Lockheed C-130 Hercules (12-5762)

Great picture

A FAR cry from the old "B" & "E" models I used to fly.

Hard to believe I rode one of these birds into Dong Ha in October, 1967 at 0200 with no lights. On my way to Con Thien for radio duty. I loved the C-130 and this photo is a good reason why.

You'd probably like this article about this 'Badass Plane', Terrence Gabriel.
https://www.popularmechanics.com/military/aviation/a26156/c-130-badass-plane/

The B-52, the KC-135, and the C-130 will probably outlast me, and all were first accepted for duty within 4 years of my birth (1959). Living near Fort Liberty (formerly Bragg) and Pope field / AFB I've seen this bird all my life, and it still WOWs me each time. In the 60's there was that one little incident (Broken Arrow}, but the BUFFs were beyond awesome! Guess I've lived and will die an aircraft nerd!

I first jumped out of one in late Fall of'59. An incredible aircraft!

I first jumped out of one in late '59. An incredible aircraft!

Notice the refueling pods on the outer hard points. Typically, it is only Marine Corps Sky Pigs that have refueling pods. Special operations call for flexibility with its aircraft.