MARCH AIR RESERVE BASE, Calif., Jan. 5, 2006  – Former First Lady Mrs. Nancy Reagan is taking part in an aircraft arrival ceremony and the unveiling of the “Spirit of Ronald Reagan,” the eighth C-17 Globemaster III aircraft that will become part of the inventory of the Air Force Reserve Command.

The event will take place at March Air Reserve Base, Calif., Jan. 13, 2006.

This aircraft is named “Spirit of Ronald Reagan” in honor of and in tribute to Ronald Reagan, our nation’s 40th president.

As part of the arrival ceremony, the aircraft will be piloted by Lt. Gen. John A. Bradley, Commander, Air Force Reserve Command.

The C-17 is the newest, most flexible cargo aircraft to enter the airlift force. The Globemaster III is capable of rapid strategic delivery of troops and all types of cargo to main operation bases or directly to forward bases in a deployment area.

The aircraft is also capable of performing tactical airlift and airdrop missions when required.

The C-17 further improves the ability of the total airlift system to fulfill the worldwide air mobility requirements of the United States from March ARB.

Reporters are invited to cover the aircraft arrival and ceremonies which Mrs. Reagan will participate in along with other key military leaders, elected officials, business and civic leaders who will be available to answer questions.