The Air Force would like to “do more and go faster” in modernizing its C-130 Hercules aircraft fleet, the service's deputy chief of staff for strategic plans and requirements told a House Armed Services Committee panel today.
Air Force Lt. Gen. Jerry D. Harris testified before a seapower and projection forces subcommittee hearing on contributing Factors to C-130 accidents and other intratheater airlift challenges.
Harris was joined by Air Force Lt. Gen. Donald E. Kirkland, commander of the Air Force Sustainment Center, and Navy Rear Adm. Scott D. Conn, director of air warfare in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations.
Workhorse Aircraft
“The C-130 continues to be a workhorse and accomplishes tactical airlift, Antarctic resupply, aeromedical evacuation, natural disaster relief missions, search and rescue, firefighting duties and support to special operations,” Harris told the panel.
However, hard choices must be made, he said, because of declining budgets, late budgets of the past, sequestration spending cuts and new strategies for changing threats.
“During this period, we prioritized safety, and then compliance, when it comes to operating, maintaining and sustaining all of our capabilities,” Harris said. “Readiness, lethality and cost-effective modernization efforts [guide] our plans as we…
