Air Mobility Command has declared initial operational capability for the C-130J after the new Hercules transport met “specific criteria,” outlined in this AMC news release. Basically mobility crews employed real field conditions over nine months of testing, showing both what the aircraft could do and how well the aircrews could handle the aircraft. AMC noted that the Maryland Air National Guard’s 135th Airlift Group was the first operational unit to get its full complement of aircraft, or primary aircraft authorized, and has reached the IOC manning requirement. Maryland ANG airmen have deployed frequently to Southwest Asia with the J model.
U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortresses continued a busy bomber task force deployment to Europe by participating in multiple drills with NATO partners last week, including simulated weapons targeting exercises and a live munitions drop in Finland.