The KC-130J not only has broadened its range of mission sets, but has provided a foundational capability for expeditionary support. It is about supportable reach; not just reach.
What we have seen recently in Ukraine with the Malaysian airliner is the next strike in the reinvention of warfare in this decade. Countering Russian 21st century warfare creativity is crucial for the United States to do right now with some creativity of our own.
In Iraq, we largely supported Marines; in Afghanistan we supported Marines, Aussies and Brits because our AORs were next to each other. With regard to the Aussies, the squadron provided various types of support such as transport of troops and Harvest Hawk Close Air Support.
The Commanding General of 1st MAW Provides His Perspective on the Role of the Osprey in the Pacific.
Major Mark Hamilton discusses how the KC-130J was used in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Our contribution with our frigate to RIMPAC is a way of signaling that we stand ready to support the US, also in areas far away from European shores.
The USMC and USAF along with foreign air forces are the triad will drive the forging of a global system to support the F-35.
Video:Harvest Hawk in Afghanistan
