Members of the Canadian Air Force arrived at Little Rock AFB, Ark., recently for a close up view of how the US trains its C-130J aircrews. The 12 Canadians—aircrew and maintainers—spent a week absorbing training lessons and information about the newest Hercules, in preparation for transition from the current Canadian fleet of C-130Es and Hs to the J models. Canada currently plans to buy 17 C-130Js from Lockheed Martin. Canadian Maj. Derek Miller, operational requirements manager on this program, said that it’s time for Canada to “trade up to a digital airframe” from its older C-130s, which “have begun to show signs of age.”
In a rare letter to the entire force, Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. Kenneth S. Wilsbach is telling Airmen to stay ready to support Operation Epic Fury, the massive U.S. operation against Iran.