First C-17 Synthetic Fuel Transcontinental Flight to Land at McGuire Published Dec. 13, 2007 By 121307 MCGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, N.J. - -- McGuire Air Force base invites media to attend the celebration of the Air Force's first-ever transcontinental flight using synthetic fuel, as a C-17 Globemaster III, powered by a 50/50 blend of synthetic fuel and JP-8, lands on the base airfield Monday, Dec. 17. Air Force Secretary Michael W. Wynne will conduct a pre-ceremony press conference and will officiate the proud event taking place on the anniversary of the Wright Brothers' first flight. The transcontinental flight will be a demonstration of the fuel being used to certify the entire Air Force fleet including ground vehicles. Certification of the C-17 using the Pratt and Whitney F117-100 with the synthetic fuel blend is expected in early 2008. The F117-100 engine also is widely used by the commercial airline industry on aircraft such as the Boeing 757. The Air Force is the largest consumer of aviation fuel in the Federal Government. "This synthetic fuel initiative to certify the fuel for military aviation is being accomplished in close cooperation with our partners in the commercial aviation industry," said Bill Anderson, Air Force assistant secretary for installations, environment and logistics and Air Force senior energy executive. "By working together we can expand the market for synthetic jet fuel, set conditions for development of more environmentally friendly alternative energy options and make it more economical to produce by greatly increasing demand." The C-17 arriving at McGuire from McChord AFB, Wash., will also fly to New York City for a photo opportunity before continuing on to Andrews AFB, Md. Media are permitted to join the flight, but must understand that transportation back to McGuire will not be provided. Media representatives interested in attending must RSVP with the 305th AMW Public Affairs Office at (609) 754-2104 no later than 3 p.m. Fri., Dec. 14, and must arrive at the McGuire main gate (Defense Access Rd) between 10 and 11 a.m. Mon., Dec. 17. - 30 - Note 1: The prominence of this event necessitates heightened security measures at our base entry control points. Therefore, media RSVP must include first and last name, SSN, date of birth and media affiliation. Complete RSVPs are required for all media representatives who are definitely - as well as those who are tentatively attending. Note 2: Media representatives must provide valid proof of media affiliation, driver's license, vehicle registration and auto insurance card. Note 3: Media representatives who have not provided a complete RSVP (Note 1) and proof of identity (Note 2) will not be permitted on base for this event.