27 January 2023, Pápa – The Honorable Peter J. Beshar, General Counsel of the United States Department of the Air Force, paid a visit to the Strategic Airlift Capability (SAC) at the Hungarian Defense Forces’ 47th Air Base (formerly known as Pápa Air Base) to gain a firsthand understanding of the unique multinational initiative.
During his visit, Mr. Beshar had the opportunity to inspect both the Heavy Airlift Wing (HAW) and the NATO Airlift Management Programme (NAM), and witness firsthand how these organizations work to facilitate SAC missions for Member Nations.
The C-17 Strategic Airlift Capability in Pápa, Hungary is a hidden gem. A multi-national Heavy Airlift Wing that fulfills important missions ranging from military operational support to humanitarian relief
said Mr. Beshar after his visit.
US Air Force General Counsel the Honorable Mr. Peter Beshar (left) discusses how three C-17-s fulfil 12 nations' need for strategic airlift with Heavy Airlift Wing Commander Colonel Peder Söderström (right).
In addition to observing the operations of the HAW and NAM, Mr. Beshar also had in-depth conversations with the leadership of both organizations, as well as with C-17 life-cycle experts from NAM.
The United States is the SAC's largest contributing Member Nation, with 1000 annual flight hours and around 50 personnel working in Pápa. The General Counsel of the Department of the US Air Force had a fundamental role in establishing the Strategic Airlift Capability in 2009, and Mr. Beshar’s visit serves as a testament to the continued strong partnership between the United States and the SAC.
The Strategic Airlift Capability is a unique multinational initiative that provides member nations with heavy airlift capability through the use of C-17 aircraft. The program, which is headquartered in Pápa, Hungary, is designed to meet the airlift needs of the 12 Member Nations and is an important tool for supporting peacekeeping and humanitarian operations around the world.