A US Air Force C-17 Globemaster is loaded with cargo at Manas airbase near Bishkek. (Photo: David Trilling)

The transit lounge is used by US and NATO soldiers en route to Afghanistan or returning home. (Photo: David Trilling)

The US military has invested in many infrastructure improvements to the airbase. (Photo: David Trilling)

Soldiers and airmen play basketball in the gym at the airbase. (Photo: David Trilling)

As the main entry point into Afghanistan, soldiers pick up much of their gear at Manas. (Photo: David Trilling)

First Lt. Patricia Lowry points to the refueling boom, which extends off the back of the KC-135. (Photo: David Trilling)

The chow hall at the airbase served 756,000 meals in the last six months of 2008. (Photo: David Trilling)

Soldiers deploying to Afghanistan prepare for the flight in the cramped quarters of a C-17. (Photo: David Trilling)

A payload master directs soldiers deploying to Afghanistan to their seats on board a C-17. (Photo: David Trilling)

An airman on his way home from Afghanistan rests in one of the transitory tents. (Photo: David Trilling)