C-130J propels to Berlin Air Show

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Julius Delos Reyes
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
BERLIN --  Hundreds of people visiting the ILA 2010 Berlin International Aerospace Exhibition and Conferences are flocking to the Air Force's C-130J Hercules to see the unique capabilities of the aircraft.

The C-130 is one of the aircraft being featured by the U.S. military in the weeklong Berlin Air Show that began June 8 and will conclude on June 13.

"The whole team is excited to visit Berlin, see new aircraft and meet new friends," said Capt. John Lax, 37th Airlift S quadroon aircraft commander from Ramstein Air Base, Germany. "It's also great for us to feature the C-130J and its capabilities."

The C-130 operates throughout the U.S. Air Force, serving with Air Mobility Command, Air Force Special Operations Command, Air Combat Command, U.S. Air Forces in Europe, Pacific Air Forces, Air National Guard and the Air Force Reserve Command, fulfilling a wide range of operational missions in both peace and war situations.

"We are showing the German public our new avionics system and our heads up display," Captain Lax said. "The loadmaster and crew chief are featuring the electronic cargo handling system."

Captain Lax said the Berlin Air Show visitors are amazed on the aircraft and its capabilities.

"Most of them say, 'wow,' or 'cool,'" he said. "They say it smells like a new car."

Staff Sgt. Brandon Clark, 86th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, said it's an honor for him to be at the air show showing the C-130J.

"It's a unique experience," he said. "It is something that not a lot of people have the opportunity to do."

But even with a four-man crew, the team still manages to provide a good entertainment to the German public, Captain Lax said.

"The team is great," he said. "We get along very well and it's easy to do this because we know each other pretty well. The crew members are professional, hard working and excellent. They ensure things get done to showcase the C-130J."