Deployed C-130Js exceeding expectations

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Mark Diamond
  • Air Mobility Command Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. (AFPN) --  When the C-130J -- the newest variant of the versatile C-130 Hercules -- deployed for the first time in December, Air Mobility Command officials said they were confident of the aircraft’s capabilities.

During the first few weeks of the aircraft's deployment, the J model has met and in some cases exceeded those expectations, the deployed mission commander said.

Col. Lawrence Gallogly, commander of the 746th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, said the aircraft has performed admirably, and all indications are that it is ideally suited for conditions that require higher power settings and increased cargo-carrying capacity.

With about four weeks of flying in the theater, the aircraft have logged more than 393 flying hours and carried more than 1,743 passengers and 627-plus tons of cargo, the colonel said. And as unit Airmen become more familiar with the J model and its payload capacity, he said he expects those numbers will be even higher.

Colonel Gallogly said one of the biggest benefits of the J model has been the aircraft's increased cargo capacity. He said two C-130Js can provide the cargo carrying capacity of almost three E and H models.

"This is a force multiplier for the theater commander," he said.

Aside from the improved power capabilities and increased cargo capacity, Colonel Gallogly said adding the J models alongside the older C-130 aircraft has been nearly transparent.

"We have assimilated [the C-130Js] into the pre-existing C-130 squadron with no noticeable difference," he said. "Of course we have a little good natured ribbing that goes back and forth between aircraft types, but it's all in fun. We've actually had quite a few E and H model crewmembers fly with us as observers during our orientation rides in theater, and I think they have been very impressed."

Lt. Col. Mark Sheehan, 746th EAS director of operations, said that the orientation flights have changed more than a few opinions.

"There were a great many urban legends about the C-130J throughout the other units," Colonel Sheehan said. "We provided a briefing to wing (leaders) and offered the opportunity for observers and operations group staff to fly with C-130J crews. Once they see the difference in performance and capability, they quickly agree that the C-130J is an outstanding tactical airlifter."

Besides its deployed mission success, Colonel Gallogly said the aircraft is also performing well in the area of "spare parts availability;" something some C-130J critics said would be a problem in a deployed environment.

"Part of our job here is to identify which C-130J parts will be our high-failure-rate parts and which [parts] might hold up better than expected," he said. "Thus far, the supply system has been great at keeping up with the few needs we have had. Our mission-capable rate is much higher than the fleet average, and spare parts simply have not been an issue."

Although AMC officials said they are happy with the initial success, the colonel said C-130J operators and maintainers still have a lot to learn, and he expects even more success from the newest member of the Hercules family.

He credits the aircraft's successes to a total-force effort of active-duty, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve Airmen.

"We would not be here on this deployment today had it not been for a truly joint effort," he said. "We often hear the phrase 'one team, one fight,' but we have lived it on several levels."

Colonel Sheehan said he also thinks the C-130J has performed "extremely well" during the first month of its deployment, and he also credits the aircraft's success to the maintainers and aircrews who worked hard to integrate the new aircraft into the deployed operations.

"We are part of the normal day-to-day operations and working the same shifts and missions as the other C-130 squadrons," he said. "This combat test is validation of both the aircraft and the training developed by the initial cadre of instructors. And when we return home, we can provide feedback to the at Little Rock [AFB, Ark.] and further refine training for future C-130J crews."

Colonel Gallogly said that it is great to see the C-130Js operating alongside their counterparts as a single, integrated operation.

"I’m proud to be part of [the C-130J's first deployment]," he said. "I hope it will set the standard of future deployments of the ‘J’ and mark the beginning of a long and storied history of the next generation of Hercules."

General John W. Handy, commander of Air Mobility Command and U.S. Transportation Command, said he has closely monitored the C-130J’s progress.

“I am extremely pleased with the performance of the C-130J during this deployment,” he said. “That success is a testament to the dedicated, professional team of Airmen supporting the mission and the magnificent C-130J. Together, they are setting a pace that will be hard to beat!” (Courtesy of AMC News Service)