The Warner Robins Air Logistics Center in Georgia has converted the first of 12 standard C-130Hs to special operations configuration and done it at a pace that the chief of Air Force Special Operations Command, Lt. Gen. Michael Wooley, calls “awesome,” according to the Macon (Ga.) Telegraph. The ALC turned over the first MC-130W to AFSOC during a ceremony June 28. (There’s more in this WRALC news story.) Earlier this year, the Air Force began an effort to increase its buy of C-130J model Hercules because of the need to convert more older C-130s to special ops status.
Amid NATO’s continued push to ramp up air defenses in Eastern Europe, Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall swung by seven allied countries to boost relations last week, including those on Russia’s and Ukraine’s doorstep.