The 28th and final factory-fresh Lockheed Martin C-130J transport destined for beddown with the 317th Airlift Group at Dyess AFB, Tex., touched down at the Texas base on Thursday, announced the company. Gen. Paul Selva, Air Mobility Command chief, flew the aircraft to Dyess from the company’s production facility in Marietta, Ga., states Lockheed Martin’s July 25 release. With the arrival of aircraft number 5726, the 317th AG is now the largest C-130J operator in the world, states the release. (See also Abilene Reporter-News report and One Shy of a Full House.)
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.