Savannah's last legacy Hercules
On 18 August 2023, after more than four decades of C-130H operations, the final legacy Hercules left the 158th Airlift Squadron/165th Airlift Wing, based at Savannah/ Hilton-head International Airport (GA).
On the above mentioned date, the final Georgia Air National Guard C-130H Hercules, with serial number 93-1562, started its engines and attendees gathered on the flightline to give a final salute.
Strikingly, "31562" was recently a prominent attendee during the Air Defender 23 exercise that was held in and over the northern part of Germany. Scramble Magazine reported on this exercise in detail on 2 July 2023 (subscribers only!).
Although, the 7-fleet C-130H Hercules were a part of the 158th Airlift Squadron's identity and its departure marked the end of an era, the C-130 legacy of service, dedication, and camaraderie will continue to shape the Georgia Air National Guard’s future as it embraces new horizons with the C-130J Super Hercules.
As for "31562". The legacy Hercules will continue its missions for Delaware Air National Guard's 142nd Airlift Squadron/166th Airlift Wing based at New Castle Air National Guard Base near Wilmington (DE).
Credit photo: USAF / Credit patch: www.aviatorgear.com