C-130 Hercules Aircraft Operations

A series of images showcasing C-130 Hercules aircraft in various operational settings, emphasizing military readiness and airlift capabilities.

U.S. Air Force MC-130J Commando IIs with 353rd Special Operations Wing, stage at Subic Bay International Airport in support of Balikatan 23 on March 29, 2023. Balikatan is an annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military designed to strengthen bilateral interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Wesley Ladd, 26th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron HC-130J Combat King II pilot, prepares the aircraft for takeoff prior to an agile combat employment exercise with the 1st Expeditionary Rescue Group, at an undisclosed location within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Dec. 3, 2022. The ACE exercise enabled pilots, loadmasters, special warfare airmen, and special mission aviators to increase their combat search and rescue proficiency by working as a rescue triad consisting of HH-60s, HC-130s, and Pararescue forces in unison to rescue isolated personnel in a hostile environment.

041204-F-2034C-049. Base: Balad Air Base Country: Iraq (IRQ)

041204-F-2034C-064. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM/ ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Balad Air Base Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: Central Command

A US Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft arrives at Alexandria airport, Louisiana, to participate in JRTC 01-06. The US Air Force C-130s from the 2nd Airlift Squadron, Pope Air Force Base, North Carolina, are working alongside Canadian aircraft from the 2nd Air Movement Squadron in Trenton, Ontario, to deliver personnel and supplies to the Joint Readiness Training Center at Fort Polk, Louisiana. Subject Operation/Series: JRTC 01-06 Base: Alexandria State: Louisiana (LA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

970407-F-7910D-505. Subject Operation/Series: PHOENIX GAUNTLET Base: Brazzaville Country: Congo (COG)

041010-F-0848C-002. Subject Operation/Series: OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Kirkuk Air Base Country: Iraq (IRQ)

030331-F-2034C-002. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Iraq (IRQ)

U.S. Air Force MC-130J Commando IIs with 353rd Special Operations Wing, stage at Subic Bay International Airport in support of Balikatan 23 on March 29, 2023. Balikatan is an annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military designed to strengthen bilateral interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences.

A Georgia Air National Guard C-130 Hercules from the 165th Airlift Wing departs Savannah- Hilton Head Intl Airport, Savannah, Georgia en route to Europe on March 30, 2022. The Airmen are deploying in support of U.S. Air Forces Europe by providing logistical support and a tactical airlift package supplying military aid.

Members of the 165th Airlift Wing, Georgia Air National Guard, return to Savannah, Georgia from a deployment to Europe in a C-130 Hercules on April 5, 2022. The Airmen deployed in support of the U.S. Air Forces Europe and provided logistical support and a tactical airlift package supplying military aid.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jeremy Rhodes, 26th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron HC-130J Combat King II loadmaster, prepares the aircraft for takeoff prior to an agile combat employment exercise with the 1st Expeditionary Rescue group, at an undisclosed location within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Dec. 3, 2022. The ACE exercise enabled pilots, loadmasters, special warfare airmen, and special mission aviators to increase their combat search and rescue proficiency by working as a rescue triad consisting of HH-60s, HC-130s, and Pararescue forces in unison to rescue isolated personnel in a hostile environment.

Capts. Doug Mabe and Brian Shea, both pilots assigned to the 37th Airlift Squadron, start the engine of a C-130J Super Hercules before a U.S. and Bulgarian formation flight July 13, 2015, in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. The flight was the first of many during the weeklong training exercise to enhance interoperability, maintain joint readiness and assure regional alliances and partnerships.

110320-N-KF029-100PACIFIC OCEAN (March 20, 2011) A C-2A Greyhound assigned to the Providers of Fleet Logistics Combat Support Squadron (VRC) 30 prepares to take off from the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Ronald Reagan is operating off the coast of Japan to provide disaster relief and humanitarian assistance as directed in support of Operation Tomodachi.

US Marine Corps KC-130J Super Hercules at Al Asad Air Base, Al Anbar Province, Iraq

A US Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft from the 3rd Wing, 517th Airlift Squadron, Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska roars to a stop on a dirt landing strip at Fort Huachuca, Arizona. Short field landings are an important aspect of the training received during Advanced Airlift Tactics Training. From AIRMAN Magazine, Aug 2000 Article "Surviving the Heavy Hunters". A US Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft from the 3rd Wing, 517th Airlift Squadron, Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska roars to a stop on a dirt landing strip at Fort Huachuca, Arizona. Short field landings are an important aspect of the training received during Advanced Airlift Tactics Training. From Airman Magazine, Aug 2000 Article "Surviving the Heavy Hunters".

A Georgia Air National crew chief with the 165th Airlift Wing coordinates with a C-130 Hercules loadmaster prior to departure in Savannah, Georgia on March 30, 2022. The Airmen are deploying in support of U.S. Air Forces Europe by providing logistical support and a tactical airlift package supplying military aid.

A mass of C-130 Hercules aircraft, Air National Guard, taxi-out during exercise Sentry Cowboy I. Subject Operation/Series: SENTRY COWBOY I Base: Gulfport State: Mississippi (MS) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Minnesota Air National Guard C-130H departing Hohn Air Base, Germany.

041216-F-2034C-003. Base: Balad Air Base Country: Iraq (IRQ)

040311-F-8218F-001. Base: Louisville Iap State: Kentucky (KY) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A C-130H Hercules aircraft assigned to the 139th Airlift Wing, Missouri Air National Guard, taxis after landing on Feb. 13, 2024, at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base, St. Joseph, Missouri. Aircrews conducted a 41-hour sortie in which the aircraft engines ran continuously for 45 hours and the aircraft was refueled three times. This type of training enhances the wings warfighting capability by pushing the limits of the aircraft and personnel. Air National Guard

A Royal Air Force C-130J assigned to the No. 47 Squadron from RAF Brize Norton, England, sits on the flightline during RED FLAG-Alaska 23-1 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, May 4, 2022. Red Flag-Alaska serves as an ideal platform for international engagement and the exercise has a long history of including Allies and partners. This enables all involved to exchange tactics, techniques and procedures while improving interoperability.

Two HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters wait to be loaded into the back of a C-17 Globemaster aircraft at Patrick Space Force Base, Florida, Sept. 26, 2022, in preparation for the arrival of Hurricane Ian. The decision was made to relocate the aircraft to areas that would prevent them from being damaged. In less than 24-hours, all of the wing's HC-130J Combat King II aircraft and HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters were prepared, pre-flight checked, then flown or loaded to be transported off of the installation. This movement was the equivalent of a rapid deployment of the wing's Personnel Recovery Task Force-Heavy, which utilizes multi-capable Airmen from across the wing to mobilize rapidly for rescue operations around the world.

Two Modular Airborne Firefighting Systems (MAFFS) equipped C-130 aircraft from the Nevada Air National Guards 152nd Airlift Wing and the California Air National Guards 146th Airlift Wing prepare to be launched on a fire suppression mission at the Boise Tanker Base, Idaho, September 10, 2022. The United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service activated two Department of Defense C-130 aircraft equipped with MAFFS to assist with increased fire activity in several western states.

A C-130 Hercules departs from the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, Feb. 14, 2017. C-130s are capable of operating on dirt strips and are the prime transport for airdropping troops and equipment into hostile areas.

A U.S. Air Force MC-130J Commando II assigned to the 353rd Special Operations Wing takes off from the drop zone during Jump Week at Ie Shima, Japan, March 29, 2023. The monthly training allows aircrew to practice flight tactics and timed-package drops, while pararescuemen and special tactics Airmen train their parachute skills.

A C-130 Hercules aircraft, attached to the 352nd Special Operations Wing, deploys an M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) at Liepāja International Airport during a Latvian-led combined military exercise in Liepāja, Latvia, Sept. 26, 2022. The 3rd Battalion, 321st Field Artillery Regiment, 18th Fires Brigade, is among other units assigned to the 1st Infantry Division, working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America's forward deployed corps in Europe.

Two C-130 Hercules aircraft parked on the flight line between a Canadian military transport aircraft and a Pan Am airliner. The C-130s are participating in the multi-service, multinational Operation Urgent Fury. Subject Operation/Series: URGENT FURY Country: Grenada (GRD)

A left front view of a C-130 Hercules aircraft as it arrives with supplies during Exercise Kennel Bear '4-82. Subject Operation/Series: KENNEL BEAR '4-82 Base: Tinian Island Country: Northern Mariana Islands (MNP)

The last C-130H Hercules prepares to depart from the 179th Airlift Wing at Mansfield Lahm ANGB, Ohio, July 7, 2022. This aircraft, tail 88-4401, will retire and become a static display at the MAPS Air Museum (Military Aviation Preservation Society), an internationally known museum of aviation in North Canton, Ohio. After being selected to become the nation's first Air National Guard Cyber Wing, the unit is transitioning from flying the C-130H Hercules to a new mission assigned to Air Combat Command.

050227-F-9429S-009. Base: Karshi-Khanabad Air Base Country: Uzbekistan (UZB)

U.S. Marines with 3d Battalion, 12th Marines, 3d Marine Division and Airmen with 353 Special Operations Wing conduct a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System Rapid Infiltration during Marine Aviation Support Activity 22.1 in Luzon, Philippines, June 8, 2022. MASA 22 is a bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. Marine Corps, aimed at increasing interoperability and improving aviation-related capabilities in support of U.S.-Philippine mutual defense.

A 920th Rescue Wing Airman makes final checks for an HC-130J Combat King II aircraft before departing Patrick Space Force Base, Florida, Sept. 26, 2022. In anticipation of Hurricane Ian, the decision was made to relocate the aircraft to areas that would prevent them from being damaged. In less than 24-hours, all of the wing's HC-130J Combat King II aircraft and HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters were prepared, pre-flight checked, then flown or loaded to be transported off of the installation. This movement was the equivalent of a rapid deployment of the wing's Personnel Recovery Task Force-Heavy, which utilizes multi-capable Airmen from across the wing to mobilize rapidly for rescue operations around the world.

A 920th Rescue Wing Airman makes final checks for an HC-130J Combat King II aircraft before departing Patrick Space Force Base, Florida, Sept. 26, 2022. In anticipation of Hurricane Ian, the decision was made to relocate the aircraft to areas that would prevent them from being damaged. In less than 24-hours, all of the wing's HC-130J Combat King II aircraft and HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters were prepared, pre-flight checked, then flown or loaded to be transported off of the installation. This movement was the equivalent of a rapid deployment of the wing's Personnel Recovery Task Force-Heavy, which utilizes multi-capable Airmen from across the wing to mobilize rapidly for rescue operations around the world.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Stephanie Tepedino, assigned to the 424th Air Base Squadron, watches a C-130J Super Hercules aircraft transport some of her peers and Soldiers, on Chièvres Air Base, Belgium, Aug. 02, 2022.

A U.S. Marine Corps C-130J Hercules assigned to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 234, Marine Aircraft Group 41, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Forces Reserve, lands before a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) Rapid Infiltration, also known as a HIRAIN, with Fox Battery, 2nd Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve, in support of exercise Arctic Edge 2024, at Fort Greely, Alaska, Feb. 16, 2024. The HIRAIN training demonstrated Marine Forces Reserves ability to rapidly deploy the HIMARS to meet and deter any threats in any environment, including harsh Arctic environments. Arctic Edge 2024 (AE24) is a U.S. Northern Command-led homeland defense exercise demonstrating the U.S. militarys capabilities in extreme cold weather, joint force readiness, and U.S. military commitment to mutual strategic security interests in the arctic region. Marine Corps

U.S. Marines assigned to the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit escort simulated evacuees to a U.S. Air Force C-130H3 assigned to 731st Airlift Squadron while participating in decontamination and evacuation control center training during Cobra Gold 23 in Chonburi province, Kingdom of Thailand, March 5, 2023. Cobra Gold, now in its 42nd year, is a Thai-U.S. co-sponsored training event that builds on the longstanding friendship between the two allied nations and brings together a robust multinational force to promote regional peace and security in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

030626-A-XXXXX-7394. Base: Mosul Country: Iraq (IRQ)

A C-130 from the 153d Airlift Wing equipped with USDA Forest Service MAFFS II (Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System)

DF-ST-85-12906. Subject Operation/Series: VOLANT RODEO '84 Base: Pope Air Force Base State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

030422-F-4806N-014. Base: Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base Country: Romania (ROM) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

Five C-130 Hercules aircraft from the Georgia Air National Guard taxi in on the flightline after completing a 5-ship formation flight at the 165th Airlift Wing in Garden City, Georgia, on Sept. 11, 2022. The formation flight showcased the recently completed modernization of the C-130 fleet.

DF-ST-87-12067. Base: Zweibrucken Air Base Country: West Germany (FRG)

Arkansas Air National Guard C-130H departing from Hohn Air Base, Germany.

Col. Bryan Preece, 130th Airlift Wing Commander, speaks at the Summer U.S. Air Force Junior Reserve Officer's Training Corps Flight Academy Graduation on July 29, 2022, at the Fairmont State Aviation Center of Excellence Fairmont, West Virginia. The Air Force sponsored program targets High School Juniors, JROTC members, and Air Force Academy cadets, teaching them to fly in about six and a half weeks and awarding them private pilot certifications. Preece spoke about his journey as an Air Force Aviator and pinned the wings on the graduates.

981011-F-3588H-007. Base: RAF Fairford State: Gloucestershire Country: England / Great Britain (ENG) Scene Major Command Shown: AIR COMBAT COMMAND

Passengers prepare to board a U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron in Tahiti, French Polynesia, May 18, 2022. Marara 22 is a multinational training exercise which enhances combined interoperability between the U.S. military and Frances Combined Joint Task Force Headquarters in French Polynesia.

An air-to-air front view of a AC-130 Hercules aircraft in-flight near Hurlburt Field. State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Left front view of two C-130 Hercules aircraft with a European paint scheme, on the 459th Flight Line. Base: Andrews Air Force Base State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force personnel from the 86th Airlift Wing from Ramstein Air Base, Germany load supplies and equipment, with a forklift, belonging to Economic Community Military Observation Group 13 (ECOMOG) Mali Army troops, onto a U.S. Air Force C-130E aircraft at Bamako/Seou Airport, Mali. The supplies and troops are being airlifted to Robert's International Airport, Liberia for a six month deployment on U.S. military aircraft participating in Operation Assured Lift, a 17- day United States airlift and support mission assisting the West African states deploying more than 1100 troops to Liberia as part of the region's ongoing peacekeeping force. Subject Operation/Series: ASSURED LIFT Country: Mali (MLI)

030310-F-7153S-016. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Charleston State: West Virginia (WV) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ANG

The last plane out, C-130E 68-10934 of the 2nd AS/23rd Wing, cranks engines to evacuate the base before Hurricane Fran. C-130s of the 2nd and 41st AS deployed to Little Rock AFB, AR, and Grissom AFB, IN. 10 hours later wind gusts in excess of 100 mph were screaming across the ramp. Base: Pope Air Force Base State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Marine Corps CH-53K King Stallion, assigned to Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron One (VMX-1), is transported to an Air Force C-17 Globemaster, assigned to 16th Air Lift Squadron, at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, June 14, 2022. The CH-53K was recently declared initial operating capable (IOC), a critical milestone in improving capabilities and restructuring Marine Corps aviation for the future fight.

A United States Marine Corps C-130 Hercules aircraft from Marine Aerial Refueler/ Transport Squadron (VMGR) 352 pulls onto the tarmac at Wajir air field in Northern Kenya to execute a combat off-load during Operation NOBLE RESPONSE '98. Subject Operation/Series: NOBLE RESPONSE '98 Base: Wajir Country: Kenya (KEN)

May 9, 2013 - A C-130 Hercules of the Italian Air Force landing on an unpaved landing strip, Grazzanise, Italy.

041111-F-1740G-004. Base: Yokota Air Base Country: Japan (JPN)

An Airman assigned to the 374th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron de-ices a C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Jan. 7, 2022. Heavy snowfall hit Yokota and the Kanto Plain, accumulating 10 centimeters of snow in the evening, a level unseen in the past four years.

A U.S. Air Force AC-130J Ghostrider gunship from the 1st Special Operations Wing, Hurburt Field, Florida starts its engines in preparation for departure from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio Sept. 29, 2022. Aircraft, equipment and Airmen were repositioned to WPAFB in preparation for possible impacts from Hurricane Ian.

Nine LC130s with the 109th Airlift Wing conducted the units first ever Elephant Walk on September 10th 2022. An elephant walk is a United States Air Force term for thetaxiing of military aircraft in close formation; often employed to project air power through the rapid deployment of multiple aircraft at once.

C-130 Hercules transport aircraft of the Royal Saudi Air Force and U.S. Air Force B-52G Stratofortress bomber aircraft are parked on an air field during Operation Desert Storm.. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Saudi Arabia(SAU)

Right side view of a Royal Australian Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft carrying support personnel and equipment for exercise Cope Thunder. Subject Operation/Series: COPE THUNDER Base: Clark Air Base State: Luzon Country: Philippines (PHL)

A right side view of a British C-130 from the Royal Air Force (RAF) lands at Kuwait International Airport. The aircraft is bringing passengers and equipment for their troops stationed in various parts of Kuwait. The British troops joined the United States forces in response to Saddam Hussein's advancement to the Kuwaiti border. Subject Operation/Series: VIGILANT WARRIOR Country: Kuwait (KWT)

A WC-130J Super Hercules aircraft assigned to the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., taxis to its parking spot April 5, 2022. The aircrafts arrival marks the first of the squadrons 10 aircraft that will undergo a makeover of sorts as they revert to the glossy paint scheme they originally started out with in the late 1990s and early 2000s. This paint scheme will not only set the weather reconnaissance unit apart from tactical units, it will also save money and manpower as the glossy paint tends to need less maintenance during storm season.

C-130 Hercules from Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado, taxies onto the ramp at Naval Air Station Sigonella during Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. In response to the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 at the New York World Trade Center and the Pentagon, President George W. Bush initiated Operation ENDURING FREEDOM in support of the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT), fighting terrorism abroad. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Naval Air Station, Sigonella State: Sicily Country: Italy (ITA) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

220721-N-XN177-2068 PACIFIC OCEAN (July 21, 2022) - MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262 prepare to take off from the flight deck aboard amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), July 21, 2022. Tripoli is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Airmen with the 152nd Airlift Wing, Nevada Air National Guard and the 103rd Airlift Wing, Connecticut Air National Guard assist the Idaho Air National Guards Air Support Operations Squadron as they prepare for their departure out of Gowen Field, ID, January 6 & 7, 2023. The ASOS will travel to Fort Smith, Kansas where they will conduct predeployment training throughout the month of January.

041202-F-2034C-006. Base: Unknown

An HC-130J Combat King II sits on an airstrip at the Palau International Airport, Republic of Palau, Oct. 31, 2022. This aircraft traveled from Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, in support of a Dynamic Force Employment operation which enables a multitude of readiness and training exercises by bringing unique aircraft to Pacific Air Forces' operating area.

030401-M-2900S-007. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Camp Coyote Country: Kuwait (KWT)

030311-F-7449W-002. Base: Spangdahlem Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

A C-130 Hercules takes off during a training exercise at Yokota Air Base, Japan, July 14, 2015. Ten C-130s participated in the exercise, which tested the 36th Airlift Squadrons ability to perform large-formation flights.

A ground marshal guides a 317th Tactical Airlift Wing C-130 Hercules aircraft toward a parking space during Operation Desert Shield. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Country: Saudi Arabia (SAU)

U.S. Marines with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 152 prepare to unload cargo and equipment from a KC-130J Super Hercules at Ie Shima, Japan, Oct. 15, 2022. VMGR-152 supported Marines and Sailors with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and Marine Wing Support Squadron 171, transporting personnel, equipment, and fuel across the Indo-Pacific region.

220730-N-XN177-1022 PACIFIC OCEAN (July 30, 2022) - Sailors prepare to refuel an MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262 (Reinforced) on the flight deck aboard amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), July 30, 2022. Tripoli is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

An AC-130J Ghostrider Gunship prepares to takeoff at Hurlburt Field, Fla., Feb. 1, 2023. The AC-130J Ghostrider Gunship contains a crew of nine consisting of two pilots, one weapon system operator, one sensor operator, one combat systems officer, and four special mission aviators.

An Alaska Air National Guard HC-130J Combat King II from the 210th Rescue Squadron lands at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, during Arctic Thunder Open House, July 29, 2022. This biennial event hosted by JBER is one of the largest in the state and one of the premier aerial demonstrations in the world. The event features multiple performers to include the JBER Joint Forces Demonstration Team, U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team, Pacific Air Forces C-17 Demonstration Team and U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds demonstration team.

A C-130H aircraft, painted to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the 118th Airlift Squadron, Flying Yankees, sits on the flight line at sunrise, January 18, 2023 at Bradley Air National Guard Base, Conn. Members of the 103rd Maintenance Group, Connecticut Air National Guard painted the aircraft.

New York, NY, May 5, 2022 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations (NOAA) Hurricane Hunters landed at John F. Kennedy International Airport as part of the Hurricane Awareness Tour. Federal, state and local officials -- along with the press -- toured the planes, meeting the pilots who fly into hurricanes collecting data that helps emergency managers make decisions about preparedness efforts. The event was part of Hurricane Preparedness Week. K.C. Wilsey/FEMA

KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii (July 10, 2022) - A Royal Canadian Air Force P-3 Orion sits on the flight line at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, four submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The worlds largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the worlds oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

980620-F-2907C-020. Base: Mcchord Air Force Base State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A US Marine Corps C-130J Hercules Launches from Al Asad Air Base in Iraq's Al Anbar Province

A Japan Air Self-Defense Force C-130H Hercules assigned to the 401st Tactical Airlift Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 37 Squadron, Republic of Korea Air Force C-130H Hercules assigned to the 251st Tactical Air Support Squadron, Royal New Zealand Air Force C-130H Hercules assigned to the 40 squadron, and U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 36th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron conduct multinational Elephant Walk at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Dec. 10, 2022, during Operation Christmas Drop 2022. JASDF, RAAF, ROKAF, RNZAF, and USAF C-130J crewmembers delivered 209 bundles with humanitarian aid totaling more than 71,000 pounds of cargo to 22,000 remote Micronesian islanders.

U.S. Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force and Japan Air Self-Defense Force medical personnel unload a C-130J Super Hercules during a mass casualty scenario as part of Cope North 24 at Northwest Field, Guam, Feb. 11, 2024. U.S., RAAF and JASDF critical care air transport teams recently conducted a mass casualty exercise, treating and transporting over 50 patients from isolated airfields across Tinian, Saipan and Guam. An interchangeable medical service is a force-multiplier in the Indo-Pacific Region Air Force

A Nevada Air National Guard C-130H Hercules aircraft flies over Pyramid Lake, Nevada, during an Employers Supporting the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Boss Lift, April, 15, 2022. One of the Nevada National Guards strategic priorities is to be engaged and involved with the local communities, and these flights are one of the ways the High Rollers build support from members of the Greater Reno Area.

020927-F-4649H-049. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN WATCH Base: Incirlik Air Base, Adana Country: Turkey (TUR)

Ground crews drag wheel chocks to a C-130 Hercules from the 302nd Airlift Wing, 731st Airlift Squadron, Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado after it arrives to take on a load of fire retardant, at Redding Municipal Airport, to fight the California wild fires. The aircraft, one of two from the 731st Airlift Squadron was joined by two more C-130s from the California Air National Guard's 146th Airlift Wing at Channel Islands. They worked with the U.S. Forest Service and Fire Protection air tankers and ground crews fighting some of northern California's lightning caused fires which lit up the landscape on Aug 11, 1996 by providing aerial fire suppression using the Modular Airborne Fire Fighting.... Complete Scene Caption: Ground crews drag wheel chocks to a C-130 Hercules from the 302nd Airlift Wing, 731st Airlift Squadron, Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado after it arrives to take on a load of fire retardant, at Redding Municipal Airport, to fight the California wild fires. The aircraft, on

070205-M-3968C-075. Base: Marine Corps Air Station,Miramar State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: VMGR-352

An air-to-air right front view of a 731st Tactical Airlift Squadron C-130B Hercules aircraft. The Rocky Mountains are in the background. State: Colorado (CO) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marines with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 152 march during a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, June 09, 2022. VMGR-152 hosted a change of command ceremony to formally recognize the total transfer of authority from Lt. Col. Christopher Kocab to Lt. Col. Jay Palmer, commanding officer of VMGR-152.

050207-F-0003D-101. Base: Keesler Air Force Base State: Mississippi (MS) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A Modular Airborne Firefighting Systems (MAFFS) equipped C-130H Hercules from the Nevada Air National Guards 152nd Airlift Wing departs on a fire suppression mission at the Boise Tanker Base, Idaho, September 10, 2022. The United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service activated two Department of Defense C-130 aircraft equipped with MAFFS to assist with increased fire activity in several western states.

Barbed wire surrounds the flight line ramp at Moi International Airport filled with USAF C-5 Galaxy, C-141 Starlifter, C-130 Hercules and Marine Corp aircraft, all supporting the humanitarian relief effort to Rawanda and Uganda. Subject Operation/Series: SUPPORT HOPE Base: Mombasa Country: Kenya (KEN)

AT SEA, KOREA STRAIT (March 30, 2023) - U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey pilots with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 362 (Rein.), 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, receive fuel mid-flight from a Marine Corps KC-130J Super Hercules, March 30, 2023. The 13th MEU is embarked with the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, comprised of the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) and amphibious transport dock ships USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26) and USS Anchorage (LPD 23), and operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with Allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

041209-M-1012W-001. Base: Marine Corps Air Station, Futema State: Okinawa Country: Japan (JPN)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Austin Mckinney, an MV-22B crew chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 162, inspects the wing of an MV-22B Osprey at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, Sept. 19, 2022. VMM-162 prepared personnel and aircraft in support of a Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona. VMM-162 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force.

A U.S. Air Force HC-130J Combat King II aircraft assigned to the 26th Expeditionary Rescue Group sits on the runway before a mission rehearsal in support of Exercise Agile Spartan within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, March 20, 2023. Exercise Agile Spartan is a combined, joint training exercise that enhances international partnerships and regional security in the USCENTCOM AOR.

A Peruvian AN-32 Cline aircraft stands on the flight line during a joint exercise involving Air Force units from the United States and Peru. Base: Piura Country: Peru (PER)

A C-130H aircraft, painted to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the 118th Airlift Squadron, Flying Yankees, sits on the flight line at sunrise, January 18, 2023 at Bradley Air National Guard Base, Conn. Members of the 103rd Maintenance Group, Connecticut Air National Guard painted the aircraft.

of 2