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Two Stryker vehicles being flown directly to 'hot zone'

Feb-10-2004 » Filed Under: 3/2 SBCT

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EIJIRO KAWADA; The News Tribune

As thick fog began clearing above McChord Air Force Base, a dew-covered Stryker combat vehicle appeared on the tarmac and approached a C-17 cargo plane for a lift.

Though famous for its durability and speed, the 19-ton Stryker showed its nimble side Monday. Like a commuter showing off his parallel-parking skills, the driver backed it into the belly of the C-17 while lining up its tires within inches of the plane's metal tie-down plates.

This Army-Air Force duet wouldn't be complete without the cargo plane and its crew. If called upon, the C-17 can land in a combat area, unload as many as three Strykers and take off, all in 20 minutes, said Tech. Sgt. Mark Riekena of the 97th Airlift Squadron, Air Force Reserve.

On Monday, Fort Lewis and McChord joined in sending the Army's first pair of backup Strykers to the Middle East since the brigade's 300-plus vehicles shipped out from the Port of Tacoma in October.


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