The 
fifth new-build C-130J Super Hercules transport destined for beddown at Dyess AFB, Tex., has arrived at the northcentral Texas installation. Dyess’ 317th Airlift Group is slated to receive 28 C-130Js by 2013 to replace its C-130H airframes, which the unit plans to transfer to Little Rock AFB, Ark., by the end of 2012. “The C-130J has earned the reputation for being able to do anything,” with its ability to fly “higher, farther, and faster than any previous C-130 model,” said Col. Dan Dagher, 317th AG commander. Col. Lawrence Martin, head of the 6th Air Mobility Wing at MacDill AFB, Fla., piloted the new C-130J on its flight to Dyess Jan. 21. The Super Hercules will continue Dyess airmen’s long run of flying C-130s. In April, the base will celebrate five decades of C-130 operations. (Dyess report by Amn. Charles V. Rivezzo)
KC-46’s Refueling Boom Damaged While Refueling F-22s
July 8, 2025
A U.S. Air Force KC-46 tanker suffered damage to its boom while refueling F-22 Raptors off the coast of Virginia on July 8, Air & Space Forces Magazine has confirmed, with reported radio communication from the crew indicating the boom “detached.”