The U.S. Air Force has received its 28th C-17 training simulator from Boeing, completing its national system for training Globemaster III air crew.

The simulator was delivered to Shepherd Field National Guard Air Base in West Virginia.

"Receiving our simulator avoids sending our local crews on temporary duty at other bases around the country to keep up their flying certifications," said Lt. Col. John Poland. "Boeing's simulator enables greater training efficiency while reducing aircraft operating costs and increasing the readiness of our servicemen and servicewomen."

Fourteen Air Force C-17 centers have been established by Boeing and the Air Force in the United States since 1992 and three overseas. Boeing said that soon 32 Boeing-installed air crew simulators will be located at training centers around the world.

In addition to the 14 centers supplied to the Air Force, there are four in operation or in work internationally. Britain, Australia and United Arab Emirates have them in place, while a center is India is expected to become operational later this year.

The centers provide pilot and co-pilot instruction in flight operations, mission planning and emergency procedures through computer-based training, advanced aircraft simulation and other desktop training devices. C-17 loadmasters also receive computer-based and aircraft training in addition to training on the loadmaster station, cargo loading models and cargo compartment trainer. C-17 maintenance personnel can use the centers for training on engine run procedures.

"The Air Force's C-17 readiness rate is among the highest in the world," said Tim Noonan, Boeing vice president for training systems and government services. "These aircraft, the people who fly them and the people who maintain them are called upon to conduct important missions around the world, often with little notice. The people of Boeing continue to work side by side with our Air Force customers to meet the support and training needs for this critical program."