The USAF C-130 Hercules unit that moved to Balad AB, Iraq, in January, becoming the first Herc unit to operate from a base in a forward location, flies twice the number of missions as other C-130 units traversing Southwest Asia. And, the airmen of the 777th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron accomplish this feat with the standard complement of aircrews and maintainers, reports Air Force journalist SrA. Kerry Solan-Johnson. USAF moved the unit into theater to alleviate more of the Army’s truck convoy missions. The unit flies seven missions a day, with the help of 15 six-man aircrews, along with maintainers, life support technicians, flight medics, and other support personnel.
Planning an Air Show Is Hard. At Andrews, It’s Even Harder
Sept. 17, 2025
Joint Base Andrews opened its flightline this month to thousands of civilians, exposing a normally restricted airbase that regularly hosts the president and foreign dignitaries to a curious public eager to see current and historic military aircraft up close and in action.