Montana Air National Guard retires C-130H Hercules fleet

The Montana Air National Guard’s 120th Airlift Wing has completed its final tactical training flight with the C-130H Hercules, marking the end of a 12-year operational era. On October 3, two C-130H aircraft flew in a tactical formation over Montana before returning to Great Falls, where they were greeted with a traditional water salute by firefighters.

The wing is now preparing to transition to the newer C-130J Super Hercules. Since the 120th Airlift Wing shifted from fighter aircraft to tactical airlift in 2013, the C-130H has been used to transport personnel, equipment, and cargo, and to conduct air drops. During its tenure, the wing participated in four major combat deployments and operated across the Pacific and Europe, with airmen serving in more than 50 countries.

Colonel Jason Green, commander of the 120th Airlift Wing, served as the aircraft commander during the final flight. Lt. Col. Casey Lalonde, commander of the 120th Operations Support Squadron, noted the transition from the F-15 Eagle era to the C-130 mission, describing the conclusion of the C-130H chapter as “a little bittersweet.”