TOP STORY >> 11-ship formation flight flexes Hercules muscle

A C-130J taxis on the flightline as part of an 11-ship C-130 formation flight on Oct. 24 at Little Rock Air Force Base. Little Rock AFB is home to the largest C-130 fleet in the world.  (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Grace Nichols)

By Airman Grace Nichols

19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

A formation of C-130s departed Little Rock Air Force Base on Oct. 24 as part of a total force exercise ensuring mission readiness.

C-130s from Little Rock AFB, departed the flightline in quick sequence to join aircraft from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, and Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., to put the 61st Airlift Squadron’s team to the test.

“The sortie was part of a shift in mentality for the 61st AS, from a transition squadron to a combat ready squadron with members who are challenging themselves to become C-130J experts,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Nate Clegg, 61st AS chief of tactics.

The Green Hornets recently completed the transition from the C-130H model to the C-130J model and is now focused on honing their skills in the new weapons system.

“I’m proud of how the squadron rallied up to meet the challenge,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Angela Ochoa, 61st AS commander. “They are creative, coming up with new ideas and new ways of doing things by using lessons learned from combat experiences and recent deployments.”

The 61st AS tactics shop is currently developing training phases for 2017 which will challenge aircrew and support the shift, focusing on mitigating threats and implementing a diverse array of aerial delivery methods and large formation executions.

“I believe we can achieve our goals,” Ochoa said. “I’m really proud of our leadership and Airmen for coming up with an effective way of moving forward.”