2nd Annual C-130J Fly-In Grows Herc Nation

By U.S. Air Force Press Release - March 21, 2019

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Shaun Pinheiro-Pires, 321st Field Artillery Regiment M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System launcher chief, awaits direction to load HIMARS onto a C-130J at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, March 12, 2019. The U.S. Army routinely conducts exercises with the U.S. Air Force to increase effectiveness and joint operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Rhett Isbell)

By Airman 1st Class Kristine M. Gruwell, 19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Representatives from eight C-130J Super Hercules units came together to train and enhance mobility partnerships across the C-130J enterprise during the second annual fly-in at Little Rock Air Force Base, March 9-16.

The fly-in allowed for side-by-side training aimed at increasing readiness and effectiveness of the C-130J force by improving cohesiveness and bolstering the ability of units to project agile combat airlift together downrange.

“We’re doing what we can to improve ourselves, one another and the C-130 community at large,” said Col. Gerald Donohue, 19th Airlift Wing commander. “When we train side-by-side and tackle the issues we face as a community, not only are we better for it, but we are taking the charge our senior leadership has given us to push responsibility to the lowest level and move out on solutions where appropriate. The end result is a more effective, more lethal tactical airlift capability for our nation.”

Little Rock AFB personnel were joined by units from Ramstein Air Base, Germany; Yokota AB, Japan; Channel Islands Air National Guard Station, California, Keesler AFB, Mississippi and Dyess AFB, Texas. By including representatives from the U.S. Army, the training improved on joint teamwork. Throughout the week, units worked together to enhance numerous C-130 tactics such as large formation operations, heavy equipment, container delivery system and personnel airdrop, large-cargo loading, heavyweight assault landings and sea rescue kit airdrops.

A 5-ton Medium Tactical Vehicle is loaded onto a C-130J during the fly-in exercise at Arkansas International Airport-Byh, March 13, 2019. The fly-in allows for side-by-side training and increases the capability of the C-130J force to operate together cohesively in a deployed environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Aaron Irvin)

“The fly-in gives us the opportunity for our weapon system to get together with all our sister units and exchange tactics and procedures and to be interoperable,” said Maj. Christopher Dolby, 36th Airlift Squadron director of plans and operations from Yokota AB.

During the fly-in, a weapon system council brought together relevant stakeholders from across the C-130J enterprise to discuss tactics and address common concerns from within the community. They covered how units are addressing full-spectrum readiness, as well as how they are improving the C-130 deployment structure with wing-to-wing partnership. Attendees also heard from higher-headquarters representatives about the health and future of the fleet.

“While this week saw some really high-end training, it was not just about flying together,” said Col. Shane Haughian, 19th Operations Group commander. “It was about having a necessary conversation that brought together the best from each unit to really dig down into how we, as a C-130 enterprise, are getting after full-spectrum readiness. In the end, that crosstalk is invaluable.”

U.S. Air Force Tech Sgt. Luke Hughes, 61st Airlift Squadron instructor loadmaster noncommissioned officer in charge of training, looks out the back of a C-130J during the fly-in exercise at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, March 13, 2019. The second-annual fly-in includes C-130J units from around the globe. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kristine M. Gruwell)

This team-driven training promoted problem solving at the unit level, focusing on driving the enterprise forward.

“The fly-in is important for (Little Rock AFB) because it stresses the importance of relationship building,” said Maj. Brendan Wier, 19th Operations Support Squadron chief of tactics. “This dynamic environment creates a platform for relationships to be built so Airmen have good communication when there are changes in procedures or events they’re unfamiliar with during real-world operations.”

The fly-in was a testament to the tactical airlift capabilities of the C-130, highlighting how combat airlifters of all specialties enable and ensure global reach.

“With every cargo load, airdrop, takeoff and landing this week, our interoperability grew,” Donohue said. “Let this week stand as a showcase of what the “Herc” community brings to the fight, and also of the truly global scale on which the C-130 operates. We couldn’t be happier to foster this conversation right here at the Home of Combat Airlift.”