C-130 News

C-130 Hercules News

913 AG flies final C-130H model mission

February 3, 2016 (by MSgt. Jeff Walston) - The final C-130H model mission for the 913th Airlift Group, Air Force Reserve, was flown from Little Rock Air Force Base, on January 28, 2016, with a C-130H aircrew comprised of both active-duty and Reserve personnel, reflecting the active association the 913 AG has maintained with the 19 Air Wing’s 50th Airlift Squadron.

USAF aircrew members and passengers of the last training mission flight in a C-130H for the 913th AG, pose for a photo after the flight at Little Rock AFB on January 28, 2016. (Standing L-R) MSgt. Dave Hemphill, flight engineer, SMSgt. Duane Moore, flight engineer, Lt. Col. James Trevino, navigator, Lt. Col. Neil Hede, pilot, TSgt. Derek Johnson, loadmaster, MSgt. James Cope, loadmaster, SrA Cody Greathouse, loadmaster, and Lt. Col. Keith Jasmin, pilot, (Kneeling L-R) Master Sgt. Geoff Begey, expeditor, Senior Amn Jennifer Franke, crew chief, SrA Kquamae Akins, crew chief, SrA Dawton McGaugh, crew chief, SSgt. Bryan Cheeks, engine mechanic and SrA Ariel Geldien, electronic environmental technician. [USAF photo by MSgt. Jeff Walston]

From its modest beginnings in October 2010, as 22nd Air Force Detachment One, the 913 AG has grown from two Airmen, to more than 800. The group's personnel flew, maintained and supported the Air Force mission in 14 C-130H Hercules out of Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark. But no more.

"This flight means the mission for the 913th has officially changed from the "H" to the "J" model," said Lt. Col. Keith Jasmin, chief of current operations for the 913th Operations Support Squadron. "We've been balancing both, but now, we transition to the J."

The mission, which was a "standard training sortie" according to Jasmin, lasted about two hours and flew along the "White River Tour," concentrating on low level air drop techniques and pilot proficiency training.

Many active and Reserve C-130H aircraft are being replaced by the C-130J Super Hercules, a comprehensive updated version with new engines, flight deck and other systems, all designed to improve performance and save money.

"There's a big difference between the "H" and the "J" models," said Master Sgt. Josh Burton, Standardization/Evaluation loadmaster, 327th Airlift Squadron. "The "J" is mostly computers, and almost all automated, where the legacy, or "H," is all hands-on."

The 913 AG still has two C-130H aircraft that are being prepared for transfer to other locations. Meanwhile, training for 913 AG personnel transitioning to the "J" model continues at the only formal training school for the "J" model, here at Little Rock AFB.

The transition to the "J" model requires maintainers, pilots, and loadmasters to complete conversion training. The formal schooling process should be completed by September 2016, but aircrews will continue to gain experience and proficiency for about another 18 months.

Due to all of these changes, the 913 AG will no longer be designated an "active association," with their own Reserve aircraft, but a "classic association," where they'll work side by side with active duty Airmen on their aircraft. Approximately 55 maintainers from the 50th Maintenance Squadron, who supported the active association, have already been moved back to the 19th Maintenance Group.

The 913 AG will be the first C-130J model classic association in the Air Force.


Courtesy of 913th Airlift Group

Related articles:
Forum discussion:
Tags


Additional images:

USAF C-130H2 #89-9102 Hercules assigned to the 913th AG, lifts off the runway at Little Rock AFB on its final mission for the unit on January 28, 2016. The aircraft will be moved to a new location soon, as part of the group’s transition from the "H" model to the "J" model. [USAF photo by MSgt. Jeff Walston]

USAF C-130H2 #89-9102 Hercules assigned to the 913th AG, touches down on the runway at Little Rock AFB after its final mission for the unit on January 28, 2016. The aircraft is one of the last two that will be moved to a new locations soon, as part of the group’s transition from the "H" model to the "J" model. [USAF photo by MSgt. Jeff Walston]