The C-130J’s deployed combat experience is felt in other ways as well. ANG Maj. Julie Petrina, a J model pilot, told reporters Monday at the AFA’s Washington conference that missions into dangerous areas are flown with aircrew members wearing survival vests, 9 mm pistols, and, after dark, night vision goggles. Engines are even left running during off-loads whenever possible, so that the aircraft can quickly take off if a threat develops. Petrina has served two tours in Southwest Asia since 2004 and is scheduled to deploy again later this year.
House, Senate Unveil Competing Proposals for 2026 Budget
July 11, 2025
Lawmakers from the House and Senate laid out competing versions of the annual defense policy bill on July 11, with vastly different potential outcomes for some of the Air Force’s most embattled programs.