The last of eight C-130Hs arrived at Bradley ANGB in East Granby, Conn., last week, completing the Air National Guard’s 103rd Airlift Wing’s conversion from the Learjet C-21, unit officials announced. “We are now inextricably tied to the tactical airlift mission and our conversion to the venerable Hercules points to a very bright future at Bradley,” 103rd AW Commander Col. Frank Detorie said a release. The unit received its first C-130 in June 2013 and is slated to reach initial operational capability on the airlifter in 2016, states the release. “This milestone is incredibly important for the Flying Yankees because the longevity and proud history of the C-130 bodes so well for the future on the Connecticut ANG,” Detorie added.
In the wake of a major Chinese military shakeup, the head of U.S. Space Command warned of China’s “breathtakingly fast” advances in space during visits to Japan and South Korea. Gen. Stephen N. Whiting’s trip to the Indo-Pacific is his first overseas visit since taking command of SPACECOM in January.