Latest J Model Is Done With Phase 2: The newest Hercules—the C-130J—has completed Phase 2 of its operational test & evaluation program, and, officials say, the Air Force Operational Test & Evaluation Center expects to have a final report by March. The Phase 2 testing included heavy equipment, personnel, and container delivery airdrops at Little Rock AFB, Ark.; simulated combat drops with soldiers at Ft. Polk, La.; cold weather testing at Eielson AFB, Alaska; and high stress flying tests for J aircrews in simulators at Keesler AFB, Miss.
Air Force Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich assumed command of U.S. European Command on July 1, taking over the key assignment as the U.S. and its allies contend with a resurgent Russia and a grinding war in Ukraine.