The Delaware Air National Guard is getting a new set of wings.
In 2014, the 166th Airlift Wing will add another Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules plane to its hanger – giving it a total of nine aircraft.
“We are pleased with the addition of this aircraft,” said Delaware National Guard's Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Frank Vavala in a statement. “Not only does it strengthen Delaware’s Air Guard, it also advances our planning as an active associate unit and puts us in a more secure long-term position to support our state and nation.”
This plane is classified as a back-up, but will be available for operational missions including airlift and airdrop. It was scheduled to retire by 2014.
Lockheed Martin originally produced the C-130 Hercules in the 1950s and has been a staple aircraft in military and civilian missions worldwide since.