The C-17's been in service for less than 20 years; it replaced the venerable C-141 Starlifter. It's the USAF's "mid-sized" transporter; they use the C-130 for shorter-range tactical transport, the C-17 when stuff has to go a long way, and the massive C-5 Galaxy when the REALLY BIG stuff (like Abrams tanks) has to go somewhere.
}:-)4
"it replaced the venerable C-141 Starlifter"
THAT'S what I was thinking of. Thanks.