AMMOTECH
29 January 2003, 07:17
http://www.af.mil/news/Jan2003/12803983.shtml
01/28/03 - OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM (AFPN) -- A C-130 Hercules assigned to the 778th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron marked a milestone Jan. 26 when it reached 30,000 flying hours while performing a combat mission in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Nicknamed "Bob," the aircraft was built in 1963. It is a veteran of the Vietnam War, Operation Desert Storm, and continues to answer the call during the war on terrorism.
"(Bob) represents 40 years of military history that spans both peacetime and war-time operations starting with Vietnam and now with OEF," said Col. Richard Johnston, the 320th Air Expeditionary Wing commander and pilot of Bob's historic mission. "It was an honor to be part of this milestone in the rich heritage of theater airlift."
Bob made its first appearance during the Vietnam War, followed by missions in Grenada and Somalia. It also helped transport more than 189,000 tons of cargo during Operation Desert Storm. Its current mission has it ferrying troops and supplies into Afghanistan and throughout the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. Besides OEF, it is also being used for Operation Southern Watch.
For some, 30,000 flying hours means very little because they are not familiar with flight or measuring distance. For those who keep track, 30,000 flight hours is the equivalent of more than 300 trips around the world. A feat like that can be credited to the aircraft itself and the hard work and dedication of its crews and maintainers.
01/28/03 - OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM (AFPN) -- A C-130 Hercules assigned to the 778th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron marked a milestone Jan. 26 when it reached 30,000 flying hours while performing a combat mission in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Nicknamed "Bob," the aircraft was built in 1963. It is a veteran of the Vietnam War, Operation Desert Storm, and continues to answer the call during the war on terrorism.
"(Bob) represents 40 years of military history that spans both peacetime and war-time operations starting with Vietnam and now with OEF," said Col. Richard Johnston, the 320th Air Expeditionary Wing commander and pilot of Bob's historic mission. "It was an honor to be part of this milestone in the rich heritage of theater airlift."
Bob made its first appearance during the Vietnam War, followed by missions in Grenada and Somalia. It also helped transport more than 189,000 tons of cargo during Operation Desert Storm. Its current mission has it ferrying troops and supplies into Afghanistan and throughout the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. Besides OEF, it is also being used for Operation Southern Watch.
For some, 30,000 flying hours means very little because they are not familiar with flight or measuring distance. For those who keep track, 30,000 flight hours is the equivalent of more than 300 trips around the world. A feat like that can be credited to the aircraft itself and the hard work and dedication of its crews and maintainers.