WTI 2-21: KC-130T Final Tasking

Photo By Cpl. Camille Polete | U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gary Windt, a KC-130 aircraft commander, assigned to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 452, Marine Aircraft Group 49, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, operates a KC-130T aircraft, during a heavy lift exercise, marking this flight as its final tasking before being transferred to the U.S. Navy, during Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course 2-21, near Yuma, Ariz., March 31, 2021. The WTI course is a seven-week training event hosted by Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One, providing standardized advanced tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine aviation training and readiness, and assists in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Camille Polete)  

YUMA, AZ, UNITED STATES

04.08.2021

Story by Lance Cpl. Camille Polete 

Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron-1

A KC-130T from Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 452, conducts a final tasking while participating in Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course 2-21, MCAS Yuma, Arizona, March 31, 2021. The WTI course is a seven-week training event hosted by MAWTS-1, providing standardized advanced tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine aviation training and readiness, and assists in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics.

In the early 2000’s, the U.S. Marine Corps began its transition to the Lockheed Martin KC-130J, which is more technologically advanced than the KC-130T in aspects of performance, speed, efficiency, and range. Out of the five KC-130 squadrons, VGMR-452, located in Newburgh, New York, is the last squadron to organize this final transition.

Although similar in some aspects, the KC-130J holds many significant capabilities that the KC-130T does not possess. It adds an advanced digital cockpit, heads-up display (HUD), color moving map display, improved flight automation, improved radio detection and ranging, and upgradeable software.

The latest KC-130 model provides aerial refueling to fixed, rotary, and tilt-rotor aircraft, while supporting troops and cargo transportation. The modern capabilities of the new model enable more support to Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) commanders and an essential milestone for WTI.

“I feel lucky to have had the opportunity to experience her legacy, and proud to see her go out while she’s still at the top of her game,” said U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gary Windt, a KC-130 aircraft commander, with VGMR-452, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing. “In my experience, her reliability, especially while operating autonomously, is unmatched.”

The transition from KC-130T to J has taken place for over 15 years, this marks the final KC-130T to depart VMGR-452. It will depart MCAS Yuma to the U.S. Navy Fleet Logistics Support Squadron at Naval Air Station Point Magu, California, April 2021. The U.S. Marine Corps KC-130 community will continue to accept KC-130Js and allocate among squadrons as necessary.

• Date Taken: 04.08.2021
• Date Posted: 04.10.2021 12:39
• Story ID: 393398
• Location: YUMA, AZ, US