19 June 2020: The US Marine Force Reserve squadron recently received their first KC-130J Super Hercules tanker from Lockheed Martin. The KC-130J assigned to the Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 452 (VMGR-452) was ferried by a US Marine Corps on 28th May 2020 from the Lockheed Martin facility in Atlanta to Stewart Air National Guard Base, New York.
Having operated the Hercules tanker for over three decades, the VMGR-452 or the Yankees is the second Marine Reserve squadron to operate KC-130Js and this delivery signifies the recapitalization of the squadron’s existing KC-130T fleet.
“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 & 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 (MAGTF) commander by providing
– tactical in-flight refuelling for fixed-wing, rotary-wing, and tilt-rotor aircraft
– aviation delivered ground refuelling 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.
– It delivers increased speed and fuel efficiency
– improved payload/range capabilities
– an integrated defensive suite
– automated maintenance fault reporting
– high-altitude ramp and door hydraulics
– Unmatched situational awareness with its digital avionics and dual Head up Displays.
