The decision to upgrade the planes dates back to at least 2005 and has been plagued with cost overruns and bidding irregularities. Lockheed manufactures the planes, but in the past, Boeing developed and manufactured the AMP kits.

Six years after Congress pulled the plug on a sweeping overhaul and modernization of the C-130H workhorse airlifter, President Trump on Tuesday signed into law a $700 billion defense bill that earmarks $200 million to restart avionics modernization upgrade and a 2.4 percent pay increase for airmen at Little Rock Air Force Base and throughout the military.

The decision to upgrade the planes dates back to at least 2005 and has been plagued with cost overruns and bidding irregularities. Lockheed manufactures the planes, but in the past, Boeing developed and manufactured the AMP kits.

“I appreciate President Trump signing into law a bill that continues our support for Arkansans — and their families — serving in our nation’s military. This is the 54th consecutive year that Congress has worked in a bipartisan fashion to ensure funding for vital functions of our armed forces,” Rep. French Hill (R-Little Rock) said Tuesday.

“This includes more than $200 million for modernization for the C-130 Hercules fleet, which is the backbone of our Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard airmen and airwomen at Little Rock Air Force Base. It also gives our military personnel a much-deserved 2.4 percent pay increase. Our military is the most effective military in the world, and our brave men and women in uniform deserve the funding, tools, and support to successfully complete their strategic missions around the globe,” Hill said.

Little Rock Air Force Base is considered the premiere C-130 base in the world, trains most C-130 crew member for U.S. allies and is a center of excellence.
In mid-2016, 54 C-130Hs were on the air base and 28 state-of-the-art C-130Js.

Before 2007, the cost of an AMP upgrade was projected at $14 million per aircraft, but Boeing engineers cut it then to about $7 million. At that time, the cost of a new, state-of-the-art C-130J was about $85 million.

Little Rock Air Force Base received the first five C-130H AMPs in 2011 for testing, but when the program was shelved, those planes were grounded.

Initially, a $5.8 billion avionics modernization program was intended to standardize the cockpits and avionics of roughly 500 C-130s of about 13 different types, but due to cost and schedule overruns and development problems, the Pentagon scaled the program back in 2005 to 222 planes.

In 2016, the Air Force anticipated upgrading 172 C-130Hs, but it is not clear how many aircraft would be modernized and to what extent. Communications upgrades are required by the Federal Aviation Agency by January 2020 or those planes will have to avoid preferred routes both in the U.S. and Europe.

The Associated Press reports that the bill, which also includes money for missile-defense programs to counter North Korea’s nuclear threats, won’t be operational unless Congress overturns a 2011 law limiting federal spending, including for the Defense Department.

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Luckily, jolly old St. Nick could hitch a ride on a military transport plane (HC-130J) to the tiny island community that's closer to Russia than Alaska's largest city, Anchorage.

Santa and Mrs. Claus brought goodies that most Americans take for granted but come at a high cost in remote parts of the nation's largest state: toys, books, personal hygiene supplies, fresh fruit and even ice cream.

It's not easy to get to Saint Michael, Alaska. Not even if you're Santa Claus.

Luckily, jolly old St. Nick could hitch a ride on a military transport plane (HC-130J) to the tiny island community that's closer to Russia than Alaska's largest city, Anchorage.

Santa and Mrs. Claus brought goodies that most Americans take for granted but come at a high cost in remote parts of the nation's largest state: toys, books, personal hygiene supplies, fresh fruit and even ice cream.

For some children, the toy they received during the visit last week will be the only one they get this year. Others hadn't had real ice cream in years and have never seen Santa Claus in person.

The visit marked the 61st year of the Alaska National Guard's Operation Santa Claus, a community outreach program that tries to bring Kriss Kringle to two villages every year if the weather cooperates.

A MAGICAL VISIT

Like celebrities, Santa and Mrs. Claus, dressed in their red and white suits, waved as they stepped off the plane in the snow-covered Alaska Native village.

Nearly the whole town, which is more than 400 miles west of the nearest mall Santa, packed the school gym and welcomed St. Nick with raucous applause.

Every child, and even a few elders, got the chance to sit on his lap and whisper what they want for Christmas. Some kids just bawled their eyes out as they stared at Santa.

SAINT MICHAEL

The approximately 400 people of Yup'ik Eskimo and Russian heritage who live in the community off Alaska's western coast subsist on seal, beluga whale, moose, caribou, fish and berries.

Getting to cities like Fairbanks or Anchorage is a major expense, whether to see Santa or gather supplies, because of the state's limited road system.

So Mayor Bobbi Andrews jumped at the chance to host Santa in the town, which was once the farthest north Russian settlement in Alaska in the 19th century, according to a state database of communities.

Saint Michael later boasted a population of nearly 10,000 when it served as an entry point during the 1897 Gold Rush, when miners used the nearby Yukon River to travel to interior Alaska.

PLANES, PICKUPS AND DOG SLEDS

The Alaska National Guard does the heavy lifting of getting Santa and his helpers to remote villages. Once the plane lands, however, it's up to the community to get people to the event.

In Saint Michael, a passenger van and pickup trucks ferried folks the 2 miles into town. In other villages, the transportation has ranged from a warm vehicle to sitting on a fur-lined dog sled pulled over snowy, bumpy roads by a snowmobile.

A CHRISTMAS TREAT

Ice cream seems like the wrong thing to bring people living in the frozen north, but residents gobbled it up as fast as Rich Owens could serve it.

The Anchorage ice cream shop owner brought 450 containers of vanilla ice cream and sundae toppings. The dessert is an expensive purchase in Saint Michael, costing about $17 a gallon.

Joel Heath, 12, hadn't had fresh ice cream in two years, not since a family trip to Anchorage. His sundae towered with chocolate syrup, whipped cream, sprinkles and a cherry.

"It tastes real delicious," he said.

THE GIFT OF FRUIT

Volunteer elf Deborah Vo remembers being a child when Operation Santa Claus came to the small community of Saint Mary's in the late 1960s or early 1970s. A plane landed on the frozen Andreafsky River.

"It's like coming full circle," she said. "I was once that little naughty village girl on the banks of the Andreafsky waiting for Santa Claus."

For Vo, the greatest gift she received that day didn't have to be unwrapped, it had to be peeled: an apple and an orange.

The costs of transporting goods to the Yup'ik village "were pretty high, and if we did get fresh anything, it would come rotten because of the cold."

"Having a fresh apple and a fresh orange was one of the best Christmas presents ever," Vo said.

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Over the past year, Yokota Air Base has transitioned from the C-130H Hercules to the newer C-130J model. This is the first OCD that will utilize U.S. J-models, learning from the experience of the Royal Australian Air Force who have brought the C-130J to OCD for the past two years.

The U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules has made its debut in Operation Christmas Drop 2017.

Over the past year, Yokota Air Base has transitioned from the C-130H Hercules to the newer C-130J model. This is the first OCD that will utilize U.S. J-models, learning from the experience of the Royal Australian Air Force who have brought the C-130J to OCD for the past two years.

“Operation Christmas Drop 2017 has been the first year the U.S. Air Force has brought the C-130J,” said RAAF Flight Lieutenant Omar Rigo, 37th Squadron C-130J Pilot. “It's been incredibly important to us to share information and to share that experience with the U.S. Air Force.”

Although the Airmen have been receiving support from the RAAF, throughout the transition of the aircraft models, the aircrews have faced significant changes in their routine.

One significant difference in the operation of the J-model from the H-model used in previous years in OCD, is the elimination of two aircrew positions — the navigator and the flight engineer.

“The biggest changes are in our execution,” said Maj. Christopher Dolby, 36th Airlift Squadron mission commander. “The airdrop procedures aren't much different, but with the reduced crew positions, the method in which we actually do dynamic delivery, when it comes to pilots versus having someone up there to back you up, is very different.”

Although this transition hasn’t come without challenges, the Airmen are up to the task and proved they are willing to do whatever it takes to complete the mission.

“We've spent a lot of time over the past six months training our crew at home on different techniques and different tactics, how to do dynamic delivery in the J Model, which is not something we commonly do,” added Dolby. “That allows us to execute it safely right away. We've taken out most of the guess work in the actual execution of it.”

In addition to the training received at Yokota, OCD presents a unique opportunity for the aircrews to train and learn from partner nations on the newer J-model.

“OCD is great training for the aircrew,” said Maj. George Metros, 36th AS evaluator pilot. “We get to practice technique, tactics and procedures that we don’t necessarily get to practice on an everyday basis. Being able to validate those techniques that we’ve developed and put them to practical use is very rewarding.”

Yokota's 36th AS is the world's leader in advancing Low-Cost Low-Altitude airdrop capabilities. Each year, OCD serves as a proving ground for the techniques used and shared with regional partners in preparation for response to natural disasters all too common across the region.

“Our goal is to lead the planning, the execution, and to teach our partners how we use this new coastal humanitarian airdrop system and really to standardize it for everyone,” said Dolby.
Along with the U.S. Air Force, the Philippine Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force and Koku Jeitai, are also gaining mission planning experience and their own perspective of what it takes to accomplish OCD.

“I couldn't be more blessed to have the Japanese, the Australians, and the Filipinos in the capacities they're willing to serve down here,” said Dolby. “It goes to show that by standardizing and having the opportunity to do these training missions, we can really grow those allies out here and be able to continue to provide this capability to the region or throughout the world.”

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The program is expected to culminate in an air launch and recovery demonstration in 2019.

The Defense Advanced Research Project Agency plans to demonstrate an ability to launch and recover small drones from an Air Force C-130 aircraft as part of its continued development of the Gremlins program - a technical effort designed to deploy groups of small drones carrying 60-pound sensor payloads up to ranges of 300 nautical miles. 

The program is expected to culminate in an air launch and recovery demonstration in 2019.

The drones are intended to perform a range of missions, such as testing enemy air defenses and conducting ISR missions for an hour on station before returning to an Air Force C-130, developers said.

A key concept of the program is extending the mission range of aircraft, while allowing manned crews to operate at safer distances.

Gremlins moves beyond existing state-of-the-art programs able which are able to launch, but not recover, swarms of mini-drones. The Pentagon’s Strategic Capabilities Office, an initiative aimed at harnessing near-term emerging technologies for operational use, demonstrated an ability to launch small drones from the flare dispenser of an F-16.

While able to blanket areas with ISR and perform significant mission-enhancing functions, they are expendable and not available for re-use.

“For decades, U.S. military air operations have relied on increasingly capable multi-function manned aircraft to execute critical combat and non-combat missions. Adversaries’ abilities to detect and engage those aircraft from longer ranges have improved over time as well,” said DARPA in a statement.

Gremlins could well be described as a technological leap in manned-unmanned teaming beyond state of the art technology, as it enables drones to launch, perform missions and then return to a host aircraft. As algorithms for increased levels of autonomy advance, aircraft will be able to control drones from the cockpit with a pilot in a command and control role, service experts have explained.

At the moment, Army helicopters can used "manned-unmanned" teaming to control the flight path and sensor payload of nearby drones, and the Air Force Chief Scientist Dr. Gregory Zacharias has told Warrior that F-35 and F-22 fighter jets may soon have the technical ability to navigate multiple drones from the air.

The idea is to use unmanned aircraft to perform ISR missions, delivery weapons or test high-risk air defenses or enemy formations without putting pilots in harm's way.

This day is fast approaching, given the pace of current progress developing algorithms enabling higher levels of autonomy, Zacharias has explained. 

As of earlier this year, DARPA has continued its contract with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems to move Gremlins into the next phase of development, an effort which involves testing and a Preliminary Design Review.  

The Gremlins’ expected lifetime of about 20 uses provides significant cost advantages over expendable systems by reducing payload and airframe costs and by having lower mission and maintenance costs than conventional platforms, a General Atomics statement said.

 “We see the potential for using this technology on our own Predator B/MQ-9 Reaper® to offer our customers new mission capabilities,” David R. Alexander, president, Aircraft Systems, GA-ASI, said in a written statement.

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Lockheed Martin has displayed a model of the C-130J Super Hercules tactical transport aircraft for the Royal Thai Air Force, SC-130J Sea Hercules maritime patrol aircraft, F-16V (Viper) Fighting Falcon fighter for Royal Thai Air Force, T-50A trainer and F.

Lockheed Martin USA has exhibited the drawings and models of the four C-130J helicopter turbofan engines. Super Hercules marked with the Royal Thai Air Force, as well as other aircraft models at the Yothody Defense and Security 2017 at Impact Exhibition Center, Muang Thong Thani, Bangkok, Thailand, 6-9 November.

The Royal Thai Air Force has demanded a new tactical transport aircraft in the future to replace the 8th C-130H and C-130H-30 Squadron 601 Squadrons. In 1980, Lockheed Martin C-130J was scheduled to be operational in 2020. The Lockheed Martin C-130J was the perfect replacement for the 8 C -130H of the Royal Thai Air Force. Based on the capacity and the number of users who have exported almost. 300 machines in the army than 20 countries worldwide,

Lockheed Martin had on display a model other air their planes, patrol marine SC-130J Sea Hercules developed the basic C-130J replaces the P-3 Orion is an old product of the closed production lines. gone Proposed to the country where the procurement project. Marine Surveys For example, the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF: TDAA: Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia) suspended the procurement of new aircraft. And to focus on the maritime patrol aircraft to replace air fighter F-16V Viper latest armed missile, air-to-air launcher. AIM-9 Sidewinder, AIM-120 AMRAAM missile, and Laser Paveway III missile.

The T-50A, which competed in the replacement T-38 Talon, replaced the US Air Force and F-35A Lightning II. Today, many production lines are exported to many countries around the world.

However, a Lockheed Martin representative declined to comment on the possibility of the C-130J's opportunity with the Royal Thai Air Force. Other products include aircraft company in Thailand and the ASEAN countries as it corresponds to the interviews of the ACM Central Thailand dawn air commander said. The Royal Thai Air Force has no plans to procure the C-130J because it is very expensive. It will extend the life and improve the 8 C-130H to continue to use it for a long time.

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Members of the Delaware Army National Guard’s 1049th Transportation Company returned home Thursday Dec. 14, after two months supporting hurricane relief efforts in Puerto Rico. Their ride? A C-130 Hercules, courtesy the 166th Airlift Wing.

Eight crew members from the 166th Operations Group and Aircraft Maintenance Squadron flew down to San Juan, Puerto Rico, this week to pick up 36 members of the 1049th Transportation Company and more than 2800 pounds of cargo.

During the multi-day trip, Lt. Col. Andrew Sides piloted the aircraft and led the aircrew. He said he is pleased in the efforts made by all crew members, and the overall goal of the mission.

“Being able to lend a hand to the folks affected down here who are not just our brethren in the Army but our brothers and sisters who are affected in Puerto Rico is rewarding,” he said “It is a blessing that we are able to provide transportation to our Delaware Army National Guard team, so that they don’t have to use outside resources for transportation.”

The operations tempo has elevated in the past five months as a result of multiple hurricane relief efforts. Both the 166th Operations and Maintenance Groups have played a crucial role in responding to hurricane relief operations for hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria. The team has conducted nine operations to support disaster relief, accumulating more than 40,000 flight miles, and transporting over five hundred and fifty personnel and over 120 tons of cargo.

Operations personnel are always ready to fly and carry out the mission in support of the Air Force with short notice. Staff Sgt. Michael Jefferson, loadmaster, has taken on a new role to assist air crew members with heading out the door during this hurricane season.

“I was assigned to our current operations unit to work right before this hurricane season started. We had several missions supporting European Command, and when our members came back the hurricanes began,” he said. “We were able to support the hurricane missions with short notice; we provided the aircrews and aircraft to help out in any way we are asked according to our home station requirements.”

During this particular operation there were two new aircrew members aboard their first or second hurricane relief trip, and these members were able to collaborate with veteran aircrew staff.

Airman 1st Class Sandra Berry, loadmaster, 166th Ops Group, volunteered to go on this mission, and watch her first overnight hurricane relief mission. She said that this position is a dream come true.

“Part of the reason why I joined is because I heard that the National Guard performs humanitarian relief missions,” she said. “I get hands on experience and the opportunity to help others. In this way I am able to fulfill a dream that I always wanted to achieve.”

Berry worked alongside Tech. Sgt. Michael Schoonover, loadmaster- instructor, 166th Operations Group during the mission. Schoonover provided insight and guidance for the Airmen on the mission.

“When you leave Little Rock, Arkansas, after technical school and enter your duty station, you are a fully qualified loadmaster- meaning you know the books,” he said. “But you get the best knowledge by experience. I’m happy to be able to guide these younger Airmen on these missions and pass along those experiences.”

There were other mentoring opportunities, too. Master Sgt. Ryan Hardy and Staff Sgt.Robert Beard, both flight engineers in the 166th Operations Group, shared the load of their duties.

Hardy, whom has over twenty years of experience as a flight engineer, offered a word of advice to Staff Sgt. Beard on his flight experience out of tech school to focus on the big picture.

“Enjoy what you’re doing, relax, and take it all in. Realize that you have this wonderful opportunity to go Puerto Rico and pick up our members to get them home for the holidays.”

Members of the 1049th were excited to return home, and expressed pride in the work that they accomplished during their mission in Puerto Rico.

“Our brothers and sisters were in need so we chose to help them. In doing so, we created friendships and shared genuine love for others. We learned the true meaning of humanity,” said Spc. Justin Robins.

“Our permanent duty was to support the Puerto Rico National Guard. We transported food, water, supplies, hygiene products, and tarps to civilians. They were extremely thankful for our help," said
Spc. Rania Saincy.

“Just knowing we were able to provide families with food and water where it was needs most made everything worthwhile.” Every “thank you” is a great feeling knowing that you have done what you came to do,” said Sgt. Bambie Wise.

This mission was unique because of the resource sharing and teamwork among the joint Delaware National Guard forces, the Puerto Rico National Guard, and the citizens of Puerto Rico.

Sides also offered a final reflection of his disaster relief experience, and what makes being a member of the National Guard so rewarding.

“Normally we go off to war, but when we are able to help another state territory, it makes you feel good.”

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The JFE 17B is a USAFWS large-scale airdrop and land mobility mission at Nellis AFB, Nev., in which students from the weapons school plan and execute a complex air-land operation in a simulated contested battlefield.

The Weapons School Integration is the capstone event that culminates a 5-month course for its students. WSINT involves the planning and execution of every aspect of air, space and cyber combat operations, with joint force components converging over the Nevada Test and Training Range.
“Working with joint forces allows students to practice how we will fight,” said Lt. Col. Marty Smith, 29th

Seventeen C-130H Hercules and C-130J Super Hercules from several active duty, reserve and air guard bases took off from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, in support of the U.S. Air Force Weapons School Joint Forcible Entry 17B, Dec. 9.

The JFE 17B is a USAFWS large-scale airdrop and land mobility mission at Nellis AFB, Nev., in which students from the weapons school plan and execute a complex air-land operation in a simulated contested battlefield.

The Weapons School Integration is the capstone event that culminates a 5-month course for its students. WSINT involves the planning and execution of every aspect of air, space and cyber combat operations, with joint force components converging over the Nevada Test and Training Range.
“Working with joint forces allows students to practice how we will fight,” said Lt. Col. Marty Smith, 29th

Weapons Squadron commander. “It affords the opportunity to see the battle space through others' points of view. From a Mobility Air Force standpoint, working with joint forces allows students to understand capabilities and limitations of supported and supporting forces so they can communicate requirements, enhance capabilities, and minimize vulnerabilities in execution.”

WSINT demonstrates the strategic advantage of multi-domain, integrated command and control and produces leaders capable of delivering success in a spectrum ranging from small tactical teams to strategic transformational change.

“Weapons Officers require a strong track record of credibility,” said Smith. “The only way to gain that credibility is to put students into leadership and planning roles in large scale exercises of this kind. This gains them the experience they can bring back to their units, use to advise their commanders, and lead and execute if/when the National Command Authority calls upon the forcible entry option.”

Participants have the ability to synchronize aircrafts movements from geographically-separated bases, command large formations of dissimilar aircraft in high-threat airspace and tactically deliver and recover combat forces via airdrops and combat landings on an unimproved landing strip.

“The goal of this phase is to get the different air frames of the Air Force together to fight a big air war,” said Lt. Col. Scott Lew, 317th Operations Group deputy commander. “The total focus is on our joint capabilities to ensure the air and ground are safe to execute the mission.”

Every six months, the school graduates approximately 100 weapons officers and enlisted specialists who are tactical system experts, weapons instructors and leaders of Airmen.

For the past three years, Dyess has been the host base for the launch of the C-130H Hercules and C-130J Super Hercules that participate in the capstone event which aids in the wing’s mission of maintaining readiness and executing operations to deliver anything, anytime, anywhere.

USAFWS class 17B is scheduled to graduate Dec. 16. Upon graduation, the new weapons officers return to the field to serve as unit weapons and tactics officers, leading combat missions and providing Air Force senior leaders and decision makers tactical, operational and strategic impact support.

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In preparation for exercise Vigilant Ace 18, three U.S. Air Force Bases: Yokota Air Base, Japan, Dyess AFB, TX, and Little Rock AFB, AR, came together to provide airlift support for the annual exercise, Vigilant Ace 18 .

Vigilant Ace 18, is a large scale annual exercise between the US and the Republic of Korea aimed at providing realistic air combat training to test and refine readiness and interoperability between the two partnering forces. The exercise also helps to build on the strong relationship between the two allies and demonstrates the commitment and resolve of the US to the region’s stability.

Due to Yokota transitioning from the C-130H Hercules to the C-130J Super Hercules, Dyess and Little Rock AFB each sent a C-130J with support crews to assist the 374th Operations Group with this year’s bilateral exercise.

“Not only are the aircrews from the other bases helping the 374 OG maximize its participation while halfway through its J-model transition,” said Col Mark Mullarkey, 374 OG commander. “But they are also building their own experience to carry home by training with us in a simulated high-end, contested environment to include demonstrating their ability to survive & operate C-130J aircraft in a chemical environment.”

The support the Air Mobility Command has given the Pacific Air Forces during the exercise was needed to help offset the work load on Yokota’s aircrews during the exercise’s increased operations tempo. In one day of pre-exercise preparation, the 374 OG organized 13 missions with 39 sorties and more to come as the exercise continues.

“Those two extra tails are the insurance plan we needed,” said Mullarkey. “The additional crews will help us push crew turn times from 14-15 hours to 21 hours, and ease the circadian rhythm shifts on the aircrews.”

The goal of military exercises is to make the simulated missions as real as possible while keeping a safe environment for the participants. To ensure safe flying, the USAF aircrews are required to take a “crew rest,” between flights. While this can limit operations tempo it greatly reduces the risk of airborne incidents by allowing aircrew personnel time to sleep and decompress between missions.

While Dyess and Little Rock AFB came to assist Yokota, they will also take back with them knowledge and experience from participating in the chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear portion of the exercise.

“Yokota does a lot more CBRN training then we traditionally do in the states,” said Capt. Kyle Schneider, 40th Airlift Squadron C-130J pilot. “So we are going to take any tips in the process Yokota follows and bring that information back to integrate with our future exercises.”

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Israeli defense electronics company Elbit Systems Ltd. announced today that it was selected by the Israeli Ministry of Defense (IMOD) to provide and operate flight simulators for the upgraded C-130H and C-130J transport aircraft of the Israeli Air Force (IAF). The contract is worth $74 million over a 13-year period which includes a set up phase of three years and a ten-year operating period.

Elbit Systems will set up and operate the IAF upgraded C-130H and C-130J training center, providing two inter-connected flight simulators that enable both single and squadron training and a ground crews simulator that enables high fidelity training of aircraft maintenance procedures.

Elbit Systems Aerospace Division general manager Yoram Shmuely said, "We are proud to have been selected by the IMOD, especially since it comes on the heels of the successful completion of the upgrade program of the IAF's C-130H aircraft fleet. This is yet another example of Elbit Systems' technological and operational leadership in the training and simulation field and attests to the growing demand in many countries for all-inclusive interconnected simulation platforms that enhance the quality of training while reducing flight hours."

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The two Air Force Reserve Reapers from the 163rd Attack Wing, flying out of March Air Reserve Base near Moreno Valley, California, are being used for surveillance and employing their infrared systems to detect hot spots, said Army Lt. Col. Jamie Davis, a Pentagon spokesman.

Two military MQ-9 Reaper drones and two C-130J Hercules aircraft have joined local authorities in battling Southern California wildfires, which are being fanned by high winds and have jumped highways to destroy homes and burn a path to the Pacific ocean, the Pentagon said Wednesday.

The two Air Force Reserve Reapers from the 163rd Attack Wing, flying out of March Air Reserve Base near Moreno Valley, California, are being used for surveillance and employing their infrared systems to detect hot spots, said Army Lt. Col. Jamie Davis, a Pentagon spokesman.

The Reapers' infrared sensors yielded mission-critical thermal imagery on the afflicted area in real-time," according to a base release. "Airmen have mapped vast perimeters of six fires across four counties, encompassing some 77,000 acres and identifying some 1,500 burned structures."

Two C-130J aircraft from the 146th Airlift Wing of the Air National Guard, flying out of Channel Islands Air National Guard Station near Oxnard, California, have Modular Airborne Fire Fighting Systems (MAFFS) aboard to drop retardant on blazes that are still out of control.

The wildfires centered in Ventura County have forced about 27,000 residents to flee, local officials said, and Gov. Jerry Brown has declared a state of emergency.

At least 150 structures have been destroyed, officials said, and thousands of homes are at risk.

"This fire is very dangerous and spreading rapidly, but we'll continue to attack it with all we've got," Brown said. "It's critical residents stay ready and evacuate immediately if told to do so."

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The aircraft was delivered in its baseline configuration. It will now move to the L3 Technologies Integrated Systems Platform Integration division to undergo installation of the Minotaur mission system suite.

The US Coast Guard (USCG) has received its 11th C-130J Super Hercules long range surveillance aircraft from Lockheed Martin, the USCG announced on 29 November.

The aircraft was delivered in its baseline configuration. It will now move to the L3 Technologies Integrated Systems Platform Integration division to undergo installation of the Minotaur mission system suite.

The aircraft will receive USCG-specific integrated radar, sensor and communications systems, after which it will be redesignated as an HC-130J.

Out of total ten aircraft delivered, seven HC-130Js are operating out of Air Station Elizabeth City, North Carolina, three with Minotaur and four with the legacy mission system. Three aircraft have entered the Minotaur mission system suite modification program, with the next missionised aircraft delivery scheduled for 2018.

Production of C-130Js 12-14 is currently ongoing, with delivery of two aircraft expected in 2019 and one in 2020.

HC-130J 2011 c/n 5830

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A C-130H Hercules aircraft arrived on the flightline of Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico, on Nov. 29, 2017, with no intention of leaving. The plane is being absorbed into the 16th Special Operations Squadron’s repertoire to more easily manage pilot training proficiencies, in addition to other positives.

“The purpose of gaining the C-130H is to facilitate aircrew training and free up our combat coded aircraft to perform their primary missions,” said Maj. Carrie Kerner, 27th Special Operations Aircraft Maintenance Squadron operations officer.

Cannon AFB has been managing missions and training using AC-130W Stinger IIs, which provide a similar experience, but with unnecessary complexity.

“This is our first and only C-130H at Cannon,” Kerner said. “We refer to this as a ‘slick’ C-130 because it doesn’t have the additional capabilities and equipment that our AC-130Ws have been modified for, like the 105mm cannon and 30mm gun. The AC-130W is essentially a heavily modified C-130H, in high demand and short supply.”

While the AC-130W is an incredible gunship, using it to maintain training is not the best use of this aircraft, hosting millions of dollars in upgrades over the C-130H. These upgrades increase maximum combat capabilities, though are not necessary for maintaining pilot proficiencies.

“From a maintenance perspective, the C-130H is simpler and cheaper to maintain,” Kerner said. “Plus, when the C-130H is down for maintenance repairs, there is no impact to our alert commitment or deployment rotations.”

Overall, the addition of a C-130H Hercules to Cannon AFB will provide the base and the 16th SOS with a welcome increase in proficiency capabilities while also increasing mission strength and readiness.

“Nothing spurs creativity and ingenuity more than seeing an idea go from the bottom up and gain traction so quickly,” said Lt. Col. Adam Moore, 16th SOS Commander. “With this aircraft, we will be able to provide critical pilot proficiency to allow our mission AC-130W aircraft to focus on tactical training, and ensure we have the squadron ready to execute the nation's most difficult missions at all times.”

C-130H 82-0056 c/n 4971

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The aircraft made the emergency landing at 5.15pm after circling for six hours to burn off fuel, it said, adding that the pilot and crew were unhurt.

A Hercules C130 transport aircraft of the Royal Malaysian Air Force made a successful belly landing at the airport here after experiencing a landing gear fault, the RMAF said in a statement.

The aircraft made the emergency landing at 5.15pm after circling for six hours to burn off fuel, it said, adding that the pilot and crew were unhurt.

The statement did not say what the aircraft was transporting or where it had come from.

Labuan airport has been closed indefinitely.

Airport manager Ahmad Fikri Samsudi told Bernama that 11 fights to and from Kota Kinabalu, Miri and Kuala Lumpur had been cancelled since 2pm. 

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F. Whitten Peters, the Air Force Association chairman of the board, presents the AFA President’s Award to the 2016 Outstanding Reserve Aircrew of the year to Lt. Col. Luke Thompson, C-130 Hercules aircraft commander, and the aircrew of GLIDE 68, Sept. 18 at the AFA Air, Space and Cyber Conference held in National Harbor, Maryland. Also present with the aircrew is Lt. Gen. Maryanne Miller, right, chief of the Air Force Reserve. The 302nd Airlift Wing aircrew received the award for outstanding operational expertise and professional skill from January to December 2016 resulting in the successful employment of the Joint Precision Airdrop System during the first C-130 combat airdrop mission originating from the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing. Pictured from left, Lt. Cols. Barry Cupples, Brian Thomas, Chief Master Sgt. Jeffery Flight, F. Whitten Peters, the Air Force Association chairman of the board, Lt. Col. Luke Thompson, Senior Master Sgt. Mark Skarban, Master Sgt. Nathan Bowles and Staff Sgt. Joshua Winn. GLIDE 68 member not pictured is Lt. Col. Anthony Smith.

Source: http://www.302aw.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1370548/302nd-aw-reservists-named-2016-aircrew-of-the-year-by-afa/

By: 302nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs

After almost losing them, Keesler Air Force Base is celebrating the famed Flying Jennies’ return to full operational capability in Mississippi.

Members of the 815th Airlift Squadron fly the large, cargo-carrying C-130J airplanes. The squadron is a tactical airlift unit in the Air Force Reserve’s 403rd Wing.

The C-130J is not only “a hard-working and practical pack mule” that transports supplies for military operations, said an Air Force press release, it’s also like a phoenix rising from the ashes.

Talk of deactivating the 73-person squadron and moving the 10 planes to a different base started in 2012, as part of a plan to cut defense spending. The squadron received a deactivation notice in November 2013, which meant a hiring freeze. The squadron was in limbo until talks revived again in early 2014, when the Air Force Reserve planned to decrease manpower 4.7 percent to fit the 2015 budget.

Mississippi lawmakers Sens. Thad Cochran, Roger Wicker and Rep. Steven Palazzo fought the Flying Jennies’ removal. Cochran has long served on the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, and he now serves as chairman. Wicker has been a member of the Senate Committee on Armed Services since 2008.

The Air Force abandoned attempts to deactivate and relocate the squadron in 2015, and the Flying Jennies began to restore its personnel and capabilities.

On Friday, the Flying Jennies were deemed officially combat ready.

“There have been a lot of challenges, and an enormous amount of work has been done by the squadron to get to this point,” squadron commander Lt. Col. Stuart Rubio said in the press release. He was assigned to the 403rd Wing in January 2016 to assist with rebuilding the unit, including recruiting new personnel and establishing their re-training program.

Rubio compared rebuilding the squadron to a football team. He said the last year and a half has been similar to being in a summer training camp without that game to look forward to. But now the 815th team is ready for action.

“The reason we train is so we can do the mission,” said Rubio.

The squadron now uses C-130J Super Hercules, the newest of the C-130 fleet, said Staff Sgt. Tony DiStefano, 815th AS loadmaster.

“This is the cargo-specific version of the aircraft,” he said in the press release. “It can carry quite a few tons of cargo. We can load Humvees and smaller vehicles into the back, and we can bring them anywhere around the world.”

The C-130J can land on a dirt or gravel airstrip only 3,000 feet long. But if there isn’t a safe place to land, cargo can be airdropped to a location, Rubio said.

On Friday, the Flying Jennies flew a symbolic, low-level tactical flight, where the crew practiced airdrops, flew with night vision goggles and performed other tasks to prepare for missions in a deployed location.

“It’s a proud moment for us,” said DiStefano. “We’re fully operational again. We have full mission capabilities, and it’s a great place to be.”

The three lawmakers also expressed their support.

“Keeping the Flying Jennies at Keesler makes sense on operational and budget grounds. I commend the Air Force for standing up this unit ahead of schedule, and remain confident the Flying Jennies will continue to protect our national security interests,” said Cochran in a press release.

“The 815th Airlift Squadron and its C-130Js have been a great asset to the Air Force, Keesler Air Force Base, and our Gulf Coast community. I am glad the Air Force has completed its plan to restore full combat mission capability to this distinguished unit and that the ‘Flying Jennies’ will continue to stay right where they belong — in Mississippi,” Wicker said.

“Over the past several years, I have fought tirelessly to ensure the ‘Flying Jennies’ remained active and in South Mississippi. This report from the Air Force only further reestablishes what we already knew to be true, that keeping the squadron at Keesler Air Force Base is in fact the right decision,” Palazzo said.

Source: http://www.sunherald.com/news/local/military/article183548971.html

The FAA confirms a Military Plane has crashed at the Sunflower and Leflore county line.

The crash was reported Monday Evening on Moorehead and Itta Bena Roads.

4 people killed after Military plane crashes in Sunflower County

The FAA confirms a Military Plane has crashed at the Sunflower and Leflore county line.

The crash was reported Monday Evening on Moorehead and Itta Bena Roads.

Several fire departments responded to the aircraft down in a field and burning.

The plane could be seen burning and producing large clouds of black smoke from Highway 82.

Investigators say the plane is a C-130, which departed from Cherry Point, North Carolina with eight people on board. At least four people are confirmed

Source: http://www.wapt.com/article/plane-crashes-in-sunflower-county/10286085

By Keegan Foxx

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MUNIZ AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Puerto Rico – Despite the challenges of Hurricane Maria’s aftermath, the Puerto Rico Air National Guard continues to fly missions and delivered six pallets full of water bottles, diapers, electric generators, power saws and other donated supplies from the Washington D.C. area Oct. 5.

“To be able to fly this mission for Puerto Rico – there are no words to describe the feeling,” said Major Jose Roman, who served as the aircraft commander on the C-130 Hercules aircraft for the mission. “This is what it is all about, to wear this uniform and help people in need.”

The C-130 and its crew all hailed from the PRANG’s 156th Airlift Wing. The donations came from two different groups – individual members of the District of Columbia National Guard and members of Unidos Puerto Rico (Puerto Rico United) in the D.C. area.

The supplies were packaged by Airmen working in several units at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland. Many of the Airmen who volunteered to support the effort have family in Puerto Rico or were moved by reports of the struggles on the island territory since it was hit by the storm on Sept. 20.

“We have family and friends there. The pain they are going through – we are trying to do something to ease the pain,” said Staff. Sgt. Angela Galban, who worked with Unidos Puerto Rico to make the collection.

Galban and other Airmen at Andrews worked late into the night to ready the pallets and other supplies for shipment.

“We’ve sent 24 pallets so far and have about 100 more still to go,” she said. “They have come from all over the community. The chamber of commerce has contributed and many local businesses. As long as we have supplies, we will continue to send them.”

On board the aircraft, PRANG co-pilot 1st Lt. Greg Gutierrez said the diapers included in the shipment particularly impacted him.

“I have two sons. Anyone who has raised children know how important it is to have diapers. It just hits you when you see people you don’t even know you, making these donations,” he said.

Staff Sgt. Patrick Pagnotta, 11thg Aerial Port Squadron, was another of the Andrews Airmen helping in the collection and delivery process.

“Several of my wife’s family members were left homeless from the storm. Her whole family was impacted in one way or the other. Making donations, working after hours – it’s the least we can do to help out,” he said.

Master Sgt. Nancy Rivera, a personnel specialist with the 113th Airlift Wing of the D.C. Air National Guard, took military leave time and flew on the C-130 to Puerto Rico to help see the supplies through to their final destination. After an early evening arrival at Muniz, she planned to meet a cousin who lives on Puerto Rico to help make the final leg of the delivery.

“This is personal to me,” she said. “My family was impacted and will be receiving some of these supplies.”

The two pilots on the mission, Roman and Gutierrez, said the mission to deliver supplies to Puerto Rico represent a highlight of their military careers.

“Tomorrow, when they have a mission for us, we’ll go. But this one, I will always remember,” Guttierrez said.

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DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE – Hurricane relief efforts continued on the Dobbins flightline as forklifts and K-loaders loaded cases of water and ready-to-eat meals onto a C-130 Hercules Oct. 4.

Aerial porters from squadrons at Dover, March, McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst and Westover worked together to load a Mansfield Air National Guard C-130 with a total of 23,390 pounds of food and water which will be transported to Puerto Rico and distributed to those in need.

Working together with different units on this unique mission provided an opportunity for Airmen to gain new skills in the aerial port.

"It's different because most of our annual training and drill weekends are simulated - the what if situations - always war time and not so much humanitarian missions,” said Staff Sgt. Kens Germain, an aerial porter from Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey. “I've learned how to be much more flexible and how to better adapt, overcome and improvise when need be.”

Puerto Rico underwent devastating destruction after Hurricane Maria raged through, destroying much of the island’s infrastructure.

Dobbins is currently serving as an installation support base for Hurricanes Irma and Maria relief operations in partnership with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, providing an air and logistics hub for relief efforts.

Supporting these efforts often results in longer work hours and constantly changing plans, but the Airmen involved are happy to give back to the communities affected by the hurricanes.

“(This mission) gives to me the moral drive to give 200% when doing my job because I know that we're helping people in need," Germain said.

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Approximately 32 Airmen deployed to locations in both Georgia and Puerto Rico to provide much needed assistance to the island

The West Virginia National Guard has once again answered the Nation’s call for help this week by providing C-130 Hercules and C-17 Globemaster III aircraft and crews, as well as additional ground support, for the response efforts in Puerto Rico following the devastation from Hurricane Maria.

Approximately 32 Airmen deployed to locations in both Georgia and Puerto Rico to provide much needed assistance to the island.

Members of the 167^th Airlift Wing in Martinsburg, W.Va., deployed in late September with to provide critical airlift and airfield operations in both Georgia and Puerto Rico. To date, 167^th AW crews have flown 14 sorties carrying 34 passengers and more than 180 short tons of cargo to the island delivering supplies to those in need. One WVANG member has integrated with other members of the response effort to assist with airfield management while other Airmen have been supporting air terminal operations in Savannah at the 165^th Airlift Wing.

The 167^th AW air cargo specialists have helped manage the flow of resources including water, MREs, equipment and other necessary resources into and out of the large hub.

“It was really an entire wing effort to support the ongoing recovery efforts,” said Col. Shaun Perkowski, commander of the 167^th Airlift Wing. “Many of our personnel worked consecutive weekends to support operations in Texas, Florida and the Caribbean. The value of airlift cannot be underestimated, but there is so much more which goes into planning and executing those missions including deploying our personnel, whether to help with cargo in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania or Savannah, Georgia, which has proven to be vital to this effort. It cannot be understated that all of these efforts could not happen without the 167^th’s spirit of service and volunteerism.“

The 130^th Airlift Wing sent a crew of nine individuals Oct. 4, 2017, to pick up supplies in New York before offloading in Georgia and flying into Puerto Rico. Aircrew from the 130^th AW flew four missions to pick up and deliver much needed supplies, equipment and military personnel to the area.

Col. Randy Huffman, vice wing commander of the 130^th Airlift Wing said, “The 130^th Airlift Wing is proud to support the ongoing relief efforts for American citizens in desperate need in Puerto Rico. Our members train daily for this and the Air National Guard is unique in that we can provide support at a moment’s notice for humanitarian assistance. The West Virginia ANG will continue to be prepared to support this ongoing mission however and whenever we are asked.”

These two units offer distinct airlift capabilities within the WVNG, providing airlift operations in two vastly different airframes at any time.

“Because of these strategic assets in the West Virginia National Guard, Joint Base West Virginia is a crucial hub for domestic response operations for our Nation,” said Maj. Gen. James A. Hoyer, The Adjutant General of the WVNG. “We answer the call when needed and there’s no one better to provide assistance to those in a time of need than highly trained West Virginians.”

Since September, the WVNG has supported hurricane relief efforts for Harvey, Irma and Maria in Texas, Florida, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico through U.S. Army engineer and U.S. Air Force airlift, airfield operations, and air cargo support. Overall, the 167^th AW flew 59 sorties carrying more than 539 short tons of cargo since Hurricane Harvey struck the coast of Texas. The 130^th AW flew four sorties carrying 6.59 short tons of cargo and 16 passengers for Hurricane Maria relief. 

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The C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft, a squadron of which has been set up here, has the capability to play an important role in case of a military conflict, Air Vice Marshal Vikram Singh said here today.

He was speaking after viewing a spectacular para diving exercise by seven para jumper instructors from one of the six aircraft of the C-130J Hercules squadron of the IAF at the Air Force Station Arjan Singh, earlier known as Panagarh air base.
 

"The state-of-the-art aircraft with its tactical airlift and airdrop capabilities is a huge jump," Air Vice Marshal Singh, the Air officer Commanding, Advanced Headquarter, Eastern Air Command, said.

"In any future conflict, it will play a very important role," he said.

Asked whether the C-130J Super Hercules will play an important role in the case of a military conflict between India and China, Air Vice Marshal Singh said, "We don't buy aircraft with one particular adversary in mind, but given its capabilities it will certainly play an important role in such a scenario."

"The closest border with China due north is Sikkim and it will take less than an hour for the C130J to reach from here," he said when asked about the time that it might take to put up an operation.

"It is the first transport aircraft with a head-up display which is normally found in a fighter aircraft," the Air Vice Marshal said, ahead of the 84th Air Force Day on October 8.

A head-up display is any transparent display that presents data without requiring users to look away from their usual viewpoints, thus saving precious time.

"It has infra-red sensor that gives the crew a monochromatic view in front and down below and thus helps the aircraft to fly very low and with accuracy at night," he said.

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MANSFIELD, Ohio – The 179th Airlift Wing sends a fourth C-130H Hercules aircraft along with a team of six Airmen from the 200th RED HORSE Squadron (RHS) and a Reverse Osmosis Water Purification Unit (ROWPU) October 6, 2017 to aid in hurricane relief efforts in Puerto Rico.

With basic life needs such as water, food and shelter still needed, the 200th RHS has the unique abilities and capabilities to provide just that.

Master Sgt. Isaac Strickler, a Power Production Supervisor with the 200th RHS said
“We are taking the ROWPU to Puerto Rico, we are going down there to set it up to produce fresh drinking water for the local communities for the next several months.”

The ROWPU provides potable water from a variety of raw water sources such as wells, lakes, seas, lagoons, rivers, oceans and ice holes. The proper use of the ROWPU can provide purified drinking water for thousands of people.

Technical Sgt. Brock Mowry, an Electrical Power Production craftsman with the 200th RHS said, “We will be able to purify up to 1,500 gallons per hour.”

The treatment of water is necessary to prevent various waterborne diseases, such as typhoid and dysentery. Treatment processes must control certain chemical and physical characteristics of water, such as hardness or unpleasant taste. Hence, the function of a water treatment is not only to make water safe for human consumption but also to make water more palatable, less scale forming, and more suitable for use in laundries, boiler plants, and various other places.

Staff Sgt. Heather Swinehart, a Water and Fuels Systems Maintenance journeyman with the 200th RHS said, “We will be able to sustain as many people needed, for as long as needed, as long as we have the chemicals available for the system.”

These Ohio Air National Guard Units are leaning forward to provide support capabilities to Puerto Rico and other areas affected by hurricane Irma and Maria; as well as, aid in the recovery and relief efforts in the area.

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The journey from Washington, DC to Geneseo is a long one when you are trying to bring home an important part of our Vietnam War history.

National Warplane Museum Treasurer Donald Wilson worked for Kodak in Rochester in the late 1960s and became a big part of the Gambit project. He locked eyes on this Vietnam War C-130 plane and wanted to bring her home. These planes first flew in 1954. They are still being produced today; which makes them the longest military aircraft production ever. They are used by about 70 nations.

These planes also have a rich part of Kodak history. The C-130s retrieved returning film capsules from the Gambit photo recognition satellites built in Rochester. The C-130s had many uses in the air force, such as airborne assault, search and rescue, scientific research, reconnaissance, aerial refueling, and aerial firefighting.

The National Air Space Museum transferred ownership of the Lockheed C-130 to the National Warplane Museum on April 27. This plane is most famous for the role it played in saving lives during the evacuation of Saigon at the end of the Vietnam War. It has sat at the Dulles International Airport for over 28 years.

The amount it would take to relocate this plane to Geneseo is a heavy one. It will cost $200,000 to move it from one museum to another. 

“We need to get it in flyable condition, so that we can get it to Geneseo,” Wilson said. “We need volunteers to go down with us, and help us clean it up. It is too big to bring here any other way.”

Wilson said it is really expensive to fly the C-130, so once it is here the plane will be on display with the other warplanes. 

The connection these planes have to the museum is that National Warplane Museum Trustee Martha Wadsworth flew a C-130 to Antarctica.

“Kodak had a government contract to design and build orbit photos from the 1960s to 1970s,” Wilson said. “I worked for Kodak on the Gambit program.”

Wilson added that when they applied for the C-130 they didn’t think they would get it.

“We want to preserve it and protect it,” he said. “We will display it the way the museum wants us too.”

This C-130 helped evacuate South Vietnamese citizens, and our soldiers to keep them from being prisoners at the end of the war. 

Hundreds of people piled into these planes to be taken to Singapore and rescued at the end of the Vietnam War. 

Wilson said that when they got down to take a look at the plane most of the cockpit was complete, which is a very rare thing in a plane that old. 

“People will usually steal things out of the plane,” he said. “This one is complete on the inside. It has pretty much everything. It is in great shape considering it has been outside for almost 30 years.”

The C-130 should make its final landing at the National Warplane Museum in the Spring if all goes well.

“This plane is an important part of history,” Wilson said. “People were saved in the last hours at Saigon. The last pilot to fly our plane was a South Vietnamese Air Force Pilot (Pham Quang Khiem) who rescued 30 members of his family. He was arrested when he landed in Singapore, and accused of hijacking the plane.”

Wilson said that many museums only have these planes on display, and what makes National Warplane Museum unique is that they fly some of them.

Eventually Wilson would like to bring the Gambit to the museum as well. It hasn’t been used since the 1970s, but it still has the best resolution photos of space.

The name contest is one way Wilson is fundraising for the plane. You can choose between Freedom, Miss Saigon, Gambit, Hope, Camo, Martha, or pick your own idea. The donation with the name choice can be sent to National Warplane Museum at P.O. Box 185, Geneseo, NY, 14454 under Name This Airplane. Whatever the highest donation is will win the name of the plane. 

Wilson said they won’t give up until the plane is safely transported to Geneseo.

C-130A 57-0460 c/n 3167  

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Members of the 19th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, are providing maintenance to C-130J aircraft at MacDill Air Force Base, in the midst of relief efforts for those affected by Hurricane Maria.

In addition to the 19th AMXS, the 61st Airlift Squadron and 41st Airlift Squadron aircrews were deployed to MacDill AFB to support aeromedical evacuations from of Puerto Rico in the wake of the hurricane.

Since arriving at MacDill AFB, maintenance operations have been running 24/7.

“We have been conducting inspections on aircraft every 72 hours to ensure they’re ready to go at a moment’s notice,” said Master Sgt. Michael Raver, 19 AMXS aircraft section chief. “Inspections entail looking over tires, fuel, systems and even preparing oxygen tanks for patients during aeromedical evacuation missions.”

Thirty-two members of the 19th AMXS make up approximately 75 percent of the C-130 maintainer workforce at MacDill AFB. Little Rock Airmen work alongside members from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, to provide maintenance to three Little Rock AFB C-130s, two C-130s from Dyess AFB and Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi.

“Contributing to the aeromedical evacuation mission like this is very rewarding,” said Staff Sgt. Matthew Frederick, 19th AMXS integrated avionics system specialist. “We’re making sure people have the resources to bring those affected by Hurricane Maria to safety and get the medical attention they need.”

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JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – For nearly a month, the Missouri National Guard’s 139th Airlift Wing has been proving its value as part of the operational reserve by performing more than 100 sorties in support of hurricane relief efforts.

When Hurricane Harvey struck Texas, Airmen from the St. Joseph-based 139th were among the first called to respond with their C-130 Hercules aircraft, said Maj. Gen. Steve Danner, the Adjutant General.

“Our Airmen were immediately ready to help their fellow Americans, first in Texas and Florida and now in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands,” Danner said. “Bringing people and supplies to areas hit by these storms is a critical, immediate need, and the fact our 139th was one of the first called and one of the most relied upon speaks to the wing’s professionalism and effectiveness.”

To date, the Missouri Airmen have flown about 140 sorties in support of the relief effort, airlifting hundreds of thousands of pounds of cargo. Even the wing’s commander, Col. Ed Black, has flown a C-130 to the Caribbean islands. He was among the first to land on St. Thomas after Hurricane Maria.

“We all understand that our role is a serious one,” Black said. “We were able to land and put the 123rd Special Tactics Squadron (Kentucky Air National Guard) on the ground to open the airfield (on St. Thomas). Opening the field is critical to starting the flow of relief efforts.”

Black also discussed the personal impact of the mission.

“Those hills used to be green - every tree was stripped clean,” Black said. “The St. Thomas you remember is no more. It leaves an impression. It compels us to volunteer to assist in any way possible.”

Another pilot to fly into the region was Col. Timothy P. Murphy, the 139th Operations Group commander, who had the opportunity to directly interact with local residents.

“The resiliency of the people has been overwhelming,” Murphy said. “You see devastation all around you, no power, no timeline, yet they are still positive and just so grateful for every little thing we do. It is the attitude of everyone in the region that we encountered.”

Currently, the 139th has about 30 service members tasked to serve in the Virgin Islands. Their role is part of a larger mission being orchestrated by the joint-service 601st Air Operations Center, a component of the North American Aerospace Defense Command and the U.S. Northern Command.

Coordinating the effort on the ground is Chief Master Sgt. Rhys L. Wilson, the air cargo superintendent for the 139th. He is currently serving as the senior chief air advisor for the Virgin Islands National Guard and is overseeing the aerial port operations in St. Croix, which includes nearly 50 Guard Airmen from multiple Air National Guard wings.

“The people here truly appreciate us,” Wilson said. “I have received more hugs from total strangers.”

Wilson said his Airmen are excited to be part of the mission.

“The morale is high in the aerial port,” Wilson said. “They are working well downloading the airplanes and assisting the Army uploading trucks.”

Additionally, the National Guard Bureau has set up an aerial port in Savannah, Georgia, to coordinate Air National Guard assets flying into the region. The missions range from troop transportation to the delivery of food, water, generators, medical supplies and other needed supplies.

Impressively, even as the 139th supported hurricane relief operations, they continued normal business and contributed greatly to a state mission in Missouri and have deployed Airmen abroad.

“I’m very impressed with what our Airmen have accomplished these past few weeks,” Danner said. “Even as they flew sorties to support fellow Americans affected by hurricanes, they mobilized dozens of members to support efforts for a recent mobilization to St. Louis and have deployed dozens of Airmen in support of overseas contingencies operations. Like the rest of the Missouri Guard, the 139th is a versatile, seasoned, ready force.”

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Sabena Technics has won the contract to train AIA, Clermont-Ferrand personnel who will be maintaining the French air force's C-130Hs. The independent MRO will be providing both technical and practical training and simulation services. The agreement has been valued at 1.5 million Eur.

SIAé will be taking charge of all maintenance operations for the French air force's fourteen C-130Hs from 1st July 2018, following a decision made in November. MOC had been provided by the Portuguese industrialist OGMA since 2002, but its services had been judged unsatisfactory, given the low plane availability rate. This rate had fallen to 22.5% in 2016 and had been struggling to reach 28.8% in 2014, according to French Ministry of Defense data.

SIAé will also be in charge of part of the fleet overhaul project, with the installation of modernization kits planned at the same time as maintenance inspections.v

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