Tag Archives: lockheed

Technology, U.S.

U.S. Disaster 2025: What is PHOS-CHEK? FEMA & National Guard ops in California.

Video

PHOS CHEK is a product of a company called Perimeter Solutions. They also sell a retardant called FIRE-TROL. They claim their retardants are certified USDA “environmentally friendly”. The red color means nothing, it is one of three options for buyers, the other two are “disappearing color” and “uncolored”. Obviously the red would allow fire fighters to see where they’ve already applied the stuff.

On 12JAN2025, C-130 cargo haulers equipped with U.S. Forest Service (USFS) Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System (MAFFS) get loaded with brand name PHOS CHEK, Channel Islands Air National Guard Station on Port Hueneme, California. Currently there are old C-130H Hercules operated by Colorado Air Force Reserve, Nevada Air National Guard and Wyoming Air National Guard. California Air National Guard operates the newer C-130J Super Hercules. I edited video via Technical Sergeant Nicole Wright:

California Air National Guard’s 146th Airlift Wing Super Hercules water-bombing (retardant/brand name PHOS CHEK) the mountains above Pacific Palisades. The air-horn noise is the MAFFS in operation. Video via Master Sergeant Nicholas Carzis, 11JAN2025:

On 11JAN2025, California Army National Guard’s 40th Combat Aviation Brigade arrived on Camarillo Airport, to link-up with CalFire (California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection) Fire Hawks. I edited down a video via Specialist William Franco Espinosa:

On 11JAN2025, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) began helping survivors file claims, at the Pasadena Convention Center. FEMA video via Alexis Hall:

If you are a fire survivor and have transportation, the FEMA and The American Red Cross have set up locations across Los Angeles County, to try and help you and even your pets. FEMA video via Alexis Hall, 10JAN2025:

California Army National Guard’s 40th Military Police Company on patrol in Santa Monica.  I edited video via Sergeant William Griffen, the video was recorded 10JAN2025, but not released until 12JAN2025:

U.S. Disaster 2025:USMC & Air Guard mobilized for California fires!

International, Technology, U.S.

NATO-Poland’s 1st F-35s arrive in Arkansas!

Video

“The arrival of Poland’s first F-35s is a significant milestone for our state, the nation, and our allies who will train on this fifth-generation fighter at Ebbing Air National Guard Base. I’m extremely proud of the whole team in the 188th Wing, and the staffs at Razorback Range and Fort Chaffee Joint Maneuver Training Center for the planning and work that has resulted in the sound of freedom returning to the River Valley today. They’ve partnered with the active-duty Air Force to go from concept to jets being parked on the ramp in a compressed timeframe. We are thankful for the dedicated teamwork of those in Fort Smith, Sebastian County, our entire Congressional delegation, and state elected officials who have moved mountains to make this mission possible in Arkansas.”–Brigadier General Chad Bridges, Arkansas National Guard

Polish F-35A flybys, edited from videos via Airman First Class Miles Chrisman, of the Air National Guard’s 188th FW:

On 23DEC2024, a couple of ‘firsts’ took place; the first of several Lockheed-Martin F-35A Lightning-2 (named after the P-38 Lightning) for NATO-Poland were delivered, and secondly, the training for Polish pilots will take place on an Air National Guard base.

In July 2024, the United States Air Force (USAF) 85th Fighter Group (FG) was re-activated by the 33rd Fighter Wing (FW) specifically to train Polish pilots to fly the F-35A.  The 85th FG will conduct the training on Ebbing Air National Guard Base (ANGB), in Arkansas. When the 85th FG was deactivated, in 2006, its last assignment was in Iceland. The 85th FG is now part of the 33rd Fighter Wing (FW), which is part of the USAF’s Air Education and Training Command (AETC).

In May 2024, officials with the U.S. Foreign Military Sales, USAF and NATO-Poland, met on Ebbing ANGB, on Fort Smith, Arkansas.

Polish F-35A gets hosed, edited from videos via Airman First Class Miles Chrisman, Air National Guard 188th FW:

Ebbing ANGB is also home to Arkansas Air National Guard’s 188th Wing.

The decision to use Ebbing ANGB to train foreign pilots was made in 2023, after almost three years of comparing eligible air bases, both USAF and National Guard. Future F-35 training will include pilots from NATO-Finland, NATO-Germany, Singapore (one of several East Asian countries being wooed by NATO) and Switzerland (a NATO ‘partner’ but not a full member).

In November 2024, the USAF admitted it was all about supporting taxpayer subsidized Foreign Military Sales.

NATO-Belgium: First F-35A arrives in Arizona!

International, Kit Bashing

Cold War Vehicle I-D: ‘Bombing-up’ your F-80 Shooting Star in Korea!

Video

Cold War: Approximately 1947 (due to U.S. President Harry Truman’s Truman Doctrine) to 1991 (Operation Desert Storm, collapse of Soviet Union).

Lockheed F-80 Shooting Star, developed at the end of World War Two.

In June 1950, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (north) invaded the Republic of Korea (south) in an attempt to unite the country (something that had been promised at the end of World War Two).  The recently created United Nations essentially declared war and created the United Nations Command, invading Korea in September 1950.  The United Nations Command still operates in South Korea, today.

Date and location not given, very likely to be Kimpo Air Base, 1950.

The F-80 had up to six Browning M3 .50 caliber (12.7mm x 99mm) machine guns.

General Purpose (GP) bombs.

I edited this silent USAF film (by H. E. Reid) showing the re-arming/re-fueling of F-80s on Kimpo, Korea, 19DEC1950:

Tiny Tim rocket and napalm bomb.

Filling up the ‘tip tank’.

Cold War Vehicle I-D:

Korea, date not known.

How to fuel & arm your USAF F-86 Sabre in Korea

U.S.

Arkansas Landing: Do-328/C-146, C-130H, MC-130J, AC-130J

Video

On 04AUG2024, the U.S. Air Force (USAF), and the Arkansas Air National Guard, used Highway 63, near Bono, as a runway for transport and special operations aircraft.  It was part of the greater Emerald Warrior 24 Field Training eXercise (FTX) II (2).

Arkansas Air National Guard photo by Airman First Class Samuel Zang, 04AUG2024.

For the first time, Arkansas Air National Guard’s 189th Airlift Wing used Highway 63 as a runway for it’s C-130H Hercules aircraft. Officially it is to “expand the Arkansas Air National Guard’s capabilities that can be used in humanitarian and disaster relief.”

On Hurlburt Field, Florida, Special Operations Airmen board a C-146A, bound for HWY 63. USAF photo by Technical Sergeant Joseph Pick, 02AUG2024.

The USAF’s 492d Special Operations Wing (SOW) sent their C-146A Wolfhound (Do-328).

U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Ty Pilgrim, 04AUG2024.

An MC-130J crewmember preps to fuel an AC-130J. USAF photo by Senior Airman Ty Pilgrim, 04AUG2024.

The 492nd SOW also sent their MC-130J Commando-2 to act as a FARP (Forward Arming Refueling Point) to resupply a 1st SOW AC-130J Ghostrider Gunship.

An AC-130J rolls in for fuel and ammo. USAF photo by Airman First Class Saisha Cornett, 04AUG2024.

Silent video of MC-130J & AC-130J:

MC-130J, 2023: Pennsylvania’s new Commando-2

C-130H, 2023: African Lion

EC-103H, 2022: Compass Call makes its last call?

AC-130U, 2019: Last days of the ‘Spooky’?

Technology, U.S.

Pennsylvania’s new MC-130J Commando-2

Video

Pennsylvania Air National Guard photo by Master Sergeant Alexander Farver, 02FEB2023.

On 02FEB2023, Pennsylvania’s 193rd Special Operations Wing (SOW) received its first MC-130J Commando-2: “The 193rd now offers something the U.S. military didn’t have before. Special Operations Forces based in the northeast now have a crucial air asset right in their backyard to build their combat readiness. Combatant commanders have a much more robust and versatile capability to project air power in different geographic regions.”-Colonel Gordon Frankenfield, 193rd Special Operations Group

The MC-130J can refuel other aircraft, in the air. Pennsylvania Air National Guard photo by Master Sergeant Alexander Farver, 15APR2023.

The MC-130J Commando-2 is used for low-level infiltration, exfiltration and resupply of special operations forces, by airdrop or air-land, air refueling missions for special operations helicopters and tiltrotor aircraft, and intruding ‘politically sensitive’ or hostile territories. Most missions are flown at night.  The airdrop of propaganda leaflets is another mission the MC-130J conducts.

Pennsylvania Air National Guard photo by Master Sergeant Matt Schwartz, 16APR2023.

Pennsylvania Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Diana Snyder, 27JUL2023.

On 27JUL2023, Pennsylvania’s 193rd SOW became the first Air National Guard unit in the United States to get a second modified MC-130J Commando-2 aircraft. Video by Senior Airman Diana Snyder:

Pennsylvania Air National Guard’s 193rd SOW now has two new MC-130J Commando-2s, on 31AUG2023 they practiced dropping supplies to Special Forces troops waiting on the ground. Video by Senior Master Sergeant Alexander Farver (edited by me):

Pennsylvania Air National Guard 193rd SOW’s new MC-130J Commando-2 shows you what it is like to be a pallet of supplies being airdropped to troops waiting on the ground. Video by Senior Master Sergeant Alexander Farver, 31AUG2023:

C-130H Hercules: NEW MILITIA COLORS FOR AN OLD FLYING YANKEE!

C-130J-30: IRAQ’S SUPER HERCULES سوبر هرقل العراق

Technology, U.S.

New militia colors for an old Flying Yankee!

Image

Connecticut Air National Guard photo by Master Sergeant Tamara R. Dabney, 18JAN2023.

In January 2023, Connecticut Air National Guard’s 118th Airlift Squadron ‘Flying Yankees’-103rd Airlift Wing celebrated 1-hundred years of airborne operations by giving their old C-130H Hercules some new clothes.

Connecticut Air National Guard photo by Master Sergeant Tamara R. Dabney, 18JAN2023.

Connecticut Air National Guard photo by Master Sergeant Tamara R. Dabney, 18JAN2023.

Connecticut Air National Guard photo by Master Sergeant Tamara R. Dabney, 18JAN2023.

Connecticut Air National Guard photo by Master Sergeant Tamara R. Dabney, 18JAN2023.

African Lion 2023: C-130H HERCULES

Cold War to Ukraine Crisis, 2022: EC-130H COMPASS CALL MAKES ITS LAST CALL?

U.S.

U.S. Disaster: Lahaina Fire, JTF 5-0 deploys!

Video

16 August 2023 (12:44-UTC-07 Tango 06) 25 Mordad 1402/29 Muharram 1445/01 Geng-Shen(7th month) 4721/16 Август 2023 года

Joint Task Force 5-0 (JTF 5-0) is a unit consisting of personnel from the various Department of Defense branches, and part of the U.S. Fifth Fleet command.

Hawaii Army National Guard photo by Staff Sergeant Matthew A. Foster, 15AUG2023.

Hawaii Army National Guard video, by Staff Sergeant Matthew A. Foster, showing Lahaina fire devastation as of 15AUG2023, even the boats in the harbor burned:

U.S. Marine Corps photo by Corporal Brandon Aultman, 14AUG2023.

On 14AUG2023, Hawaiian Army National Guard personnel joined with Regular Army (RA) and Army Reserve units in deploying to Maui, under JTF 5-0, aboard a U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) KC-130J from Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Oahu, to the Kahului Airport on Maui. Hawaii Army National Guard video by Staff Sergeant Matthew A. Foster:

USMC photo by Lance Corporal Logan Beeney, 14AUG2023.

On 13AUG2023, the Hawaii Army National Guard used their Cold War era CH-47 Chinooks to transport dozens of JTF 5-0 Army National Guard, Regular Army (RA) and Army Reserve personnel from Kualoa Airfield, on the island of Oahu, to the Puunene Armory on the island of Maui. Hawaii Army National Guard video by Specialist Sean Walker & Specialist Tonia Ciancanelli (no audio at beginning of video):

U.S. Disaster, 2023: LAHAINA FIRE, HAWAII MILITIA DEPLOYS!

International, Technology, U.S.

African Lion 2023: C-130H Hercules

Video

The Lockheed C-130H Hercules is a Cold War era cargo plane still in use today.  The first C-130s began arriving for military service in 1956, the ‘H’ version of the Hercules began service in the mid-1970s.

1971: Prepping for our first ‘Space Available’ C-130E trip, Rhein Main AFB, West Germany. You might be able to make out my younger sister’s (Tina) head in lower right corner. Photo by William L. Hutchins.

In the early 1970s I got my first ride on a U.S. Air Force C-130E, flying from West Germany to Iran with my parents (part of the Space Available service offered by the USAF).

1977: My little brother, Ernie, enjoying his tour of a C-130 during the Edwards AFB ‘Open House’. Photo by William L. Hutchins.

In the mid-1980s I was an Iso-Dock Crew Chief for C-130Hs on Dyess Air Force Base, in Texas.  Even after my time in the USAF, as a California, and later a Idaho, Army National Guardsman I continued to catch rides on the C-130H.

Last ride on a C-130H, this time as a M1A2 TC with the Idaho Army National Guard, on the way back from a ‘friendly’ with Canadian armor in Alberta, 2002.

U.S. Air Force photo by Technical Sergeant Steven Adkins, 10JUN2023.

In the above photo you see two types of C-130H; one is the older type used by the Kingdom of Morocco, the other is an upgraded type used by the United States. The older C-130H has four propeller blades per engine, the upgraded type has eight.

94th AW’s upgraded C-130H sits on the flightline of Kenitra AFB, Morocco. USAF photo by Senior Airman Jan K. Valle, 14JUN2023.

African Lion is the largest wargame on the African continent, involving the United States and other NATO members, as well as Ghana, Morocco, Senegal and Tunisia, from 13MAY-18JUN2023.

The 86th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron from Ramstein Air Base, Germany, help show you how to setup a C-130 for medical evacuation. U.S. Air Force (USAF) video by Technical Sergeant Steven Adkins, 07JUN2023:

Emergency medical treatment onboard a C-130H. USAF video by Technical Sergeant Steven Adkins, 08JUN2023:

Moroccan C-130H cargo planes take part in para-drop during African Lion 2023, USAF video recorded by Technical Sergeant Steven Adkins, 10JUN2023:

USA video by Sergeant Christian Dela Cruz, 10JUN2023:

U.S. Air Force Reserve’s Cold War era C-130H based on Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Georgia, flew all the way to Morocco to play in the dirt! USA video by Sergeant Christian Dela Cruz, 15JUN2023:

94th Airlift Wing, Dobbins Air Reserve Base, USAF report by Senior Airman Jan Valle:

For all you happy taxpayers, African Lion wargames have been conducted since 2008.

African Lion 2023: ARTILLERY

SNAKE RIVER M1A2 SEP, BORESIGHT MOROCCO!

NATO Vehicle I-D, 2018:

U.S. Air Force photo by Samuel King Junior, 11JAN2018.

THAT’S NOT A C-130J, IT’S STILL THE OLD C-130H!

Kawaii, 2013: NORTH CAROLINA’S BABY C-130 GOBBLES-UP YOUR CHILDREN

My family’s connection to the old M4 Sherman tank:

My grandfather, O.G. Hutchins, on his newly arrived USMC Sherman, sometime before shipping out against the Japanese.

M4 SHERMAN, WW2 TO IRAN-IRAQ WAR

Technology, U.S.

U.S. Disaster: Vid-Fest of M-A-F-F-S prepping for 2023 wildfire season!

Video

15 April 2023 (13:57-UTC-07 Tango 06) 26 Farvardin 1402/24 Ramadan 1444/25 Bing-Chen 4721/15 апреля 2023 года

Wyoming Air National Guard photo by by Senior Airman Edward Hermsen, 11APR2023.

This past week, Air National Guard C-130H MAFFS units from Nevada (152nd Airlift Wing) and Wyoming (153rd Airlift Wing)  joined California’s 146th Airlift Wing on Channel Islands Air National Guard Station, for their yearly wildfire preparations.

MAFFS air crews get a quick explanation of how the fire retardant is mixed, Nevada Air National Guard video by Master Sergeant Garrett Wake, 11APR2023:

‘Bombing-up’ and testing your MAFFS, video by Master Sergeant Garrett Wake, 11APR2023:

Water-bombing training was conducted in the Angeles National Forest near Green Valley, California.  Personnel from other federal operations such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and CAL FIRE (California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection), also took part in the training.

Smoke signaling King Air 250. Nevada Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sergeant Paula Macomber, 14APR2023.

King-Air 250 FACs (Forward Air Controllers) lead the MAFFS in, using smoke signals to indicate where to drop the water bomb, video by Master Sergeant Garrett Wake, 12APR2023:

More water bombing video by Master Sergeant Garrett Wake, 12APR2023:

One more in slow motion, video by Master Sergeant Garrett Wake, 12APR2023:

Engine maintenance is always a must, Nevada Air National Guard video by Master Sergeant Garrett Wake, 14APR2023:

Wyoming Air National Guard photo by by Senior Airman Edward Hermsen, 14APR2023.

Nevada Air National Guard video, by Master Sergeant Garrett Wake, unloading MAFFS from C-130H, 14APR2023:

U.S. Wildfire 2022: C-130 MAFFS DEPLOYED, IDAHO SUFFERS MOST FIRES/ACRES BURNED IN THE U.S.!

U.S. Wildfire 2021: WYOMING & COLORADO ACTIVATES MAFFS, NEVADA’S MAFF MISSION EXTENDED!

MASSIVE MAFFS PREP for WILDFIRE 2021

2020: MAFFS BIRD FLIES PANDEMIC VENTILATORS TO NEW YORK AND ALL POINTS EAST

Idaho Wildfires 2019: BRAND NEW KING AIR 250 F-A-C

2017: IDAHO CONDUCTS MASSIVE MAFFS TRAINING, IN PREPS FOR HOT WILDFIRE SEASON!

FEMALE PILOT TELLS YOU WHY SHE FLIES MAFFS

2016: 45 YEARS OF C-130 MAFFS OPS. WHO WOULD’VE KNOWN WILDFIRES WOULD BECOME SUCH A PROBLEM?

Idaho Wildfires 2012: MAFFS C-130S RETURN TO POCATELLO AIRPORT, IDAHO NATIONAL GUARD JOINS BATTLE! IDAHO & CALIFORNIA HAVE THE MOST FIRES!

Kit Bashing, Technology

How to sling load your 1:1 scale F-80 Gate Guard with a CH-47.

Video

Iowa Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sergeant Vincent De Groot, 11APR2023.

On 11APR2023, the Iowa Army National Guard was called in to move an Iowa Air National Guard ‘gate guard’, using their Viet Nam era CH-47 Chinook.

Iowa Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sergeant Vincent De Groot, 11APR2023.

The Korean ‘UN police action’ era F-80 Shooting Star had just gotten some new clothes, in order to proudly continue its guard duties on Camp Dodge.

Iowa Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sergeant Vincent De Groot, 11APR2023.

Iowa Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sergeant Vincent De Groot, 11APR2023.

Iowa Air National Guard video by Senior Master Sergeant Vincent De Groot, 11APR2023:

The painting process began on 15SEP2022, when the F-80 was sling loaded to the paint shop in Sioux City.

Iowa Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sergeant Vincent De Groot, 15SEP2022.

Iowa Air National Guard video by Senior Master Sergeant Vincent De Groot, 15SEP2022:

It wasn’t the first time the Iowa Air Guard F-80 got new clothes.

Iowa Air National Guard photo by Master Sergeant Vincent De Groot, April 2011.

In April 2011, the Shooting Star was stripped naked and fitted for the uniform of the 174th Fighter Bomber Squadron, for its new job as a gate guard on Camp Dodge.

Iowa Air National Guard photo by Master Sergeant Vincent De Groot, April 2011.

Iowa Air National Guard photo by Master Sergeant Vincent De Groot, 2011.

Cold War Vehicle I-D:

IOWA CHANGING OF THE GUARD; F-100  Iowa’s RF-84F THUNDERFLASH & YRF-84F, AN APPEAL TO MONOGRAM!

WYOMING SHOOTING STAR