C-130 Aircraft Operations

C-130 Hercules aircraft on the tarmac and in-flight, involved in various military missions, emphasizing their role in air support and firefighting.

A U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J Super Hercules takes off during Black Flag 22-1 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, May 10, 2022. The KC-130J Super Hercules is a multi-mission medium lift fixed wing tactical aircraft providing long-range, land-based tactical and logistic support to fleet operating forces.

A C-130H Hercules aircraft from the 153rd Airlift Wing, Wyoming Air National Guard, is being prepared for a Modular Airborne Firefighting System (MAFFS) training mission in Boise, Idaho, April 26, 2022. The MAFFS units are training for a U.S. Northern Command mission. In the event of activation during the fire year, First Air Force (AFNORTH), U.S. Northern Command's Air Component Command, is the DoD's operational lead for the aerial military efforts to support USDA Forest Service-National Interagency Fire Center requests for fire suppression support.

A U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J Super Hercules takes off during Black Flag 22-1 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, May 10, 2022. The KC-130J Super Hercules is a multi-mission medium lift fixed wing tactical aircraft providing long-range, land-based tactical and logistic support to fleet operating forces.

The flight crew of an Air Force Reserve C-130 Hercules does a walk around pre-flight of the aircraft before departing from the Kansas City Downtown Airport. The C-130s are participating in Exercise Patriot Express '95. Subject Operation/Series: PATRIOT EXPRESS '95 Base: Kansas City Downtown Airport State: Missouri (MO) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Three MC-130J Commando II aircraft assigned to the 1st Special Operations Squadron taxi down the flight line during the biennial Flight of the Flock training event at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Jan. 6, 2022. As the only U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command unit in the Pacific, the 353rd Special Operations Group is the focal point for special operations aviation activity in the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command theater.

031030-F-9629J-002. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Kirkuk Air Base Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

An AC-130J Ghostrider with the 4th Special Operations Squadron waits in preparation for a training sortie, April 14, 2022 at Hurlburt Field, Florida. The AC-130J is a U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command aircraft used for close air support, air interdiction and armed reconnaissance.

Members from the Army National Guards 1/151 Attack Reconnaissance Battalion at McEntire Joint National Guard Base, South Carolina, work to move 10 Apache helicopters from the ARNG side of the base to the Air National Guards F-16 hangar. McEntire ANGs F-16s are being flown to an off-site location allowing the space needed for the ARNGs helicopters to be stored in preparation of Tropical Storm Hanna, which is expected to make landfall in the near future. The South Carolina National Guard stands ready to provide hurricane disaster relief operations to civilian authorities in those areas affected by damaging hurricanes. The SCNG has prepositioned aircraft, equipment, and personnel who are preparing for recovery operations.

An HC-130J Combat King II aircraft taxis for departure from Patrick Space Force Base, Florida, Sept. 26, 2022, in preparation for the arrival of Hurricane Ian. The decision was made to relocate the aircraft to areas that would prevent them from being damaged. In less than 24-hours, all of the wing's HC-130J Combat King II aircraft and HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters were prepared, pre-flight checked, then flown or loaded to be transported off of the installation. This movement was the equivalent of a rapid deployment of the wing's Personnel Recovery Task Force-Heavy, which utilizes multi-capable Airmen from across the wing to mobilize rapidly for rescue operations around the world.

An HC-130J Combat King II aircraft taxis for departure from Patrick Space Force Base, Florida, Sept. 26, 2022, in preparation for the arrival of Hurricane Ian. The decision was made to relocate the aircraft to areas that would prevent them from being damaged. In less than 24-hours, all of the wing's HC-130J Combat King II aircraft and HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters were prepared, pre-flight checked, then flown or loaded to be transported off of the installation. This movement was the equivalent of a rapid deployment of the wing's Personnel Recovery Task Force-Heavy, which utilizes multi-capable Airmen from across the wing to mobilize rapidly for rescue operations around the world.

Six MC-130J Commando II aircraft assigned to the 1st Special Operations Squadron taxi down the flight line at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Jan. 6, 2022. In total, the 1st SOS generated seven MC-130J aircraft to complete a formation flight for the biennial Flight of the Flock training event.

The165th Airlift Wing hosted Family Day on September 10, 2022, to provide unit members and family an opportunity to visit the base, learn about our mission and participate in fun activities. The events included activities for kids, lunch, and static military aircraft and equipment displays. Several veteran organizations and small businesses from the local Pooler and Savannah area sponsored the event.

U.S. Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 265 conduct start- up procedures on an MV-22B Osprey during Keen Sword 23 at Kumamoto Airport, Japan, Nov. 15, 2022. Keen Sword is a biennial training event that exercises the combined capabilities and lethality developed between the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force and the Japan Self Defense Force (JSDF). This bilateral field-training exercise between the U.S. Military and JSDF strengthens interoperability and combat readiness of the U.S.-Japan Alliance.

A U.S. Air Force AC-130J Ghostrider gunship aircraft assigned to the 1st Special Operations Wing in Hurlburt Field, Florida, park after temporarily relocating to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, during Hurricane Ian Sept. 28, 2022. The 88th Air Base Wing Airmen provided strength through support as aircraft and aircrews from installations affected by the hurricane arrived seeking safety.

Aerospace propulsion technicians assigned to the 910th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron run an engine test on a 910th Airlift Wing C-130H Hercules aircraft, Jan. 17, 2023, at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho. The C-130 was grounded by an Air Mobility Command time compliance technical order on Sept. 27, 2022, while conducting an aerial spray mission at MHAFB. The 910th AW dispatched a maintenance recovery team, Jan. 9-20, to inspect and repair the C-130 for its return to service and trip home.

U.S. Marines with 3d Battalion, 12th Marines and Marine Air Control Squadron 4 off-load ammunition from a KC-130J Super Hercules aircraft during Resolute Dragon 22 on Camp Betsukai, Hokkaido, Japan, Oct. 13, 2022. Resolute Dragon 22 is an annual bilateral exercise designed to strengthen the defensive capabilities of the U.S.-Japan Alliance by exercising integrated command and control, targeting, combined arms, and maneuver across multiple domains.

A C-130E Hercules aircraft from the 463rd Tactical Airlift Wing is prepared for a flight to Prague, Czechoslovakia, with a load of ground support equipment. The equipment will be used to unload 130,000 pounds of donated medical supplies from a C-5B Galaxy aircraft that will arrive in Prague later in the day. Once unloaded, the supplies will be turned over to the Czech government for distribution. Base: Rhein-Main Air Base Country: Deutschland / Germany(DEU)

A line of C-130H Hercules aircraft assigned to the 910th Airlift Wing taxi to the runway at Youngstown Air Reserve Station, Ohio, Sept. 15, 2022. The formation flight was part of the 757th Airlift Squadron's annual TAC week, a condensed week of flight training highlighted by a six-aircraft formation flight.

A U.S. Air Force C130 Hercules assigned to Air National Guard, 133rd Airlift Wing, St. Paul, Minnesota, is staged for a U.S. Marine Corps High-Mobility Artillery Rocket System with 5th Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, onload in support of exercise Valiant Shield 2022 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, June 7, 2022. Exercise such as Valiant Shield allows the Indo-Pacific Command Joint Forces the opportunity to integrate forces from all branches of service to conduct precise, lethal, and overwhelming multi-axis, multi-domain effects that demonstrate the strength and versatility of the Joint Force and our commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Frontiers in Flight Open House & Airshow participants arrive Sept. 22, 2022, at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas. The show will feature 12 performers, including Tora Tora Tora, two A-10s, and the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. These events serve as a way for military installations to show appreciation for local communities and showcase Department of Defense and Air Force capabilities.

U.S. Marines with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 152 conduct pre-flight checks at Clark Air Base, Philippines, Oct. 15, 2022. VMGR-152 supported Marines and Sailors with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, transporting personnel and equipment across the Indo-Pacific region.

030202-M-3166S-003. Base: Marine Corps Air Station, Futema State: Okinawa Country: Japan (JPN)

Lt. Col. Stephen Pituch, 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron commander and WC-130J Super Hercules pilot at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., prepares for takeoff June 2, 2022. The 53rd WRS flew its first data collection mission of the Atlantic hurricane season into Invest 91L off the Yucatan Peninsula.

050201-F-9429S-001. Base: Karshni-Khanabad Air Base Country: Uzbekistan (UZB)

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 165th Airlift Wing (AW), Georgia Air National Guard, welcome Savannah's first C-130J Super Hercules tactical aircraft Jan. 24, 2024 to Savannah Air National Guard Base, Ga. The 165th AW officially received the first of its eight C-130J Super Hercules tactical airlift aircraft during a ceremony Jan. 22 at Lockheed Martin in Marietta.

A C-130J Super Hercules is parked on the flightline at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, May 11, 2022. The 19th Airlift Wing is conducting a ROCKI exercise to validate the full spectrum readiness capabilities of the airlift wing. ROCKI exercises are typically divided into distinct phases, each deliberately intended to assess the wing in various warfighting functions. Phase 1 of ROCKI 22-03 tested the wing's ability to assemble and rapidly deploy more than 300 personnel.

A USAF 86TH Air Wing C-130 taxies, with its rear loading ramp lowered, along the tarmac at Tuzla Air Base, Bosnia-Herzegovina. The 86th is in support of forces involved in Operation Joint Endeavor, which is a peacekeeping effort by a multinational Implementation Force (IFOR), comprised of NATO and non-NATO military forces, deployed to Bosnia in support of the Dayton Peace Accords. (Duplicate image, see also DF-ST-97-02248 or search 960914-F-3939J-505). Subject Operation/Series: JOINT ENDEAVOR Base: Tuzla Air Base Country: Bosnia And/I Herzegovina (BIH)

A U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 86th Airlift Wing takes off to deliver cargo and personnel in support of NATO Air Shielding at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, Aug. 5, 2022. The Air Shielding mission integrates allies and partners while demonstrating the alliances dedication to deter and defend the eastern European region.

Marines from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEU (SOC)) board a KC-130/R Hercules from Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron-352 (VMGR-352) located at a forward operating base for a flight back into Kandahar, Afghanistan in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: VMGR-352

A C-130E currently deployed to the 4404th (P) Wing Dhahran Air Base, Saudi Arabia taxis on the runway at an air base in Jordan. The plane is carrying munitions for the upcoming Air Power Expeditionary Force operation. Subject Operation/Series: AIR POWER EXPEDITIONARY FORCE Country: Jordan (JOR)

040826-F-2233S-022. Base: Middletown State: Pennsylvania (PA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron sit on the flightline during Exercise Beverly Sunrise 22-04 at Misawa Air Base, Japan, May 12, 2022. Agile Combat Employment is the result of the 2018 National Defense Strategy instructing services to alter their posture and transition from a large, centralized, unhardened infrastructure to smaller, dispersed, resilient, adaptive basing.

A 211th Rescue Squadron HC-130J Combat King II, takes fuel at Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson, Alaska, Sept. 29, 2022. More than 130 members of the Alaska Organized Militia, which includes members of the Alaska National Guard, Alaska State Defense Force and Alaska Naval Militia, were activated following a disaster declaration issued Sept. 17 after the remnants of Typhoon Merbok caused dramatic flooding across more than 1,000 miles of Alaskan coastline.

DF-ST-86-12120. Base: North Field State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A C-130J Super Hercules flies over Central Arkansas during a formation flight, June 1, 2022. The formation was led by the 61st Airlift Squadron, which is a flying squadron assigned to world's largest C-130 unit, the 19th Airlift Wing.

An MC-130J Commando II sits on the flightline, June 24, 2022, at Columbus Air Force Base, Miss. The MC-130J is replacing the aging SOF fleet of 57 MC-130E, H, and P aircraft.

A C-130J Super Hercules from the 36th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron flies over a drop zone during practice airdrop operations near Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Dec. 1, 2022, as part of Operation Christmas Drop 2022. Operation Christmas Drop is the longest-running Department of Defense humanitarian mission that delivers critical aid to island communities throughout the western Pacific while also providing an opportunity for aircrew to hone important skills needed for future operations.

The last MC-130H Combat Talon II, Tail Number 89-0280, taxis to the Boneyard at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., April 3, 2023. The aircraft departed Hurlburt Field for the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group, also known as the Boneyard, at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base.

An air-to-air left side view of an EC-130Q Hercules aircraft flown by Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron 4 (VQ-4), Naval Air Training Center, Patuxent River, Marylan. The squadron is part of the TACAMO (Take Charge and Move Out) system. Country: Unknown

US Navy Lockheed S-3 Viking anti submarine / sea control aircraft prepares for a training mission at Naval Air Field El Centro in the Imperial valley. The aircraft is carrying live CBU's (cluster bomb) on the left pylon (R in photo) and live 500lb slicks on the opposite side.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Thomas McGee, a loadmaster assigned to the 317th Airlift Squadron, observes the aircraft during the engine start-up phase on the flight line at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, Jan. 27, 2022. The mission of the 317th Airlift Squadron is to recruit, train and support combat ready aircrews in order to meet global taskings. (U.S. Air Force photo be Senior Airman Taylor Crul)

An M-142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) assigned to the U.S. Army 3rd Battalion, 321st Field Artillery Regiment, is loaded onto a MC-130J Commando II assigned to the 352d Special Operations Wing in support of Latvian National exercise NAMEJS, at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Sept 26, 2022. During NAMEJS, Latvian and U.S. Army soldiers executed a HIMARS live fire demonstrations.

U.S. Marines with 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW) unload equipment from an MV-22B Osprey at Marine Corps Outlying Field Atlantic, North Carolina, Jan. 25, 2023. U.S. Marines with 2nd MAW demonstrated their capability to conduct distributed aviation operations, logistics, communications, and sustainment requirements necessary to fight in future battles in accordance with Force Design 2030. 2nd MAW is the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force.

A C-130 Hercules takes off from Yokota Air Base, Japan, May 11, 2016, during Jump Week. The 36th Airlift Squadron provided airlift support to the Marine Corps weeklong jump training.

A WC-130J Super Hercules aircraft assigned to the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., embarks on a local training mission June 16, 2022. The 53rd Weather Reconnaissance is part of the Air Force Reserve and carries the unique distinction of being the only unit in the Department of Defense to fly into tropical weather events for the purpose of atmospheric data collection.

A Turkish Air Force A400 during Exercise Anatolian Eagle.

A C-130H Hercules aircraft assigned to the 910th Airlift Wing performs an assault landing at Youngstown Air Reserve Station, Ohio, Sept. 16, 2022. The landing was part of the 757th Airlift Squadron's annual TAC week, a condensed week of flight training highlighted by a six-aircraft formation flight.

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 165th Airlift Wing (AW), Georgia Air National Guard, greet Savannah's first C-130J Super Hercules aircraft Jan. 24, 2024 at Savannah Air National Guard Base, Ga. The 165th AW officially received the first of its eight C-130J Super Hercules aircraft during a ceremony Jan. 22 at Lockheed Martin in Marietta, Ga.

U.S. Air Force CV-22 Osprey assigned to the 21st Special Operations Squadron, takes off to perform an aerial demonstration in support of Range Day at Draughon Range near Misawa Air Base, Japan, Oct. 28, 2022. The Osprey combines the vertical takeoff, landing and hover capabilities of a helicopter with the long-range, fuel efficiency and speed characteristics of a turboprop aircraft.

At a forward operating airstrip in the ENDURING FREEDOM area of operation, Marines from Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron-352 (VMGR-352) prepare their KC-130/R for a flight into Kandahar. Taxing by, a KC-130/R from the Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron-252 (VMGR-252) heads for the main runway for its flight into Kandahar during Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: VMGR-352

A C-130 transport aircraft with VMGR-234, Marine Aircraft Group 41, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Forces Reserve prepares to depart the Camp Shelby Joint Training Center Auxiliary Airfield with Marines from 3rd Force Reconnaissance Company, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve in support of Operation Santa Drop in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, November 10, 2022. This combined effort brought gifts to military children via parachute operations in support of Toys for Tots 75th anniversary. Toys for Tots is a Marine Corps Reserve charitable program that collects, organizes, and distributes toys to less fortunate children across the nation in hopes of bringing happiness to children, and relief to families, during the Christmas season.

U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules aircraft assigned to the 37th Airlift Squadron, 86th Airlift Wing, Ramstein Air Base, Germany, and Airmen assigned to the 435th Air Ground Operations Wing arrive at Elefsis Air Base, Greece, May 2, 2022. Airmen and aircraft are participating in a bilateral training event with the Hellenic air force during Stolen Cerberus IX, a multilateral training mission.

220623-N-XN177-1072 PACIFIC OCEAN (June 23, 2022) - An MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262 takes off from the flight deck of amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), June 23, 2022. Tripoli is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

030318-F-4806N-009. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base Country: Romania (ROM)

U.S. Air Force operators with the 492nd Special Operations Wing, Hurlburt Field, Florida, prepare to take off for a free-fall and static-line jump mission on an MC-130J Commando II from the 27th Special Operations Wing, Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico, during Emerald Warrior 22.1 at Eglin Range, Florida, May 4, 2022. Emerald Warrior is the largest joint special operations exercise involving U.S. Special Operations Command forces training to respond to various threats across the spectrum of conflict.

U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules aircrews with the 36th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, salute fellow airmen at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Dec. 10, 2022, during a multinational elephant walk as part of Operation Christmas Drop 2022. Seven C-130 aircraft from the U.S. Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force, Japan Air Self-Defense Force, Republic of Korea Air Force and Royal New Zealand Air Force participated in the elephant walk to mark the conclusion of Operation Christmas Drop, a humanitarian assistance effort meant to support remote island communities in the Federated States of Micronesia and Republic of Palau.

220905-N-XN177-1596 SOUTH CHINA SEA (Sept. 5, 2022) - An MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262 takes off from amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7) Sept. 5, 2022. Tripoli is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

220905-N-XN177-1596 SOUTH CHINA SEA (Sept. 5, 2022) - An MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262 takes off from amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7) Sept. 5, 2022. Tripoli is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

020514-F-0193C-024. Base: Charleston Air Force Base State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A C-130 Hercules aircraft from the Georgia Air National Guard prepares to land at the 165th Airlift Wing flightline in Garden City, Georgia, on Sept. 11, 2022. This was part of a large formation flight to test the wings ability to synchronize large-scale formations, a show of force and to showcase the recently completed modernization of the C-130 Hercules fleet.

A 37th Tactical Airlift Squadron C-130E Hercules aircraft makes a grass strip landing at Drop Zone Juliet near Aviano Air Base during an evening training mission. Country: Italy (ITA)

Members of the 179th Airlift Wing Maintenance Group work on the C-130H Hercules in the early morning at the 179th Airlift Wing, Mansfield, Ohio, as part of normal training operations, Oct. 26, 2016. The 179th Airlift Wing is always on a mission to be the first choice to respond to state and federal missions with a trusted team of Airmen.

An OV-10 Bronco aircraft taxis out in preparation for takeoff during Exercise JUNGLE THUNDER. Subject Operation/Series: JUNGLE THUNDER Base: Clark Air Base State: Luzon Country: Philippines (PHL)

A U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron sits in the snow on the flightline at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Feb. 5, 2024. The base recorded more than 3 inches of snowfall during a 12-hour period, the most since 2022. Air Force

220725-N-XB010-1003 SOUTH CHINA SEA (July 25, 2022) An MV-22B Osprey lands on the forward-deployed amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18) flight deck to deliver supplies and personnel. New Orleans, part of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group, along with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

An HC-130 Combat King II search and rescue aircraft assigned to the 106th Rescue Wing of the New York Air National Guard, arrives at Campo Grande, Brazil on August 21, 2022 as part of the preparations for Exercise Tapio, a combined Brazilian- U.S. irregular warfare exercise. The New York Air National Guard dispatched 100 Airmen to participate as part of the State Partnership Program relationship with Brazil,

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Brad Webb, commander of Air Education and Training Command, takes off from flight line in a CV-22 Osprey assigned to the 8th Special Operations Squadron, May 10, 2022, at Hurlburt Field, Fla. Webb served as the commander of Air Force Special Operations Command prior to assuming the leadership of AETC.

A right rear view of an AC-130H Hercules aircraft taking off during exercise Team Spirit '81. Subject Operation/Series: TEAM SPIRIT '81 Base: Kwang Ju Air Base Country: Korea

A U.S. Air Force C-17 readies to unload supplies for both troops and Cuban migrants. Subject Operation/Series: SEA SIGNAL V Base: Guantanamo Bay Country: Cuba (CUB)

Members of the 21st Special Operations Squadron tow an MH-53J helicopter, one of the first group to arrive in Europe equipped with the Pave Low infrared system for night operations, on the flight line, while another is unloaded from a C-5A Galaxy aircraft. Base: Raf Woodbridge Country: England / Great Britain (ENG)

A loadmaster with the 193rd Special Operations Group watches as an EC-130J Commando Solo aircraft starts its engines prior to the final training flight in Middletown, Pennsylvania, Sept. 17, 2022. Airmen from the 193rd Special Operations Wing brought to a close a 54-year chapter in unit history as one of the three Commando Solo aircraft delivered its final broadcast during the Lancaster Community Days Air Show event.

Nine LC130s with the 109th Airlift Wing conducted the units first ever Elephant Walk on September 10th 2022. An elephant walk is a United States Air Force term for thetaxiing of military aircraft in close formation; often employed to project air power through the rapid deployment of multiple aircraft at once.

A C-130 Hercules aircraft practices take-off and landing off from one of three different runways aboard the island of Tinian, Northern Mariana Islands. Several aircraft were using the runway throughout the time there in support of Marines from Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 172, who were conducting a sight survey aboard the island to discuss the possibility of making the airfield more active in the future. Base: Tinian Island Country: Northern Mariana Islands (MNP)

040920-F-1646R-003. Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA)

Seven C-130 Aircraft from the U.S. Air Force, Republic of Korea Air Force, Japan Air Self-Defense Force, Royal Australian Air Force and Royal New Zealand Air Force take part in an elephant walk to signify the end of Operation Christmas Drop 2022, Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Dec. 10, 2022. Operation Christmas Drop is the longest running Department of Defense humanitarian mission that delivers critical aid to island communities throughout the western Pacific while also providing an opportunity for aircrew to hone important skills needed for future operations.

A C-17 Globemaster III assigned to the 172d Airlift Wing, Mississippi Air National Guard, arrives at Gulfport Combat Readiness Training Center during Southern Strike 2022 at Gulfport, Mississippi, April 22, 2022. Southern Strike 2022 is a large-scale, joint multinational combat exercise hosted by the Mississippi National Guard that provides tactical level training for the full spectrum of conflict.

DN-ST-86-10451. Base: USS Coral Sea (CV 43) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Shannon Wrage, a navigator with the 169th Airlift Squadron, Illinois Air National Guard, flies her fini flight” at the 182nd Airlift Wing in Peoria, Illinois, Aug. 14, 2022. Wrage has 26 years of military service.

86th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Airmen tow a 37th Airlift Squadron C-130J Super Hercules into position for operations during Steadfast Javelin II on Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Sep. 3, 2014. Steadfast Javelin II prepares U.S., NATO Allies and European security partners to conduct unified land operations through the simultaneous combination of offensive, defensive, and stability operations appropriate to the mission and the environment, and to sustain interoperability with partner nations.

A U.S. Air Force MC-130J Commando II assigned to the 1st Special Operations Wing takes off from Hurlburt Field, Florida, Feb. 2, 2024. The primary mission of the 1st SOW is to rapidly plan and execute specialized and contingency operations in support of national priorities. Air Force

Atlantic Ocean, July 19, 2008 - An Aviation Boatswain's Mate directs a French E-2C Hawkeye during combined French and American carrier qualifications aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt. This event marks the first integrated U.S. and French carrier qualifications aboard a U.S. aircraft carrier.

A Royal Thai Air Force C-130H Hercules taxis on a runway at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Aug. 11, 2022. The Royal Thai Air Forces 601st Squadron came to Japan to perform their own multilateral trainings. Thailand is part of the United Nations and Yokota Air Base is one of seven U.S. bases designated for joint United Nations Command - Rear use.

An MC-130E Hercules aircraft on the runway. The MC-130E, assigned to the 7th Special Operations Squadron, is equipped with Fulton surface-to-air retrieval equipment on the nose. Base: Rhein-Main Air Base Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

Nighttime view of a United States Marine Corps KC-130J Super Hercules cargo plane parked at Kuantan Air Base, Kuantan, Malaysia.

Senior Airman Calvin Buckman, 347th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron flying crew chief, observes engine start-up prior to a familiarization flight during Exercise Pacific Angel at Subang Air Base, Malaysia, Aug. 15, 2022. The goals of Pacific Angel are to facilitate cooperation and enhance interoperability between the U.S. Air Force and allied forces through subject matter expert exchanges and humanitarian support exercises.

A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey taxiing at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar.

A parachute pulls a pallet of equipment from the cargo bay of a C-130 Hercules aircraft during a low-altitude parachute extraction system (LAPES) exercise at the Cicerly Drop Zone. Base: Pope Air Force Base State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing prepares to transport a member of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force with an MV-22 Osprey at Kamifurano Maneuver Area, Hokkaido, Japan, Oct. 5, 2022. Resolute Dragon 22 is an annual bilateral exercise designed to strengthen the defensive capabilities of the U.S.- Japan Alliance by exercising integrated command and control, targeting, combined arms and maneuver across multiple domains.

DM-ST-86-08432. Base: Mcas, Cherry Point State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A right front view of a C-130 Hercules aircraft in use during Operation Urgent Fury. Subject Operation/Series: URGENT FURY Base: Point Salines Airport Country: Grenada (GRD)

U.S. Marines with 3d Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, 3d Marine Division, execute a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System Rapid Infiltration from a C-130 Hercules aircraft as part of exercise Resolute Dragon 22 at Kenebetsu Air Base, Hokkaido, Japan, Oct. 6, 2022. Resolute Dragon 22 is an annual bilateral exercise designed to strengthen the defensive capabilities of the U.S.-Japan Alliance by exercising integrated command and control, targeting, combined arms, and maneuver across multiple domains.

DN-ST-89-07359. Subject Operation/Series: GALLANT EAGLE 88 Base: Naval Air Station, Fallon State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A C-17 Globemaster II cargo aircraft touches down at F.S. Gabreski Airport on Sept. 14, 2010. The C-17 is transporting a helicopter and more than 20 members of 106th Rescue Wing from the New York Air National Guard over to Cape town, South Africa for the Africa Aerospace & Defense Expo.

A marshaler with the 627th Air Mobility Support Squadron, RAF Mildenhall, United Kingdom, directs a C-5B Galaxy to a parking position. The C-5B is delivering four fuel trucks to help the fuels management flight of the 100th Supply Squadron keep up with the increasing demand to refuel KC-135R Stratotankers for NATO Operation ALLIED FORCE. ALLIED FORCE objective "is to degrade and damage the military and security structure that President Milosevic (Yugoslav President) has used to depopulate and destroy the Albanian majority in Kosovo," William S. Cohen, Secretary of Defense. Subject Operation/Series: NATO Operation ALLIED FORCE Base: Raf Mildenhall Country: Great Britain / England (GBR) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

U.S. Marines with 3d Battalion, 12th Marines and Marine Air Control Squadron 4 off-load ammunition from a KC-130J Super Hercules aircraft during Resolute Dragon 22 on Camp Betsukai, Hokkaido, Japan, Oct. 13, 2022. Resolute Dragon 22 is an annual bilateral exercise designed to strengthen the defensive capabilities of the U.S.-Japan Alliance by exercising integrated command and control, targeting, combined arms, and maneuver across multiple domains.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Evan Anderson, a crew chief assigned to the 165th Maintenance Group, 165th Airlift Wing (AW), Georgia Air National Guard, waits to marshal in Savannah's first C-130J Super Hercules tactical aircraft Jan. 24, 2024 at Savannah Air National Guard Base, Ga. The 165th AW officially received the first of its eight C-130J Super Hercules during a ceremony Jan. 22 at Lockheed Martin in Marietta, Ga.

030402-F-6809H-007. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: 398th AEG

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