Smooth transition for Hercs

C130J-MEAO
(MPEG video 5.56 MB)

By Cpl Damian Shovell

THE C-130Js of No. 37 Squadron have fitted in seamlessly since relieving the C-130Hs of No. 36 Squadron in the MEAO in September.

Wing Commander Bob Drinkwater, CO of the Hercules detachment, said the C-130Js, fitted with the same electronic self-protection as the C-130Hs, were providing valuable air support to the coalition forces.

“When the aircraft arrived, there were three or four days where they completed briefings and they were fitted in to the area of operations,” WGCDR Drinkwater said.

He said to facilitate immediate operational capability, maintenance and logistics personnel conducted hand-over/take-over duties and had all the maintenance, spares and engineering equipment in location by late August.

“They’ve [37SQN] picked up the same role [as the C-130Hs] in a range of tasks in our charter of providing one aircraft per day for tasking,” he said.
The aircraft flew six days a week, with both aircraft flying on some days, “but generally we have an aircraft as backup in case we have any maintenance problems,” he said.

WGCDR Drinkwater said 37SQN’s roll involved transporting passengers, cargo and aeromedical evacuations.

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