Dyess AFB, Tex., received its sixth new-build C-130J transport, fresh from Lockheed Martin’s production facility in Marietta Ga., according to a company release. “The latest C-130J delivery represents another key step in continuing efforts to modernize our inventory to provide the best tactical airlift to commanders across the globe,” said Lt. Gen. Robert Allardice, 18th Air Force commander, during the Sept. 8 handover. Dyess’ 317th Airlift Group will eventually boast USAF’s largest C-130J fleet, with plans to operate a total of 28 Super Hercules aircraft—the last of which is due to arrive in 2013. The base’s long history with the Hercules began in 1961, when it took delivery of its initial batch of C-130As and C-130Ds.
The U.S. continued to move a significant amount of airpower toward the Middle East in recent days as talks to forge a nuclear deal with Iran hung in the balance. Flight tracking data indicate there was unusually heavy movement of dozens of fighter jets and other assets that might be…
