australians during regional crises, and supporting coalition operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. Most recently, they played a key role in the evacuation of Kabul in 2021, when RAAF C-17s carried thousands of civilians and military personnel to safety.
Ground crew members also took pride in the gathering, with many reflecting on the challenges of maintaining such a sophisticated aircraft. Each C-17 requires meticulous care, from engine checks to software updates, and the fact that all eight could be brought together simultaneously was a testament to the maintenance team’s hard work and precision.
As the sun set over Amberley, photographers captured the striking images of the fleet aligned in unison. For the RAAF, those photos will stand as a historical record of a capability that has reshaped the force. For the members of No. 36 Squadron, it was simply a family portrait — a once-in-a-career moment that celebrated not just machines, but the people and teamwork behind them.
The RAAF’s first C-17 family gathering may have lasted only a day, but its significance will resonate for years. It was a rare chance to pause and appreciate the journey of the Globemaster fleet — a journey defined by service, sacrifice, and the enduring spirit of air power.
