Features Just dropping in: 37 AS performs airdrops in France Photos by Staff Sgt. Megan Beatty 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs July 28, 2023 U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Kyle Gauthier, 37th Airlift Squadron C-130J Super Hercules aircraft pilot, flys a C-130J over Germany, July 18, 2023. The 37th Airlift Squadron is home to 14 C-130Js and has provided tactical airlift capabilities for more than 80 years. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Megan M. Beatty) Members of the 86th Logistics Readiness Squadron load cargo on a U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules aircraft assigned to the 37th Airlift Squadron at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, July 18, 2023. The cargo was airdropped on the Grostenquin drop zone, France during a routine training mission with the 37th AS. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Megan M. Beatty) U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Destiny Panega, 37th Airlift Squadron loadmaster, secures equipment on a C-130J Super Hercules aircraft at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, July 18, 2023. Loadmasters are responsible for loading, securing and escorting cargo and passengers on flights all over the world. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Megan M. Beatty) U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Catherine Schwarzler, 37th Airlift Squadron C-130J Super Hercules aircraft pilot, adjusts control settings on a C-130J while flying over Germany, July 18, 2023. The C-130J is capable of operating from rough, dirt strips and is the prime transport for airdropping troops and equipment into hostile areas. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Megan M. Beatty) U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Destiny Panega, 37th Airlift Squadron loadmaster, prepares to manually release a cargo delivery system bundle over the Grostenquin drop zone, France, July 18, 2023. Panega was evaluated during the flight for her annual check ride which tested her abilities as a loadmaster on standard procedures and ability to respond to unexpected issues mid-flight. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Megan M. Beatty) U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Michael Heddinger, 86th Operations Support Squadron director of strategic communication, center, evaluates Lt. Col. Kyle Gauthier, 37th Airlift Squadron C-130J Super Hercules aircraft pilot, left, and 1st Lt. Cathrine Schwarzler, 37th AS C-130J pilot, right, during their check ride over Germany, July 18, 2023. Check rides allow an opportunity for members of the 37th Airlift Squadron to be evaluated annually on their ability to perform key duties and adapt to unforeseen events while flying. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Megan M. Beatty) U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Kyle Gauthier, 37th Airlift Squadron C-130J Super Hercules aircraft pilot, flys a C-130J in a two-aircraft formation over Germany, July 18, 2023. The C-130J can climb faster and higher, fly further at higher cruise speeds, and take off and land in shorter distances compared to older C-130 models. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Megan M. Beatty) U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Hayden Thomas, 37th Airlift Squadron loadmaster, performs pre-flight inspections on a C-130J Super Hercules aircraft at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, July 18, 2023. The 37th AS regularly performs training flights to ensure they are prepared to project power from the Global Gateway at any time. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Megan M. Beatty) « Previous × Next » Share Tweet