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.
Members of the Air Force Reserve’s 920th Rescue Wing helped save 11 airplane crash survivors off the coast of Florida on May 12. The Reserve Airmen were flying an HC-130J Combat King II and an HH-60W Jolly Green II on a routine training flight when a Coast Guard call diverted…