MARIETTA, GA –– Lockheed Martin has delivered the first of eight C-130J-30 Super Hercules tactical airlifters to the Georgia Air National Guard, commemorating a new era in Hercules operations for this longtime C-130 Hercules operator.
The 165th Airlift Wing ― the first C-130 operator in the state of Georgia — received its initial Hercules in 1975 and has operated several variants over the years. The Savannah-based unit will now operate the C-130J-30 Super Hercules, which offers unprecedented power, space, integration and versatility.
[Photo above: Lockheed Martin delivered the first of eight C-130J-30 Super Hercules airlifters to the Georgia Air National Guard today. From l to r: U.S. Rep. Austin Scott (GA-08); Col. Sheldon Wilson, commander of the 165th Airlift Wing; Maj. Gen. Thomas Carden, adjutant general of the Georgia Department of Defense; Maj. Gen. Konata Crumbly, commander of the Georgia Air National Guard; and Rod McLean, vice president & general manager, Air Mobility & Maritime Missions line of business, Lockheed Martin.]
“Today’s delivery of this C-130J-30 Super Hercules is another symbol of Lockheed Martin’s long-term commitment to the Hercules’ home state. On behalf of our 6,000+ Georgia employees, it is an honor to deliver this Georgia-built, Georgia-flown aircraft to Savannah’s 165th Airlift Wing,” said Rod McLean, vice president and general manager for Lockheed Martin’s Air Mobility & Maritime Missions line of business and its Marietta production site. “The addition of the C-130J Super Hercules, the most advanced Hercules ever produced, to the Georgia Air National Guard’s fleet enables its crews deliver hope and help ― all over the world for many years to come.”
The 165th Airlift Wing has the distinction of operating the first all-C-130J-30 Super Hercules fleet in Georgia. Its crews will rely on the C-130J-30 — the stretch version of the C-130J that adds 15 feet of cargo space ― to support strategic and tactical airlift mission requirements.
This delivery marks the first U.S. Air Force C-130J-30 aircraft to receive the Block 8.1 configuration during its initial production. The Block 8.1 configuration improves interoperability across the fleet with features such as a new flight management system, enhanced navigation and inter-communication systems and updated friend-or-foe identification.
“Since I came to Congress, I have fiercely advocated for increased C-130 procurement, due to its importance in strengthening our national security. The C-130J Super Hercules is the most capable airlifter in the world. Every aircraft made represents the hard work of 5,500 Georgians at Lockheed Martin’s Marietta facility located right here in the 11th Congressional District,” U.S. Rep. Barry Loudermilk (GA-11) said. “This new aircraft also represents a major increase in capability for the men and women of Georgia’s Air National Guard, who will now count the most advanced C-130 ever built as part of its newest fleet. I want to thank Georgia Adjutant General Thomas Carden for his partnership in securing this major victory for Georgia and our nation.”
The U.S. Air National Guard, which has one of the most visible and active C-130 fleets in the world, continues to operate a mixed C-130J and C-130H fleet. The addition of the C-130J-30 Super Hercules to the Air National Guard fleet ensures these crews will continue to support the Guard’s motto of “Always Ready, Always There” for decades to come.
