New aircraft ramp boosts mission capability
TRANSIT CENTER AT MANAS, Kyrgyzstan – A C-17 Globemaster III carrying troops returning home from deployment in Kabul, Afghanistan, becomes the first aircraft to use the latest ramp addition to the Manas International Airport here June 1. Designated “Papa Ramp,” the new addition is part of a $30 million strategic aircraft ramp project which broke ground here last June. The United States agreed to complete the project as part of a lease renewal agreement between the U.S. and Kyrgyz Republic in 2009. The Papa Ramp adds four C-17/MD-11 capable parking spots to support the Transit Center's role as the premier gateway for troops and supplies transiting to and from Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Stacy Moless)