The first and only USAF C-130 squadron based in the Southwest Asia theater has one airlifter that is hauling not supplies but a communications suite to provide better communications capability for ground convoys. Personnel from all the services operate the Joint Airborne Command and Control Command Post—or Jackpot to squadron members—which fits into the back of a 777th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron C-130 and relays communications. Officials say the Jackpot system, in the few weeks it has flown, has gotten praise from ground commanders.
The six-week government shutdown did not affect the hours flown by Air Force pilots, a service spokesperson told Air & Space Forces Magazine—avoiding what could have been a major blow at a time when flying hours are already lower than they have been in decades.
