Threatening dust storms can't stop the mighty Herc

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Matthew Wunderlich
  • 37th Airlift Squadron
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany (AFPN) --  The C-130 Hercules touched down on an unremarkable stretch of dirt in central Africa Jan. 28. Less than four minutes later the aircraft was accelerating and airborne, climbing away from the landing zone and setting a southeasterly course toward civilization. The mission was over for the C-130 crew as they commenced their journey home, back to Ramstein Air Base. For the Soldiers on the ground the mission was just beginning.

The operation was a joint mission integrating Army and Air Force assets and deploying these capabilities to the heart of sub-Saharan Africa. The mission required C-130s from the 37th and 38th Airlift Squadrons at Ramstein AB. The Army troops would provide training for African forces in support of the war on terrorism.

"The desired insertion into this area was a dirt landing zone nearly 100 miles from a suitable hardened runway, ultimately dictating a mission best suited to the versatile C-130 Hercules," said Capt. Justin Dahman, a 37th AS pilot.

The aircraft utilized by the 37th AS in this mission were C-130E models constructed in 1963 and veterans of nearly every conflict America has faced in the ensuing 45 years. The planes and their crews have spent months flying tactical airlift missions in support of operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.

"The versatility of this airframe enables Airmen to perform low-level operations and airdrop missions while remaining capable of short field takeoffs and landings. The dirt landing zone in Africa would test the C-130's capabilities to its fullest," said Capt. Justin Brumley, a 37th AS pilot.

The landing zone was distinguishable from the surrounding area only by the cerise panels cordoning off the first 500 feet of the runway. With only 3,500 feet of runway available, the C-130 touched down and offloaded successfully. The offloaded cargo included forklifts, trucks and basic supplies, all delivered with minimal time on the ground in order to avoid encroaching dust storms. 

The mission provided food, water and equipment for the Army personnel.

"By exercising the truly global reach of American assets in this remote area, Airmen from these two airlift squadrons enabled joint ops and furthered the (war on terrorism,)" said 1st Lt. Frank Laras, a 37th AS navigator. "The outstanding support of maintenance assets and planning cells fostered this mission's success." 

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