The employment of the new C-130J model Hercules in Southwest Asia is not new—the Air National Guard first flew the J there in fall 2004, beginning a 20-month field test—but the 41st Airlift Squadron has become the first active duty J model unit to deploy. And, the Little Rock AFB, Ark. unit has been operating J models for less than a year. “We stood up two squadrons, people, and airplanes, and deployed in 10 months,” said Lt. Col. Dan Tulley, 41st AS commander. The 41st moved to Little Rock from Pope AFB, N.C., where it flew older model Hercules.
Airmen and Guardians in the Active and Reserve component, as well as civilian employees, in “mission critical and high-risk populations” are now required to receive influenza vaccinations annually to “preserve force readiness,” according to a recent Department of the Air Force memo.