The fleet is complete

The final C-130J, flown by Gen. Paul J. Selva, Air Mobility Command commader, taxis from the flight line July 25, 2013, at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. Selva and the aircrew from the 317th Airlift Group flew the last aircraft home to Dyess, completing the largest and most technologically advanced C-130J fleet in the world. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Autumn Velez/Released)

by Airman 1st Class Peter Thompson,  7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas  -- On a rainy day in April 2010, one of the Air Force's most reliable airframes was reborn for the 317th Airlift Group, when the unit's first C-130J Super Hercules was delivered by then-Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Gen. Norton A. Schwartz.

The arrival of the first C-130J began the 317th AG's three-year transition from a 33-bird C-130H fleet into the largest J-model organization in the world.

On July 25, 2013, under equally dark and rainy skies, the final C-130J taxied onto a Dyess Air Force Base runway, announcing that the 317th Airlift Group's order of 28 C-130Js had been fulfilled. Air Force tail number 5726, piloted by Gen. Paul J. Selva, Air Mobility Command commander, marked the fleet's completion, bringing with it an increased mission capability for the group.

"The J-model offers substantial performance improvements over previous models, which will allow the 317th to efficiently and effectively accomplish our mission of saving lives and sustaining our nation's operations by training, mobilizing and employing these combat aircraft worldwide," said Col. Walter Ward, 317th Airlift Group commander. "The Air Force has entrusted these highly-capable aircraft to the hardworking, innovative men and women of the 317th, and we understand that--now more than ever--we have a responsibility to the American people to make the best use of our available resources."

For more than 60 years, the C-130 has served in every theatre of military operations and has supported humanitarian efforts in response to natural disasters worldwide. Lockheed Martin's newest variant, the C-130J, is the most advanced and fine-tuned model to date.

"The C-130J model is a modern marvel, it's better than our previous C-130s in almost every aspect," said Staff Sgt. Jonathan Bolender, 317th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, who served as the crew chief on the final J-model's flight to Dyess from the Lockheed Martin plant where it was conceived. "It's faster, stronger, cheaper to fly and easier to maintain. It has increased our productivity substantially because of how capable the aircraft is."

On Sept. 26, 2012, Dyess and the 317th Airlift Group said farewell to its final two C-130H models, ending the legacy that lasted more than 35 years, but solidifying the unit's relationship with its new and improved J-model aircraft.

With the sleeker and stronger C-130J, the 317th AG has become the hub of ground-breaking advancements in airdrop capabilities. In 2009, Dyess became the primary center for testing and training in low-cost, low-altitude airdrops. LCLA airdrops provide enhanced precision of provisions to troops operating in remote areas, allowing ground forces quicker and easier access to much-needed supplies. The 317th AG has also pioneered the testing and fine-tuning of joint precision airdrops.

"The 317th Airlift Group has become one of our go-to units for precision and reliability," said General Paul J. Selva, Air Mobility Command commander. "For the last 10 years, 317th Airmen and aircraft have been a critical resource to our forces overseas, bringing much needed support at amazing rates."

From December 2003 to April 2013, the 317th was continuously deployed overseas in support of combat operations. Over the course of 3,378 consecutive days, the group flew more than 57,000 sorties and recorded 95,000 flying hours, all while transitioning their fleet and aircrews from the C-130H to the C-130J.

While in route to deliver the 317th Airlift Group's last C-130J, Capt. Beau Tresemer, 39th Airlift Squadron, aircraft commander for the flight, said that looking forward, the 317th AG and C-130J will continue to be called upon as a combat-proven combination.

"Now, more than ever before, the 317th will be capable of providing critical resources to coalition forces and foreign countries, doing so for less in these constrained times," said Tresemer. "The C-130J is the future."

During a ceremony held at the base theater immediately following the aircraft's arrival, commemorating the fleet's completion, praise for the new and improved aircraft was high; but Selva, who served as the guest speaker for the event, focused on the Airmen whose efforts have capitalized on the potential wrought by the C-130Js.

"Although the C-130J is one of the most technologically-advanced aircraft we have, it's still just a piece of metal without Airmen," said Selva. "This aircraft is important, but even with everything it can do, it still can't have emotion or be innovative," Selva continued. "When we add our aircrews and crew chiefs to it, these aircraft can do anything."

Norwegian C-130 Hercules accident

Blog Editor Note: We have been informed that the Norwegian Air Force C-130J-30 that crashed on 15 March 2012 was serial number 10-5630, c/n 5630.

On 15 March 2012, contact was lost to a Norwegian Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules military transport plane on route from Evenes to Kiruna. Based on radar and communications data, the plane is thought to have been lost in a large and sparsely populated area near the Kebnekaise mountain range. Five Norwegian officers were on board. A search effort led by Swedish rescue service is under way, but is affected by snow, wind and cloudyness impeding helicopter reconaissance. The aircraft was participating in the "Cold Response" military exercise, that also involved forces from Britain, Canada, France, the Netherlands, Sweden and the United States.

According to a military spokesperson, the military does not "know the condition of the aircraft of those who are on board. But we're looking for a crashed airplane." The Norwegian Minister of Defence initially claimed that everyone on board had been killed, but later retracted his statement, as no wreckage has been yet found. According to a spokesperson, "It has been quite a long time now since we lost radio contact, so we don't have much hope now."

Thracian Fall exercise kicks off in Bulgaria

by Staff Sgt. Travis Edwards, 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

PLOVDIV, Bulgaria (AFNS) -- Service members from the Air Force, Army, Navy and Bulgarian air force are participating in a two-week jump exercise here from Oct. 9 through 22.

Operation Thracian Fall 2011 is part of a semi-annual, off-station training that gives U.S. and coalition jumpers and pilots an opportunity to hone their battlefield skills together.

"We are here to further the U.S., Bulgaria ties through cooperative training with Bulgarian forces," said Capt. Beau Tresemer, the mission commander for Thracian Fall 2011. "It's a great opportunity to see how other countries train and prepare to fight."

C-130J Super Hercules from Ramstein Air Base, Germany, along with Bulgarian C-27 Spartans will continue to drop more than 100 coalition service members near a designated drop zone the rest of this week, he said. A plus to the training is the added benefit of working alongside Bulgarian service members, giving them a broad spectrum look at how the Air Force prepares for contingencies.

"Our pilots are accomplishing day and night flying with simulated combat drops in unfamiliar mountainous terrain," said Tresemer. "At the same time. we are helping Bulgarians get their personnel airdrop qualifications."

"The Bulgarian airspace allows us the training we can't get in Germany," he said. "There are less restrictions on altitudes. Here, we are allowed to fly as low as what our regulations say we can."

However, training isn't the only thing getting accomplished in Bulgaria. The relationship built from the jumpmasters from the U.S. and jumpers from Bulgaria is a bond that solidifies with each jump.

"It gets easier when we have a solid foundation of jumping with them in the past," said Staff Sgt. Myron Austin, an airborne planner assigned to the 435th Contingency Response Group and the jumpmaster for the operation. "This is my third trip to Bulgaria, and I have made plenty of friends that know me by face; the trust is there."

C-130J Super Hercules provides unique look at Air Force mission

by Staff Sgt. Heather M. Norris, 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

FARNBOROUGH, England (AFNS) -- Approximately 285,000 spectators are catching a glimpse of the C-130J Super Hercules at the Farnborough International Air Show here July 19 through 25.

Many people's idea about the U.S. military is fighter pilots putting bombs on target and fast-flying jets. The C-130J Super Hercules, however, offers a unique look at the Air Force's mission.

"Once they set foot on our aircraft, they have a different appreciation for what we can do," said Capt. Samuel Bartron, a 37th Airlift Squadron C-130J Super Hercules pilot.

The mission of the C-130J Super Hercules is combat airlift, which is different from strategic airlift. High-altitude, low-opening Army parachute drops, equipment drops, and landing on short runways occur regularly, along with humanitarian missions.

"Many underdeveloped countries we deal with don't have the privileges afforded to others with ease of shipping methods or the infrastructure to facilitate the process," said Staff Sgt. Thomas Parritt, a 37th Airlift Squadron loadmaster.

"The C-130J, a lot of times, is the only aircraft that can reach remote locations other larger planes cannot," Captain Bartron said.

"It's great to show all the different things we can do," Captain Bartron said. "Every day you are doing something different, flying to different places and learning new things. With a fighter jet the public will only get to look inside the cockpit or sit in it if you're lucky, but it is a different experience to walk inside a cargo plane."

The captain added that the sheer size of the cargo bay with this aircraft and the equipment that can be carried is what spectators are interested in seeing.

"We still seem to be surprising a lot of people on what we can do," Sergeant Parritt said.

The C-130J Super Hercules is on static display and will perform flying demonstrations during the 2010 Farnborough International Air Show.

Guard members respond to brush fires in California

by Lt. Col. Ellen Krenke, National Guard Bureau

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) -- Two Modular Airborne Fire Fighting Systems 2 aircraft from the California Air National Guard's 146th Airlift Wing at Channel Island ANG Station, Calif., responded to a fire July 15 in Riverside County, Calif.

Guard officials said the unit was requested by the U.S. Forest Service through the National Interagency Fire Center after lightning caused a brush fire near Temecula.

The two C-130J Super Hercules aircraft flew one sortie for almost two hours and dropped 3,000 gallons of fire retardant on what the Riverside County Fire Department dubbed the "Skinner fire."

More than a dozen fires broke out in the county, as powerful thunderstorms rolled across the region, National Weather Service officials said.

The fire had burned about 711 acres and was about 15 percent contained by late July 15, according to local news reports. Full containment was estimated for July 16.

Assistance by the military is normally requested when national civilian resources are committed to fires and more resources are needed, guard officials said. The 146th AW was called to respond to this fire, because it needs 13 drops on actual fires for certification on the new MAFFS 2 system.

The unit was the first to transition to the MAFFS 2 system in 2008, and it remains the only unit flying the new system on the C-130J Super Hercules.

MAFFS 2 systems incorporate new design features and technology that provide a number of advantages over the legacy MAFFS systems, including improvements in fire retardant coverage level, improved safety features, reduction of corrosion of the aircraft and an on-board compressor.

MAFFS is a portable fire retardant delivery system that is rolled into the back of the C-130J Super Hercules cargo compartment. The system is capable of dropping up to 3,000 gallons of fire retardant or water on wildfires. They can discharge their entire load in under five seconds.

Along with the 146th AW, there are three other MAFFS units, including the Wyoming ANG's 153rd AW, the North Carolina ANG's 145th AW, and the Air Force Reserve Command's 302nd AW, based in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Since 1974, National Guard and Air Force Reserve pilots have flown 6,500 firefighting missions, dropping 167 million pounds of fire retardant around the western U.S., officials said.

86th AW expands Air Forces Africa support with first Super Herc flight

by Senior Airman Stefanie Torres, 17th Air Force Public Affairs

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany (AFNS) -- The first C-130J Super Hercules mission in support of U.S. Air Forces Africa, or 17th Air Force, opened up doors to a future partnership of support between the 86th Airlift Wing and upcoming missions into Africa.

The mission's aircraft commander, Maj. Robert May of the 37th Airlift Squadron, and his crew were tasked to fly into Mali Dec. 19 to bring home 17 troops who were assisting with training Malian forces.

The significance of this mission is two-fold, Major May said.

"First, we now recognize the capability of the J-model aircraft," he said. "I really believe that the J-model is uniquely going to show our capabilities in Africa. Second, this shows we can support the guys on the ground with a very reliable aircraft."

The C-130J is the latest addition to the C-130 fleet, replacing C-130Es. The 86th AW is the first wing outside the U.S. to have the C-130J assigned. The unit began receiving the Super Hercules in April 2009, and in late December took delivery of the 10th and 11th aircraft in the fleet of 14 to be assigned to the 37th AS and 86th AW.

"AFAFRICA will be able to call on the 37th AS to support the mission," the major said. "I know this is something our aircrews look forward to."

The J-model has six-blade propellers, new turboprop engines and is larger than previous models. It climbs faster and higher, has a longer range at a higher cruise speed, and takes off and lands in a shorter distance.

The J-model can also perform three times the workload of the previous models, increasing mission capability. Brig. Gen. Michael W. Callan, the Vice Commander at 17th AF, recently experienced these capabilities first hand. He flew one of the 37th AS's new J-models from the Lockheed-Martin plant in Marietta, Ga. to Ramstein Air Base, Germany Dec. 23.

"The J-model is a significant improvement over the C-130H and E models," General Callan said. "It's range and enhanced payload will make the 86th Airlift Wing even more capable of supporting missions in Africa. We're very lucky to have the 86th so close."

The General's sentiments were echoed by Lockheed-Martin.

"The C-130J is the most advanced tactical airlifter in the world," said Mr. Peter Simmons, the Communications director for C-130 programs for Lockheed-Martin. "The newly formed mission in support of Africa Command has given us yet another opportunity to see how this aircraft can operate in a testing environment. Yet, the aircraft is ideally suited for the missions flown on the African continent."

The maximum load of the C-130 J is 45,000 pounds. However, a bigger aircraft doesn't necessarily mean a bigger crew. This cargo plane only needs a minimum of three crew members compared to five on the older models, he explained.

"With a 20,000-pound payload, the aircraft can fly more than 4,000 nautical miles and is well over 15 percent more fuel efficient as well," said Mr. Simmons.

Ultimately, this mission was only a beginning. J-model crews here were excited at the challenge presented by supporting AFAFRICA.

"The increased missions will be a challenge, but we are excited to take this on," Major May said.

New Kandahar unit prepares for troop increase

by Staff Sgt. Zachary Wilson, U.S. Air Forces Central combat camera news team

A C-130J Hercules assigned to the activated 772nd Expeditionary Airlift Squadron arrives March 14 at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan. The new airlift squadron has been set up at Kandahar Airfield to assist with the increase of U.S. troops to the region. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. James L. Harper Jr.)

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan (AFNS) -- Kandahar Airfield officials activated the 772nd Expeditionary Airlift Squadron March 15 here as the NATO base prepares for the build-up of forces to support Operation Enduring Freedom.

The newest airlift squadron in the Air Force will be flying the C-130J Hercules, and serve under the 451st Air Expeditionary Group to assist with the increase of U.S. troops to the region.

One day before the activation ceremony, local missions were being flown by American aircrews when the squadron's first four aircraft arrived at Kandahar Airfield.

"Tactical airlift is a high-demand asset here and we are at the leading edge of the Afghanistan surge of forces," said Col. Ted Osowski, the 451st AEG commander who is deployed from the Air Warfare Center at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. "The C-130J is a very capable aircraft and we are happy to have them. They're going to be busy."

The airfield inhabited by several coalition partners in southern Afghanistan is undergoing a massive expansion and construction in every direction as part of the installation.

The new mission will have the 772nd EAS Airmen focused primarily within Afghanistan, said Lt. Col. Dan Tulley, the 772nd EAS commander and native of Bell Air, Md.

"The 'bread and butter' of any combat airlift unit is tactical airlift," said Colonel Tulley, deployed from Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark. "Being here in country will allow us to focus on the forward operating bases and getting supplies to the people who need it here on the ground."

The new unit, which will have eight aircraft and about 120 operations and maintenance Airmen, comes from the only active-duty Air Force organization flying the C-130J model in combat: the 41st Airlift Squadron from Little Rock AFB. Before being stood up at Kandahar Airfield, the unit was stationed with the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing at another installation within Southwest Asia responsible for operations for both the Iraq and Afghanistan theaters.

For the aviators performing the daily mission, the change is welcome.

"It's a definite change of scenery," said Capt. Shawn Johnson, a C-130 pilot deployed from Little Rock AFB. "We're looking forward to becoming Afghanistan-focused as our missions will become more specialized to this particular area, and at the same time, there will be more for us to study like some of the airdrops we'll be doing here. It will definitely broaden our knowledge further on how to utilize the aircraft."

Master Sgt. Patrick Drozd, a loadmaster also deployed from Little Rock AFB who calls Hallettsville, Texas, home, agreed.

"This is going to be fun," he said. "We are supporting the troops and the (forward operating bases) in-country, and being the only active-duty C-130J unit in theater, we will have the opportunity to lay the foundation for future C-130J operations here."

However, for the command staff of the 451st, bedding down a unit of 120 new people into an already cramped area was no easy task. The first issue to be tackled was gaining ramp space for the squadron's eight aircraft.

"Before we were able to park these aircraft on 'Whiskey' ramp, we had to find a new home for contractor Mi-8 helicopters that were out there previously," said Chief Master Sgt. Steven Bohannon, the 451st AEG superintendent deployed from McChord AFB, Wash. "We put out a contract for over 200,000 square feet of aluminum matting made up of four-foot-by-four-foot squares."

The contract was awarded to a local contractor, but they were not trained in the specifics of laying the matting, Chief Bohannon said. Adding to the already challenging task was the assignment of Air Force third-country national escorts; they would not arrive in time for construction to begin and there would be no place for the aircraft to park.

Working with a local civil engineer Red HORSE detachment, the 451st identified third-country national escorts from within its existing ranks and the Red HORSE Airmen began helping the local workers lay the matting, getting the project completed in time to relocate the Mi-8s and providing crucial ramp space for the soon-to-be-arriving C-130Js.

Once the ramp was completed, the 451st AEG needed to create workspace for the new Airmen. Chief Bohannon again reached out to the Red HORSE unit and a team of Air Force civil engineers who travel throughout the area of responsibility. They were able to erect a clamshell tent for maintenance and two small tents for operations.

"This group was the J-2 team from (U.S. Air Forces Central) A-7," Chief Bohannon said. "They travel the (area of responsibility) working on large projects and were able to complete this job in three days. They were nailing the last stakes the day these guys came in."

With the logistical issues completed, all the incoming 41st AS Airmen had to focus on was what they deployed to do: keep their aircraft flying.

"We can fulfill air tasking orders right now," said Tech. Sgt. Donny Poland, a crew chief from Little Rock AFB and a Philippines native who deployed ahead of the rest of his squadron on the advance team. "Being here really makes it feel like we are accomplishing something important and contributing."

C-130J deploys to Southwest Asia

by 2nd Lt. Tania Bryan, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
A C-130J Hercules arrives to the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Feb. 8 at a Southwest Asia air base. The C-130J is from the 41st Airlift Squadron from Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Domonique Simmons)

SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) -- Members of the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing here welcomed the newest member of its fleet Feb. 8 as a C-130J Hercules landed in Southwest Asia.

"We're not only the first active duty, C-130J deployment, it's also a record-setting event," said Lt. Col. Dan Tulley, the 41st Airlift Squadron commander.

"We stood up two squadrons, people and airplanes, and deployed in 10 months," the colonel said.

The 41st AS moved in 2007 to Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark., from Pope AFB, N.C. The new unit stood up and converted to a new weapon system at the same time, starting April 5, 2007, and now are deployed, Colonel Tulley said.

The C-130Js from the 41st AS will combine with C-130Es from both the 61st Airlift Squadron from Little Rock AFB and the 2nd Airlift Squadron from Pope AFB, as well as C-130Hs from the Air Force Reserve Command's 357th Airlift Squadron at Maxwell AFB, Ala., to form the 746th AS here. The squadron will reactivate in mid-February.

Combining the Reserve and active-duty squadrons into one cohesive unit creates a unique opportunity for the crews to learn from one another. Taking four distinct squadrons that don't normally work together at their home stations, and uniting them in a deployed environment, may seem like a daunting task, but Colonel Tulley said the strengths each of them bring to the fight far surpasses any challenges they will have to overcome.

The C-130J began to replace the aging C-130E in 1999. Although the J model has deployed to the area of responsibility before, this deployment is significant because it's a total force effort, the colonel said.

"AFRC brings a lot of experience, and between the different units -- Maxwell, Pope and Little Rock (Air Force bases) -- (working together) should be a great opportunity to share knowledge and expertise on handling a C-130 in combat," he said.

We have already seen what the J model's capabilities are through defense training over the past 10 months and now we are looking forward to testing the aircraft in combat, Colonel Tulley said.

"The J model has much longer legs and a much greater lift capacity because of the extra two pallet positions. It's also very reliable because it is brand new," Colonel Tulley said. "(The C-130J model) has been lucky enough to be among the first to get the benefit of being recapitalized."

AMC, 463rd Airlift Group welcome first C-130J

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.