A thunderous roar engulfed the runway Tuesday at McChord Field as a large grey aircraft touched down gently.

The newest C-17 Globemaster III had arrived at its new home safely.

"It's an honor and privilege to be here," said Gen. William M. Fraser III, U.S. Transportation Command commander and the pilot who delivered the aircraft to the installation. "This is my first time to visit, and to be able to come in the way I did today was something I never expected having the pleasure of doing. To be asked to deliver the C-17 was indeed a privilege and it's something not everybody gets to do."

In the third delivery of its kind this year, this latest addition is part of a normal rotation to maintain the 62nd Airlift Wing's fleet. It will be the last delivery conducted this year and brings the total number to 51 C-17s assigned to McChord Field.

"The 62nd AW has made tremendous contributions," Fraser said. "I'm proud of what they're doing because they're really making a difference in the lives of many."

The C-17 is the newest, most flexible cargo aircraft in the airlift force, and is capable of rapid strategic delivery of troops and cargo to combat zones and other main operating bases. It performs tactical airlifts, airdrop missions and transport in combat and humanitarian missions.

"My hats off to each and every one of you who are making the mission happen and I thank you for your service," Fraser said in statement to Airmen. "I want to thank your families as well because they have to make the same sacrifices as you do."

Built by Boeing and assembled in Long Beach, Calif., the C-17 was delivered by the United States Transportation Command (USTRANCOM), which manages the global defense transportation system and is responsible for the coordination of people and transportation to various locations and missions.

In the past six months, the 62nd AW with the 446th Airlift Wing (its Reserve partner) has flown the C-17 in more than 5,700 sorties for a total of 21,500 hours in 1,350 missions, and has moved 47 million pounds of cargo and 16,000 passengers in support of USTRACOM missions. The 62nd AW reports to Air Mobility Command (AMC), which is a subordinate command of USTRANSCOM, and has been a key component in support of overseas contingency operations since Sept. 11, 2011.

During the lifetime of a C-17, it's rotated within AMC bases and is utilized in training and non-training bases. With a wingspan of 169 feet and a length of 174 feet, the $202.3 million aircraft has a lifespan of approximately 30 years.

Photo: Staff Sgt. Joshua Jaburek, 62nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, marshals in McChord Field’s newest C-17 Globemaster III Tuesday on the base flightline. On board was Gen. William M. Fraser III, U.S. Transportation Command commander, who delivered the C-17 from Long Beach, Calif.