First going into service at Charleston Air Force Base, South Carolina in 1993, the C-17 Globemaster III is the mainstay of the US Air Force's heavy lifting and transportation capability replacing the C-141 Starlifter in that role. Affectionately known as "the Moose" the C-17 features a rear loading ramp and is capable of transporting the M1 Abrams tank. The C-17 is used all over the world performing tactical and strategic airlift duties transporting troops and cargo and additionally performing roles such as medical evacuation, humanitarian aid and airdrop duties.