The last Air Force C-130E transport assigned to an Active Duty unit flew off into the sunset from Little Rock AFB, Ark., for retirement, ending an era of a half century, said base officials. “This [air]plane represents a milestone in the history of the C-130 and the history of the Air Force,” said Col. Brian Robinson, 19th Airlift Wing commander, during the May 1 farewell ceremony. “This is the most capable, tough-as-nails aircraft, and it’s been to every remote corner of the planet, including Antarctica.” The aircraft, tail number 61-2358, left for Edwards AFB, Calif., where it will go on static display, according to the Little Rock officials. New C-130Js have been replacing the E-model aircraft. “I’m proud of 2358,” said Fred Ross, C-130 vice president for aircraft manufacturer Lockheed Martin. “It’s been involved in humanitarian airlift all over the world and contributed numerous airdrops in the lands of Afghanistan and Iraq.” (Little Rock report by SSgt. Jacob Barreiro)
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.