Saudis Request Super Herks: The Pentagon notified Congress of a $6.7 billion potential sale of 25 Super Hercules transport aircraft to Saudi Arabia, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced last Friday. Saudi Arabia requested the purchase 20 stretched C-130J-30 airlifters as well as five specially configured KC-130J aerial refueling tankers, according to the DSCA’s release. “Saudi Arabia needs these aircraft to sustain its aging fleet, which faces increasing obsolescence,” agency officials stated in the release, Nov. 9. The Saudi air force currently operates legacy Hercules, but acquiring newer J-models “will provide a modern configuration, improve reliability and enhance the Royal Saudi Air Force’s ability to effectively field, support, and employ these aircraft,” they added. Under the proposed Foreign Military Sales deal, Lockheed Martin would supply 20 spare Rolls Royce engines, as well as spares, training, support equipment, and contract technical support, according to the release. (DSCA release)
How Miss America 2024 Took the Air Force Somewhere New
Dec. 20, 2024
When 2nd Lt. Madison Marsh became the first ever active service member crowned Miss America on Jan. 14, top Air Force officials recognized a rare opportunity to reach women and girls who otherwise might not consider military service as an option.