Officials with the 317th Airlift Group at Dyess AFB, Tex., welcomed the arrival of the unit’s 27th factory-fresh C-130J transport, leaving it one airframe shy of its planned full complement, according to a base release. Brig. Gen. Scott Goodwin, Air Mobility Command’s director of operations, ferried the C-130J, aircraft number 5724, from Lockheed Martin’s manufacturing plant in Marietta, Ga., to Dyess on May 22, states the company’s release. Dyess is slated to receive its final C-130J later this year. At full strength, the Texas base will host the largest Super Hercules force in the world, according to the company. The previous C-130J, Dyess’ 26th Super Hercules, arrived at the base in March. The C-130Js are replacing the group’s C-130H airplanes. (Dyess photo caption by SrA. Jonathan Stefanko)
When Airmen eject, the mission is clear: America leaves no warrior behind. Airmen are trained to survive, evade, resist, and escape the enemy, and everyone from ground crew to rescue personnel and commanders are committed to doing everything necessary—and possible—to bring downed Airmen home.