On 16th July 2024, the 910th Airlift Wing, an United States Air Force reserve unit being stationed at Youngstown Air Reserve Station, received its first C-130J-30 Super Hercules tactical airlifter. The event marked beginning of the unit´s transition from its fleet of eight legacy C-130H Hercules aircraft.
Back in 1981, the 910th AW received its first C-130B and then operated different variants of this airlifter for more than forty years. Currently, the unit operates the C-130H version and its aircraft were manufactured between 1989 and 1992.
The 910th AW is a unique unit of the USAF, as it is the only one within the US armed forces to maintain large area aerial spray capability, using the fixed-wing aircraft. The C-130s operated by the 910th AW are equipped with Modular Aerial Spray System (MASS), able to control disease-carrying insects, pest insects, undesirable vegetation and to disperse oil spills in large bodies of water.
In recent years, airmen of the 910th AW helped the state health authorities and Federal Emergency Management Agency with mosquito control in the areas affected by Hurricane Harvey (2017) and Hurricane Delta (2020).
´The 910th Airlift Wing’s tactical airlift and aerial spray missions require a capable, reliable and adaptable airframe,´ said Col. Mike Maloney, 910th AW commander. ´Our C-130H Hercules aircraft have provided that for decades, and as we retire them from service at Youngstown Air Reserve Station we look forward to continuing their track record of success with a fleet of new C-130J-30 Super Hercules aircraft.´
Bill ´Shaggy´ Andrews, Lockheed Martin vice president of air mobility and maritime missions domestic programmes, spoke during the ceremony welcoming the C-130J-30 Super Hercules aircraft.
´This aircraft was constructed by a workforce who invested over 78,000 hours of committed labour to provide you, the war fighters, with a capable, versatile and combat-ready platform, specifically designed for your mission… to provide agile combat support and employment, tactical airlift and aerial spray,´ said Andrews.
The new C-130J-30 Super Hercules aircraft are valued at approximately 109.75 million USD per aircraft for a total investment of approximately 878 million USD for Youngstown ARS. At the same time – according to the USAF´s C-130J-30 fact sheet – the Super Hercules will save the 910th AW long-term costs as the aircraft reduces manpower requirements, lowers operating and support costs and provides life-cycle cost savings over earlier C-130 models.
The 910th AW is going to receive a total of eight Super Hercules tactical airlifters which will replace the entire fleet of the current C-130H aircraft.
Cover photo: The 910th Airlift Wing’s first C-130J-30 Super Hercules aircraft arrival ceremony on 16 July 2024 (USAF photo by Staff Sgt. Dylan Bigelow)
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