U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III lands at Camp Lejeune for first time in more than 20 years following $11 million runway modernization

A U.S. Air Force C-17 landed at Camp Davis South on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, the first visit by the heavy airlifter in more than 20 years. The operation followed an $11 million runway resurfacing completed in 2024 and reopening in 2025, enabling the field to accept C-130s, C-17s and F-35s. Airmen from the 15th Airlift Squadron joined Canadian C-130 crews in supporting Marine special-operations parachute training, while a mobile Marine team provided expeditionary air traffic control. The upgraded airfield can now handle heavy equipment and joint-force missions without reliance on larger regional bases.