Air Mobility Command stands down C-5 flying operations at Dover AFB

Air Mobility Command has directed a stand-down of C-5s at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware, the command announced Tuesday.

Gen. Carlton Everhart, AMC commander, halted flying operations for the massive aircraft on Monday following a second malfunction of C-5 nose landing gear within the past 60 days, according to a news release.

There are 18 of the transport aircraft assigned to Dover Air Force Base — 12 primary aircraft and six backup. The Air Force fleet has 56 C-5s, but the stand-down only affects the Delaware base, the release said.

During the stand-down, AMC will perform inspections to “ensure the proper extension and retraction of the C-5 nose landing gear,” according to the release.

“Aircrew safety is always my top priority and is taken very seriously,” Everhart said in the release. “We are taking the appropriate measures to properly diagnose the issue and implement a solution.”

Air Mobility Command said it will release additional information as it becomes available.

Charlsy Panzino covers the Guard and Reserve, training, technology, operations and features for Army Times and Air Force Times.