The USAF C-130 Hercules unit that moved to Balad AB, Iraq, in January, becoming the first Herc unit to operate from a base in a forward location, flies twice the number of missions as other C-130 units traversing Southwest Asia. And, the airmen of the 777th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron accomplish this feat with the standard complement of aircrews and maintainers, reports Air Force journalist SrA. Kerry Solan-Johnson. USAF moved the unit into theater to alleviate more of the Army’s truck convoy missions. The unit flies seven missions a day, with the help of 15 six-man aircrews, along with maintainers, life support technicians, flight medics, and other support personnel.
We looked back on the past 12 months to find the stories that resonated the most with you, our audience, and these 10 topped the list. Maybe you missed one the first time around, or perhaps you’d like to revisit a favorite.