CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A state-of-the-art military aircraft in West Virginia Air National Guard’s 130th Airlift Wing has officially surpassed 10,000 flying hours.
The C-130J-30 Super Hercules eclipsed the milestone last week. The Guard has been using this type of aircraft for nearly five years, receiving its first C-130J-30 in August 2021. While similar to the standard C-130J, this aircraft’s body stretches an additional 15 feet.
The Guard reports the expanded capabilities of the C-130J-30 as increased speed, extended range, and expanded cargo capacity. In turn, this provides the Guard with the ability to travel even quicker.
“The milestone highlights the unit’s rapid mastery of the advanced tactical airlifter and underscores its ongoing commitment to global airlift, tactical aerial delivery, and homeland defense operations,” the Guard said in a release. “Since transitioning to the J-model fleet, the wing has maintained a rigorous operational tempo out of McLaughlin Air National Guard Base, supporting both federal deployments and state domestic response missions.”
The Guard began using the aircraft in an operational capacity in January 2024.
“Reaching 10,000 flying hours in the J-model is a direct reflection of the tireless work of our Airmen,” 130th Airlift Wing Commander Col. Richard Switzer said. “This achievement belongs just as much to the maintainers on the flightline and our support personnel as it does to the aircrews. They have seamlessly adapted to this advanced airframe, ensuring the 130th remains always ready to answer the call for our state and our nation.”
Learn more about the 130th Airlift Wing here.