Lockheed LC 130 Hercules Serial 30493 Skibirds Arctic Transport. GAV 1089-37
The unit converted to the Lockheed C-130A in early 1971, became operationally-gained by the Tactical Air Command (TAC), and was designated the 109th Tactical Airlift Group and 139th Tactical Airlift Squadron. The 109 TAG converted to C-130D and D-6 models in the summer of 1975, assuming responsibilities for the Volant DEW resupply mission of air bases and USAF Distant Early Warning (DEW) on the Greenland ice cap and Iceland. That same year, the unit's gaining command shifted back to Military Airlift Command (MAC) as MAC assumed responsibility for all C-130 tactical airlift units. Ten years later, the 109 TAG and 139 TAS converted to the C-130H and LC-130 Hercules. In 1992, following the inactivation of MAC, the 109th became operationally-gained by the newly-established Air Mobility Command (AMC) and was redesignated the 109th Airlift Wing (109 AW). In 1999, following the decommissioning of the Navy's Antarctic Development Squadron SIX (VXE-6) and their LC-130F aircraft, the 109 AW assumed responsibility for Antarctic support in addition to their Arctic support mission. In March, 1993, the Navy hosted a two-day workshop with representatives of the NSF, Air Guard, and other interested parties to explore logistics support options for the operation. A draft concept of operations had been prepared by the Air Directorate of the NGB in 1993. In February, 1996, a commitment was made to transfer the mission, known as "Operation Deep Freeze," and all LC-130 aircraft operated within the DoD to the ANG. In September, 1996, senior officers from the 109 AW briefed the NGB on their concept of operations and the status of their preparations to implement "Operation Deep Freeze." Under the transition plan which they had developed, the ANG would continue to augment the Navy during the October, 1996 - March, 1997 operating season for the Antarctic Program.
Size: 6432px × 3963px
Location: RAF Fairford, Glouscester-shire. England. United Kingdom.
Photo credit: © David Gowans / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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