U.S. Navy receives first C-130J-30 for TACAMO mission

The U.S. Navy has accepted the first C-130J-30 Super Hercules from Lockheed Martin, marking the beginning of the transition to the E-130J Phoenix II platform. The delivery took place on October 15 at Lockheed Martin’s facility in Marietta, Georgia.

The aircraft is designated to fulfill the Take Charge and Move Out (TACAMO) mission, which provides critical airborne nuclear command, control, and communications (NC3). This mission ensures secure and survivable links between the President, the Secretary of Defense, and U.S. Strategic Command.

The E-130J Phoenix II will eventually replace the legacy E-6B Mercury. This initial procurement includes three aircraft, intended to modernize the nation’s strategic deterrence capabilities with advanced avionics, increased range, and enhanced payload capacity.