Latest J Model Is Done With Phase 2: 
The newest Hercules—the C-130J—has completed Phase 2 of its operational test & evaluation program, and, officials say, the Air Force Operational Test & Evaluation Center expects to have a final report by March. The Phase 2 testing included heavy equipment, personnel, and container delivery airdrops at Little Rock AFB, Ark.; simulated combat drops with soldiers at Ft. Polk, La.; cold weather testing at Eielson AFB, Alaska; and high stress flying tests for J aircrews in simulators at Keesler AFB, Miss.
Air Force F-16 pilot Lt. Col. Eric R. Emerson, who commanded a small quick reaction force of fighters responding to Iranian-backed militia groups in 2024, became the first Air National Guardsman presented with the Anthony C. Shine Award on Feb. 10.
