SOUTHWEST ASIA -- A C-17 Globemaster III sits in a patch of sun during an overcast day on the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing flightline at an undisclosed location Jan. 12, 2012. The C-17 is the newest, most flexible aircraft to enter the airlift force. Its abilities have become the lifeline for many larger loads brought into and out of the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Stacy Fowler)