The Air Force has just ordered four more C-130J tactical airlifters, three of which possibly would go to replenish its special operations Hercules based on a request the service issued just last month. The fourth aircraft goes to the Marine Corps as an aerial refueling KC-130J. Prime contractor Lockheed Martin is to deliver the four Herks in 2010. Several lawmakers have been pushing the Air Force to order additional J Models, which have proven highly capable in Southwest Asia operations, to keep the production line open.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth visited the site of U.S. Space Command’s future home Dec. 12 and endorsed the move to establish the headquarters in Alabama after years of political back and forth.

