(Download a higher resolution picture by clicking on any
picture below.)
Since 1974, the 146th Airlift Wing has flown Lockheed C-130E Hercules. On Saturday, December 2, 2006, the 146th Airlift Wing conducted its last C-130E flight. The C-130Es have been replaced by Lockheed-Martin C-130Js and are being transferred to Little Rock Air Force Base.
Two C-130Es participated in the flight, 62-1833 and 62-1862. Both C-130Es are 44 years old. They have accrued over 46,000 flight hours. They were assigned to the 146th Tactical Airlift Wing at Van Nuys Air National Guard Base in 1974.
The 146th Tactical Airlift Wing moved to the Channel Islands Air National Guard Base, across the runway from Naval Air Station Pt Mugu, in 1988. The 146th Airlift Wing has accumulated more than 265,000 accident-free operating hours.
Lockheed C-130E Hercules, 62-1833 taxis out at the beginning of its last mission for the 146th Airlift Wing.
C-130E 62-1833
C-130E 62-1833
C-130E 62-1833
C-130E 62-1862 takes off as C-130E 62-1833 taxis to the runway.
C-130E 62-1862
C-130E 62-1833 takes off.
C-130E 62-1833
C-130E 62-1833
C-130E 62-1833 turns to the left.
C-130E 62-1833 circles around to make a pass over the base.
C-130E 62-1833
The underside of the tail of C-130E 62-1833 is stained red with Phoschek fire retardent.
C-130E 62-1833
Shortly after the C-130Es departed, a pair of C-130Js returned from a cargo drop test at Edwards AFB.
Lockheed-Martin C-130J-30 Hercules, 05-1466 passes over the Air National Guard Base on the downwind leg to Runway 31.
C-130J 05-1466
Lockheed-Martin C-130J-30 Hercules, 05-1465 on the downwind leg to Runway 31.
C-130J 05-1465
C-130J 05-1466 shuts down its outboard engines as it taxis to the ramp.
C-130J 05-1466
C-130J 05-1465
C-130J 05-1465
The superintendant of the Aerial Port directs a pair of Navy fire trucks to their parking position.
The two C-130Es returned after an hour and twenty minutes.
C-130E 62-1862
C-130E 62-1862
C-130E 62-1833
C-130E 62-1833
C-130E 62-1833
The two Hercules circled around and made a second pass over the airfield.
C-130E 62-1862
C-130E 62-1862
C-130E 62-1862
C-130E 62-1833
C-130E 62-1833
C-130E 62-1833
The 562nd Air Force Band marches onto the flightline.
C-130E 62-1833 and C-130E 62-1862 taxi back to the ramp.
Fire trucks from Naval Air Station Point Mugu salute C-130E 62-1862 as it completes its final mission for the 146th Airlift Wing.
C-130E 62-1862
C-130E 62-1862
Ground crew use orange paddles to guide the Hercules pilot.
Fire trucks from Naval Air Station Point Mugu salute C-130E 62-1833 as it completes its final mission for the 146th Airlift Wing.
C-130E 62-1833 taxis around C-130E 62-1862 to its parking place.
C-130E 62-1833
The 562nd Air Force Band
The crowd assembles around the portable stage for the retirement ceremony and the presentation of commemorative plaques.
Navigators and flight engineers of the C-130 E model celebrate the aircrafts' final flight.
The flight crews pose in front of C-130E 62-1833 for a group portrait.
The 562nd Air Force Band salutes the flight crews with the theme from the movie Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines.
C-130E 62-1862 will soon depart for Little Rock Air Force Base.
Twelve years ago: C-130E 62-1862, Tanker 6 of the 146th Airlift Wing (146AW) at the NAS Pt. Mugu Airshow on October 1, 1994.
C-130E 62-1833 is also on its way to Little Rock Air Force Base.
Fifteen years ago: C-130E 62-1833 of the 146TAW performs a MAFFS demonstration at the NAS Pt. Mugu Airshow on July 6, 1991.
Lockheed C-130 Hercules of the 146th Airlift Wing, Channel Islands Air National Guard
Link to the web site of the 146th Airlift Wing.
Tour the Channel Islands Air National Guard Base and NAS Pt. Mugu on Google Earth.
Send a message to Brian.
