The number of new C-130J transports delivered to the 37th Airlift Squadron at Ramstein AB, Germany, now stands at 10, with the arrival of two more airframes in December. Brig. Gen. Michael Callan, vice commander of 17th Air Force (Air Forces Africa) flew one of the C-130Js in from Lockheed Martin’s assembly facility in Marietta, Ga., on Dec. 23. The second aircraft touched down at Ramstein that same day. Overall, the 37th AS is slated to receive a total of 14 C-130Js, which are replacing the unit’s C-130E warhorses that served for decades. Lockheed has said the four remaining C-130Js will be delivered in 2010. (Ramstein photo caption by MSgt. Jim Fisher)
The Air Force displayed all the firepower it has amassed on Okinawa in an unusually diverse show of force this week. IIn a May 6 “Elephant Walk,” Kadena Air Base showcased 24 F-35A Lightning II stealth fighters, eight F-15E Strike Eagles; two U.S. Army Patriot anti-missile batteries near the runway; and…