Delaware, the second-smallest state in the United States, is home to Dover Air Force Base (Dover AFB), which hosts the 436th Airlift Wing and its Air Force Reserve counterpart, the 512th Airlift Wing. Both wings operate the C-5M Super Galaxy and the C-17A Globemaster III. Together with Travis AFB in California, Dover AFB forms the backbone of the U.S. Air Force’s strategic airlift capability. Most missions to Europe, Africa and the Middle East are flown from Dover, while the majority of missions to the Pacific region originate from Travis AFB.

The C-5 Galaxy
More than 50 years ago, the C-5 Galaxy entered service with the U.S. Air Force. Over the years, the aircraft has evolved through the C-5A, C-5B, C-5C and, most recently, the C-5M Super Galaxy variants, featuring major improvements in avionics, engines and overall reliability. Of the original 131 C-5 aircraft built, approximately 50 remain in active service today. Eighteen of these are based at Dover AFB.

The PAX Terminal
Passengers travelling on a C-5 or C-17 flight from Dover AFB normally depart from the Passenger Terminal, commonly known as the PAX Terminal. The terminal serves both military personnel and eligible civilian passengers. Although schedules can be unpredictable, Space-A travel offers an excellent and affordable option for travellers with flexible itineraries. A typical C-5 mission can accommodate up to 73 passengers in the troop compartment. An additional 15 seats are available on the flight deck, although these are generally reserved for distinguished visitors or operational personnel.

Our article about C-5 operations at Dover AFB is published in the August 2025 issue of Combat Aircraft Journal and a Dutch version in the March 2025 issue of Full Stop Magazine