“As a
career mobility pilot, I am convinced that the C-130 is one of the
greatest aircraft ever built. The ‘Herc’ has earned its
place in history through its enormous contributions to crisis
response for 50 years. With our C-130 fleet and the dedicated
active duty, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve aircrews that
fly them, we are a tremendous force multiplier in the global war on
terrorism.”
Source: Gen. John W. Handy,
commander of U.S. Transportation Command and Air Mobility Command,
commenting on the 50th anniversary of the first flight of the
ubiquitous C-130 transport aircraft.