The Legacy of the 48th Airlift Squadron
Abstract
The 48th Airlift Squadron activated in late 2003 to facilitate the flying training of students on the Lockheed C-130J Super Hercules airframe. As Lockheed Martin developed the state of the art airframe to incorporate airlift advancements over the past half century since the airframe was originally introduced in the 1950s, there were significant differences between the C-130J and other C-130 models in operation. A completely new Formal Training Unit had to be developed with new courseware and training facilities. Following a brief interim training function at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, Headquarters Air Education and Training Command moved the C-130J training mission to Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas and activated the 48th Airlift Squadron. Over the next thirteen years along with the 714th Training Squadron, the 48th would produce fully qualified C-130J pilots and loadmasters, foster the development of C-130J courseware, and provide operational support for natural disasters. With the transition of the Legacy C-130H schoolhouse to the Air Reserve Component, C-130J flying training transitioned to the more heralded 62d Airlift Squadron and the 48th inactivated in late 2016.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 13, 2018
- Accession Number
- AD1065689
Entities
People
- Benjamin D. Herrington
Organizations
- 314th Airlift Wing