The offical logo of the 437th Airlift Wing from Charleston Air Force Base in Charleston, South Carolina
Shown for the purpose of reference and general familiarization is a side dimension diagram of Boeing C-17A Globemater III aircraft, the USAF premiere tactical and strategic airlifter
Shown above is one of the two 56.5 feet tall ramp side lighting poles which was struck by the C-17 upper, right hand tail elevator while the aircraft was being marshaled by its USAF ground crew. Damage to the ramp side light pole resulted in the top portion lamp housing section being completely knocked off. The force of the impacted left the pole badly listing but firmly standing within its concert base 
Shown next to aircraft 7186 of the 437th / 315th Airlift Wing is Benny Benitez, Founder and CEO of the 94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group (94th ACG) whose organization for the past years have served and continues to the serve our nation defense agencies on various issues. One such issue concerns aviation risk prevention and management.
Shown within the outline while circle is the area of damage to the subject aircraft. In this picture one could fully appreciate the actual height of the aircraft tail section, which measures at 55.08 feet / 16.79 meter
A close up view of the damage to the upper, right hand elevator control surface which sustained damage as a result of hitting the ramp side lighting pole 
Shown in its glory is aircraft 7186 starboard view. This C-17 is assigned to Charleston Air Force Base of the 437th Airlift Wing / 315th Airlift Wing (Air Force Reserve) located in Charleston, South Carolina. Miami / Opa Locka, Florida 16th April 2010: Much like the attributes of a military reservist who at any moment could be activated / mobilized to perform their specific duties and specialities within the States and / or outside of CONUS (Continental U.S.), the 94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group (94th ACG) under the leadership of its Founder & CEO Benny Benitez always stand ready to perform their duties and service to their cliental. This time in a surprising first ever within the past years of being retained, the call came not to launch out to a far flung part on the global or an area of immediate danger, but within 21 miles of their office in Coconut Grove.
The location? Opa Locka Airport (KOPF) the requirement? survey and report on the damages sustained to a Boeing Globemaster III airlifter, aircraft 7186 from the 437th / 315th Airlift Wing from Charleston Air Force Base, located in Charleston, South Carolina.
In what appears to have been an error in misjudgement, the USAF ground crew struck a ramp lighting pole while marshaling the aircraft. Early reports indicated damage was not critical and possible field replacement of the damage flight control surface and / or temporary repair may prove suitable.
There was no injuries to personnel and the aircraft cargo, which consisted of a Presidential UH-60 Black-Hawk Helicopter was transferred onto another C-17 from the 6th Airlift Squadron, the "Bully Beef Express" who were dispatched from McGuire Air Force Base in New Jersey. Aircraft 7186 from the 437th / 317th was supporting logistical support to President Obama South Florida campaign fund raising visit. The aircraft remained parked on Miami Executive Aviation ramp at Opa Locka Airport and departed at the end the weekend.
