The Squadron In Action series was started in 1971. This series covers the development, testing, and production of aircraft, armored vehicles, and ships. The focus of this book is on the C-17 Globemaster III.

In 1968, the USAF was looking for a replacement of the C-130. They wanted a medium transport that could carry 67 percent more cargo with STOL capabilities. Two companies stepped up with two designs – Boeing with the YC-14 and McDonnell Douglas with the YC-15. McDonnell Douglas was eventually awarded the contract and thus the C-17A was born.

Bill Norton does a great job covering the development and production of this aircraft through current use and users. The book consists of eighty pages and two hundred and twenty color photographs of the Globemaster III in many different operations. Of interest is a photograph of an aircraft that ran off the runway at Bagram Airbase in Afghanistan. It was repaired with a twenty five million dollar price tag, but that is relatively cheap compared to the two hundred million that it costs for a new unit. The C-17 is still going strong, with units still being produced today. This cargo carrier should be in service for many more decades to come.

I recommend this book to anybody who is a fan of these cargo aircraft or heavies. I would like to thank MMD-Squadron and IPMS/USA for the opportunity to do the review on this book.