Photo: General Duncan McNabb, Air Mobility Command commander, delivers a new C-130J Hercules March 13 to the 463rd Airlift Group at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark. It is the unit's first J-model and will be used in combat operations around the world. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Nathan Allen)
by Tech. Sgt. Arlo Taylor
314th Airlift Wing Strategic Information Flight
3/15/2007 - LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. (AFNEWS) -- Gen. Duncan McNabb, Air Mobility Command commander, delivered the 463rd Airlift Group' s first combat-ready C-130J Hercules March 13. The aircraft will be used in combat operations around the world.
"This is a big day for Little Rock and it is a big day for Air Mobility Command. I'm really excited about what the future holds," said General McNabb. "I have gotten to fly the C-130J in theater with the Air National Guard. What a difference it made not only to the capability, but the contribution it makes to this global war on terrorism."
The general said his command's newest tactical airlifter is the latest link to a proud 51-year C-130 legacy of tactical airlift.
"This airplane doesn't just represent America, it is America," said General McNabb.
The 463rd Airlift Group is a primary component in the war on terrorism and the battle for Iraq. They are credited with taking more than 5,200 convoys off Iraqi roads through their tactical airlift mission there.
The new aircraft and its capabilities are another opportunity for the 463rd to push the boundaries of tactical airlift, said Col. John. Gomez, 463rd AG commander.
"We look forward to the opportunity to modernize the C-130 fleet as we remain on the forefront of national defense," said Colonel Gomez. "The quantum leap of capability provided by the J model allows us to go higher, faster and farther with more cargo as we respond to crises around the world."
"No one has a stronger track record of expanding the envelope or increasing our theater airlift capability to support the warfighter than the men and women of Little Rock Air Force Base," the colonel said.