C-130 Hercules goes to Africa

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Matthew Wunderlich
  • 37th Airlift Squadron
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  The C-130 Hercules touched down on an unremarkable stretch of dirt in central Africa. Less than four minutes later the aircraft was accelerating and airborne - climbing away from the landing zone and setting a southeasterly course toward civilization. The mission was over for the C-130 crew as they commenced their meandering journey home back to Ramstein. For the Soldiers on the ground the fun was just beginning.

The operation was a joint mission integrating Army and Air Force assets and deploying these capabilities to the heart of sub-Saharan Africa. The mission required C-130s from the 37th Airlift Squadron and the 38th Airlift Squadron. The troops would provide training for African forces in support of the Global War on Terror.

"The desired insertion into this area was a dirt landing zone nearly 100 miles from a suitable hardened runway - ultimately dictating a mission best suited to the versatile C-130 Hercules," said Capt. Justin Dahman, 37th AS pilot.

The aircraft utilized by the 37th Airlift Squadron in this mission were C-130E models constructed in 1963 and veterans of nearly every conflict America has faced in the ensuing 45 years. The planes and their crews have spent months flying tactical airlift missions in support of operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.

"The versatility of this airframe enables Airmen to perform low-level operations and airdrop missions while remaining capable of short field takeoffs and landings. The dirt landing zone in Africa would test the C-130's capabilities to its fullest," said Capt. Justin Brumley, 37th AS pilot.

The landing zone was distinguishable from the surrounding area only by the cerise panels cordoning off the first 500 feet of the runway. With only 3,500 feet of runway available, the successive C-130s touched down and offloaded successfully. The offloaded cargo included forklifts, trucks, and basic supplies - all delivered with minimal time on the ground in order to avoid encroaching dust storms. Airmen from the 37th and the 38th airlift squadrons successfully accomplished the mission providing food, water, and equipment for the Army personnel.

"By exercising the truly global reach of American assets in this remote area, Airmen from these two airlift squadrons enabled joint ops and furthered the Global War on Terror," said 1st Lt. Frank Laras, 37th AS navigator. "The outstanding support of maintenance assets and planning cells fostered this mission's success,"

With actions in support of AFRICOM, the C-130 crews demonstrated this airframe's lasting importance as well as the reliability of Ramstein Airmen in accomplishing the mission even in the harshest of circumstances. With the 86th AW providing airlift to Africa, Ramstein is no longer just the gateway to Europe.