CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The return of the 130th Airlift Wing from Africa marked completion of the unit’s first mission with the new C-130J-30 aircraft.
“We’ve got eight new aircraft, we picked those up in 2021after transitioning from our previous platform the ‘H’ model C-130’s,” said Wing Commander Col. Richard Switzer.
The planes were used to ferry materials and supplies as well as for diplomatic missions in remote areas around the Horn of Africa. The crews spent almost four-months deployed to the area for the mission.
“We’re able to take our talent, expertise, and the previous mission set and apply it to the new aircraft. As usual our folks went out there and got it done and they did very well,” Switzer said.
The J-30 models are the most modern of the C-130 class. According to Switzer, although they include the most modern technology, the mission never changes.
“Little bit longer range, little more capability, but a similar mission set. While the aircraft, equipment, and all the things that come along with a new aircraft are new, the mission the C-130 executes, which is one of the most versatile in the Air Force, hasn’t changed for us,” he said.
Switzer also praised the members of the Guard who performed admirably in some difficult conditions.
“We heard outstanding stories about individual efforts. People having to use a little West Virginia ingenuity on the fly just to make sure things got done. Typically we’re just going to move people, parts, and things around the area just to execute the mission,” he said.