Quantcast

USAF retires last Lockheed Martin C-130H Hercules after decades of service

These Frequent Fliers Are Done With Loyalty Programs
JetBlue accepting Venmo as payment method for flights purchased through mobile app
United Airlines stock rallies on results, as growing demand wasn’t just about premium seats
American Halts CRJ-200 Operations
Shanghai Airlines to Launch Casablanca Route
Delta employees to receive an average five weeks of pay in annual profit sharing
Akasa Air faces DGCA heat for lapses; warning letter issued to airline's accountable manager
Indigo Eyes European Market Amid Intensifying Competition with Air India
Air India to operate daily Delhi-Prayagraj flights for Maha Kumbh
Engine maker agrees to compensate WizzAir for grounded planes
Turkish Airlines’ flights are riddled with bedbugs, passengers say
British Airways frequent flyers react to Executive Club changes
Inside the short-lived, men-only flights where kids and women were banned but cigar and pipe smoking were rife
China steps up drive to break Boeing, Airbus grip on plane market
Heathrow’s New York service clings to spot in top aviation routes
Airline praises pilots in crash-landing where both died but nearly half the passengers survived
Mexico state airline to buy five Embraer planes next year
A record number of people are expected to fly over the holidays. That's good for travel stocks, but not for passengers.
American Airlines technical issue sparks travel chaos on Christmas Eve as flights heavily delayed after being grounded
Why United Airlines has had such a stellar year despite being Boeing's biggest customer
JetBlue nixing routes between multiple major cities, reducing several others
Airline Stocks Led The Travel Industry's Record 2024 Rally. Here's What's Next.
It’s beginning to look like another record for holiday travel
Qatar Airways cleans up at the World Travel Awards
All of the strikes at European airports this winter – find out if you are affected
Meet the CEO trying to turn around Air India, the 92-year-old airline with a pile of problems
Skiplagging: Unpacking the Risky Travel Trend That Involves Tricking Airlines
Qantas engineers walk off job on one of the busiest travel days of the year
South Korea to safeguard competition after Korean Air, Asiana merger
China Southern returns to Adelaide
USAF retires last Lockheed Martin C-130H Hercules after decades of service
Policy
Webp 9d8e4n9zvnq6npvse1f7c4oouh5n
Airbus A380 | Airbus

The Lockheed Martin C-130H Hercules has been a mainstay of the United States Air Force (USAF) and other branches of the US military for over four decades. Known for its durability and performance, the aircraft has served in various roles, including humanitarian aid, disaster relief, medical evacuation, troop transport, and paratrooper delivery.

The USAF is now transitioning to the C-130J Super Hercules as part of a broader effort to modernize its tactical airlift fleet. This newer model offers improved avionics, capabilities, and efficiency. The 165th Airlift Wing decommissioned its final C-130H in 2023. The Kentucky Air National Guard noted the J-model's greater capabilities during this transition.

According to Master Sergeant Matthew Stephens from the 911th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron: “The transition to C-17s was good for the community and It’s good for the base, but you never forget your first plane.”

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

The last C-130H in service at the 911th Wing was retired with a formal ceremony attended by active duty personnel, veterans, and local community members. However, one particular aircraft was deemed unfit for service in 2017 due to a crack found during an inspection.

As detailed by Defense News, the C-130 is recognized as a symbol of tactical airlift success. Its specifications include a length of 97 feet 9 inches and a wingspan of 132 feet 7 inches. It can carry up to five crew members and has proven versatile on short or unprepared runways under challenging conditions.

While the last active-duty location to operate the C-130H was Yokota Air Base in Japan in 2017, its legacy endures. The C-130J Super Hercules continues to set standards globally with multiple variants supporting diverse mission requirements.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Emirates has announced that the My Emirates Pass will be available throughout the year with seasonal offers in summer and winter.

Apr 3, 2025

United Airlines has announced the issuance of travel waivers for passengers whose flights were affected by closures at London Heathrow Airport.

Apr 2, 2025

ITA Airways announced that flight AZ806 managed to land safely after a brief hold due to nearby missile activity.

Apr 2, 2025

EVA Air has announced the reinstatement of its Premium Economy Class on the Seattle route, with three weekly flights scheduled from March 8 through July 27.

Apr 2, 2025

Emirates Airlines has announced the launch of a new door-to-door delivery service called 'Very Important Parcels' (VIPs), promising the same level of care as provided to its passengers.

Apr 2, 2025

Cargolux has announced the transportation of two lions, Tsar and Jamil, from captivity in Ukraine to a wildlife sanctuary in South Africa.

Apr 2, 2025