Lt. Gen. Frank Gorenc, commander, 3rd Air Force, yesterday accepted the 11th of 14 Lockheed Martin C-130Js to be based at Ramstein Air Base, Germany.

"The delivery of this aircraft marks one more step toward fully replacing the older models of the C-130 the 86th Airlift Wing has been flying. The increased cargo capacity and the longer legs of the J-model will be extremely valuable for the Ramstein wing as it continues to support the important intratheater missions for U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command," Gorenc said. "The Hercules has long been the workhorse of our airlift capability, and these newer versions will allow us to continue that vital role for years to come."

Four C-130Js will be delivered to Ramstein this year; 10 C-130Js were delivered to the base in 2009. These 14 new Js will support the Ramstein-based 37th Airlift Squadron (a unit of the 86th Airlift Wing) that has been flying C-130Es. The new aircraft are the longer C-130J-30 configuration, which is now the standard for recapitalizing the USAF and many other air forces around the world. C-130Js are engaged in high-tempo operations in multiple combat theaters and are routinely deployed in support of both peacekeeping and humanitarian missions. The C-130J is a flexible, multimission aircraft that has been delivered in multiple and varied configurations to meet a wide range of operational needs. The C-130J fleet has accumulated more than 500,000 flight hours.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 140,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation reported 2009 sales of $45.2 billion.

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SOURCE: Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company