Wing receives additional C-130Js, increased capability

The 86th Airlift Wing’s C-130J fleet increased by two recently as Lockheed Martin delivered the 11th and 12th of the newest version Hercules to the Air Force bound for the 37th Airlift Squadron.

Third Air Force Commander Lt. Gen. Frank Gorenc accepted one of the aircraft, No. 8609, at the company’s plant in Marietta, Ga., March 2. Afterwards, the general began the two-day journey flying the aircraft back to Ramstein.

“We had a fantastic flight,” said General Gorenc shortly after touching down at the base. “(No.) 8609 is the 11th aircraft delivered to Ramstein, and it’s going to be a great combat multiplier.”

The 12th J-model touched down on Ramstein Friday evening, special delivery of Col. Tim Budd, 86th Operations Group commander.

All together, the squadron will receive 14 C-130Js to replace the C-130E models they’ve been previously flying as part of a recapitalization plan for airlift forces within the Air Force. The first J-model arrived at Ramstein in July 2009. The final two aircraft will be delivered in the coming weeks.

“Delivery of the 11th and 12th of our 14 airplane fleet is very exciting,” said Brig. Gen. Mark Dillon, 86th Airlift Wing and KMC commander. “It provides a tremendous
capability for U.S. Air Forces in Europe both in building partnership capacity as well as combat air delivery.”

The general stressed this improvement to the new J-models involved more than just getting new airplanes. The squadron’s aircrews and maintainers have also been going through training to prepare them to be able to operate the new aircraft.
“It’s a new weapon system. There’s lots of training going on, a lot of great opportunities and we learn more about the aircraft every day,” General Dillon said. “We’re looking forward to rounding out the fleet and getting all our
crewmembers and maintainers fully trained and provide all the tremendous capability to USAFE and the combatant commanders.”

The squadron will continue its vital mission in supporting missions for both U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command. It could also potentially support operations for U.S. Central Command, the wing commander said.

General Gorenc described the new aircraft as a great addition to the C-130 fleet.
“The C-130J is a mobility dream… more payload, more range, more combat power for EUCOM and AFRICOM,” General Gorenc said. “The Hercules has long been the workhorse of our airlift capability, and these newer versions will allow us to
continue that vital role for years to come.”