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thedrifter
08-31-04, 07:42 AM
VMGR-252 Pays Tribute To 50 Year Main Stay
Submitted by: MCAS Cherry Point
Story Identification #: 200483093132
Story by Lance Cpl. Keester



MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. (Aug. 30, 2004) -- Fifty years of reliable service is a great deal to ask of anything, but last week the Lockheed C-130 Hercules celebrated the 50th year since its first flight.

To mark the occasion, four planes from Cherry Point’s Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252 flew in formation over the air station’s runways at 5:45 p.m. The fly-over coincided with the first flight of the C-130, on Aug. 23, 1954.

Before flying over Cherry Point, the planes flew over the ocean to practice formation flying and keep up VMGR-252’s crew requirements. The planes practiced several different formations and a weather intrusion break-away. Each plane was given a chance to fill every position within the formation, and pilots switched positions at the controls.

The C-130 has a rich history of military service dating back to 1954. It is considered one of the workhorses of the military, carrying out such tasks as mid-air refueling, troop transportation and re-supplying forward-deployed personnel. The C-130 is capable of flying missions during daylight and darkness and through all types of weather conditions.

The C-130 has proven its capability during combat and peacetime operations and has assisted firefighters throughout the years to put out forest fires around the world. The valuable aircraft has also brought humanitarian aid to many countries, including Haiti, Bosnia, and Somalia.

The majestic planes flew over the runways of the air station twice, giving spectators on the ground a rare sight. As the planes flew in tight formation, the pilots concentrated on one another’s planes to ensure that there were no mid-air collisions, allowing the C-130 to complete its mission and safely celebrate the history of its notable service.

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/Lookup/200483011054/$file/50.09.72.jpg

C-130J’s from Cherry Point’s VMGR-252 fly in formation as a tribute to the 50th anniversary of the plane’s first flight. Photo by: Lance Cpl. Curt Keester

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/main5/88EB0C52104A7DC985256F00004A4C87?opendocument


Ellie