The 61st Airlift Squadron at Little Rock AFB, Ark., took delivery of another new-build C-130J transport. Maj. Gen. Michael Stough, Air Mobility Command’s director of strategic plans, requirements, and programs, on Oct. 23 ferried the aircraft, tail number 5756, from Lockheed Martin’s production facility in Marietta, Ga., to its new home, according to the company’s release. The base’s Facebook page stated that “the delivery of this aircraft marks the ninth C-130J to be delivered to the 61st Airlift Squadron.” The C-130Js are replacing the unit’s C-130Hs.
U.S. munitions have been expended at a high rate during Operation Epic Fury against Iran, prompting concerns that the Pentagon is eating into weapons stockpiles it needs to deter threats around the world. Yet the newly released $1.5 trillion defense budget request was developed before the war against Iran and…