Rating:

5.0 (1 vote)

The Montana Air National Guard is on the verge of receiving a new flying mission, according to a press release from U.S. Senator Jon Tester (D-MT), which states that MANG will receive eight C-130 Hercules planes.

The announcement comes just days after the proposed C-27J cargo plane mission for the MT ANG was scrapped due to Pentagon budget decisions.

Considered the ‘work horse' of the Air Force, C-130Hs have been in operation since the 1950s.

The C-130H is a four-engine transport aircraft that can fly up to 2,360 miles without refueling. It can transport more than 90 passengers and 45,000 pounds of cargo. It is also frequently used to fight wildfires and conduct search and rescue operations.

A press conference will be held in Great Falls on Friday to make the formal announcement and provide more information; we will bring you more details as get them.

(U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Melissa Sheffield)

Here is the full text of a press release from Governor Brian Schweitzer and Montana Adjutant General, Brigadier General John Walsh:

Governor Brian Schweitzer and Montana Adjutant General, Brigadier General John Walsh received notice today from Lieutenant General Harry Wyatt, Director of the Air National Guard, that the Montana Air National Guard 120th Fighter Wing has been assigned a C-130 Tactical Airlift mission to replace the currently assigned F-15 Air Superiority mission. This assignment is part of the overall force structure changes being announced by the US Air Force.

"I am pleased the Air National Guard leadership has, with this decision, recognized the importance and value of the 120th Fighter Wing," said Governor Schweitzer. "In addition to a variety of other duties and tasks, the C-130 mission offers long-term homeland security capabilities for the nation and for the citizens of Montana during times of disaster and emergency," said Schweitzer.

"We are very pleased to hear the 120th Fighter Wing will receive the C-130 mission," stated Brig. Gen. Walsh. "The Airmen of the 120th Fighter Wing have an unparalleled reputation of professionalism and readiness across the global theater. This announcement today gives them the opportunity to continue to serve the citizens of Montana and this nation long into the future."

The force structure announcement today eliminates the previously announced Targeting Production Group and C27J Spartan tactical lift squadron assignments. According to Brig. Gen. Walsh, the new C-130 mission will fit directly into the existing command and control structure currently established at the 120th Fighter Wing. Manpower necessary to meet the C-130 mission requirements are anticipated to be similar to the current manning requirements at the 120th Fighter Wing. The C-130 airframe ensures the familiar "tail flash" of the 120th Fighter Wing will be ever present as Montana Airmen respond to the call of duty whenever and wherever they are ordered to serve.

"Securing a relevant and enduring mission for the 120th Fighter Wing has been a top priority of Governor Brian Schweitzer and the Montana Congressional team. On behalf of the more than 1100 Airman of the Montana Air National Guard, I want to thank them, the state legislature and all of the civilian leaders of the Great Falls community for their outstanding efforts over the past several years," Brig. Gen. Walsh said. "This mission would not be a reality today if not for your commitment to the Airman who belong to this valuable unit."

The 120th Fighter Wing will continue to support the F-15 mission through at least September of this year. Details on the conversion to the C-130 mission will be announced as the overall forces structure changes are finalized by the Air Force.

"For nearly 65 years, the Montana Air National Guard has served the nation and state with professionalism, honor and pride. I'm confident today's Airmen will embrace this new mission with the same enthusiasm and commitment to excellence which they are known for," Governor Schweitzer said.

Click here to learn more about the C-130, including this overview:

Using its aft loading ramp and door, the C-130 can accommodate a wide variety of oversized cargo, including everything from utility helicopters and six-wheeled armored vehicles to standard palletized cargo and military personnel. In an aerial delivery role, it can airdrop loads up to 42,000 pounds or use its high-flotation landing gear to land and deliver cargo on rough, dirt strips.

The flexible design of the Hercules enables it to be configured for many different missions, allowing one aircraft to perform the role of many. Much of the special mission equipment added to the Hercules is removable, allowing the aircraft to return to its cargo delivery role if desired. Additionally, the C-130 can be rapidly reconfigured for the various types of cargo such as palletized equipment, floor-loaded material, airdrop platforms, container delivery system bundles, vehicles and personnel or aeromedical evacuation.