Kirtland Air Force Base -- August 2011, Kirtland AFB is scheduled to receive the first of seven upgraded models of the C-130 under a recapitalization program approved by the Office of the Secretary of Defense in 2010. The HC/MC-130J is designed to replace legacy C-130s built in the 1960s and will join the fleet of the 58th Special Operations Wing, which trains Airmen to perform special operations and personnel recovery missions worldwide. The HC/MC-130J is the newest generation of the multi-mission cargo aircraft, incorporating state-of-the-art technology to reduce manpower requirements, lower operating and support costs, and provide lifecycle cost savings over earlier models. Compared to previous versions of C-130s, the J-model climbs faster and higher, flies farther at a higher cruise speed, and takes off and lands in a shorter distance.
As part of the decision to bring the J-model to Kirtland AFB, an environmental assessment was conducted and the draft assessment has been posted to the Kirtland public website (http://www.kirtland.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-101001-041.pdf) since Oct. 3 for public comment. People who wish to comment may send an e-mail to nepa@kirtland.af.mil. The public comment period has been extended until Nov. 10.
All public comments received are required to be addressed in the final Environmental Assessment per National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) law.
According to Lt. Col. Alex Carothers, 58 SOW HC/MC-130J Program Manager, "The annual number of HC/MC-130J flights detailed in the EA is based on thirteen assigned aircraft. As with any new aircraft programs, this number is subject to change. In addition, the sortie count does not fully reflect our increased use of new and retrofitted high fidelity simulators that will significantly reduce our on-aircraft requirements for all our airframes." Lt. Col. Carothers also pointed out that even if there is a permanent increase in the total number of C-130 based airframes on Kirtland, these aircraft will use the existing military training routes and drop zones that have been in use for decades.
The commander of the 58th Special Operations Wing said the new aircraft is a welcome addition.
"The C-130 has been a key part of 58th SOW training for many years. The J-model represents a commitment to coupling the best aircraft America can produce with the best training the Air Force can provide, to prepare our Airmen for the real-world missions they will perform in defense of our nation. This is an exciting time for us - upgrading our aircraft is a significant milestone, and we are committed to doing it in a safe, responsible and effective way," said Col. James Cardoso.

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For more information, call the Kirtland AFB Public Affairs Office at 505-846-5991