The Warner Robins Air Logistics Center in Georgia has converted the first of 12 standard C-130Hs to special operations configuration and done it at a pace that the chief of Air Force Special Operations Command, Lt. Gen. Michael Wooley, calls “awesome,” according to the Macon (Ga.) Telegraph. The ALC turned over the first MC-130W to AFSOC during a ceremony June 28. (There’s more in this WRALC news story.) Earlier this year, the Air Force began an effort to increase its buy of C-130J model Hercules because of the need to convert more older C-130s to special ops status.
The U.S. military is maintaining a beefed-up presence in the Middle East, including fighters and air defense assets, following the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities June 22 and subsequent retaliation by the Iranians against Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.
