Lockheed Delivers First KC-130J to Marine Reserve Squadron VMGR-452

MARIETTA, Ga. — Lockheed Martin recently delivered the first KC-130J Super Hercules tanker assigned to VMGR-452, the Marine Forces Reserve squadron at Stewart Air National Guard Base, New York, the company announced. 

A U.S. Marine Corps crew ferried the aircraft from Lockheed’s facility in Marietta on May 28 to the aircraft’s new home. 

VMGR-452 is the second Marine Reserve squadron to operate KC-130Js and this delivery signifies the recapitalization of the squadron’s existing KC-130T fleet. VMGR-452 — the “Yankees” — has operated Hercules tankers for more than 30 years, flying KC-130s in support of Operations Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom. 

“The KC-130 Hercules tanker has been a pivotal part of Marine Corps aviation operations since 1960, a relationship that began with the KC-130F and R-models, transitioned to the KC-130T, and continues now with the KC-130J Super Hercules,” said Rod McLean, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin’s Air Mobility and Maritime Missions line of business. 

“Our C-130 team knows this delivery is significant and represents increased capability for VMGR-452. We are proud to support our Marine aviation partners as they continue to be ‘first to fight.’” 

KC-130s are operated in support of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force commander by providing tactical in-flight refueling for fixed-wing, rotary-wing, and tilt-rotor aircraft; aviation-delivered ground refueling of aircraft or tactical vehicles; assault air transport or air-landed or aerial-delivered (parachute) personnel and equipment; pathfinder support, battlefield illumination; tactical aeromedical evacuation; and tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel support. 

The KC-130J delivers increased speed and fuel efficiency, improved payload/range capabilities, an integrated defensive suite, automated maintenance fault reporting, high-altitude ramp and door hydraulics, and unmatched situational awareness with its digital avionics and dual head-up displays. 

The KC-130J is one of nine production variants of the C-130J Super Hercules, the current production model of the legendary C-130 Hercules. With 460-plus aircraft delivered, the C-130J is the airlifter of choice for 20 nations. 

The U.S. Marine Corps operates the largest KC-130J Super Hercules fleet in the world. This delivery continues the U.S. government’s transition to the C-130J as the common platform across the Marine Corps, U.S. Air Force and U.S. Coast Guard. 

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