US Air Force/Staff Sgt. Devin Boyer An Air Force C-17 Globemaster cargo aircraft was struck by lightning during a flight in the Central Command area of responsibility. With help from other personnel, team of maintainers was able to replace the C-17's damaged parts, returning the airlifter to operational status. Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany — The 721st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron facilitated a maintenance recovery team (MRT) from the 305th Maintenance Squadron, McGuire Air Force Base, to remove and replace components of a C-17 Globemaster III belonging to Charleston Air Force Base, July 7. During a flight to a deployed location in the Central Command area of responsibility, lightning struck the aircraft on one of its winglets.