First Newer Aircraft Arrives

The 908th's newest aircraft taxied to a stop Jan. 12 as it arrived at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., from Niagra Falls Air Reserve Station, N.Y. The 1989 C-130 Hercules will replace a 1985 version. (U.S. Air Force photo by Lt. Col. Jerry Lobb)

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First Newer Aircraft Arrives

Col. Pat Brooks (Center), commander of the 908th Airlift Wing greets Lt. Col. Steve Catchings (Right), aircraft commander and Chief Master Sgt. Brent Solomon, flight engineer after the newest 908th aircraft landed at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala. Jan. 12. The C-130 Hercules came from Niagra Falls Air Force Reserve Station, N.Y.

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First Newer Aircraft Arrives

Published Jan. 13, 2017
By Lt. Col. Jerry Lobb
908th Airlift Wing

MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- The first of eight newer C-130 Hercules aircraft to serve with the 908th Airlift Wing arrived here Jan 12. The aircraft came from the 914th Airlift Wing at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, N. Y.

The 914th is transitioning to the KC-135 air refueling aircraft.

After flying the same aircraft for 31 years to the month, the 908th begins its transition from the current 1985 model aircraft to eight aircraft built between 1989 and 1992.

While they are 4-7 years newer than the wing’s current aircraft, they are the same H-2 model.

Over the next few months the 1985 models will be retired as the newer aircraft arrive. The transition is scheduled to be complete in July.

The 908th is the state’s only Air Force Reserve unit. The unit operates a fleet of eight C-130H Hercules cargo aircraft. Known as the “Workhorse of the Air Force,” this plane can carry 42,000 pounds of cargo, 92 troops, 64 paratroops or 74 litter patients. It can fly up to 386 mph with a range of 5,200 miles