It’s the true workhorse of the United States Air Force. The Lockheed C-130 cargo plane has been in the fleet since its introduction in 1956, hauling everything from military equipment to relief supplies.

And the Wyoming Air National Guard brought a Hercules from their squadron, the 153rd Airlift Wing, to Casper today. The big, 4-engined turboprop landed at Casper-Natrona International Airport Thursday morning for a roughly two hour visit to demonstrate the plane to the public and explain the work the guard does.

Members of the unit have deployed all over the world in support of various US missions, both combat and relief. The C-130H aircraft they fly are the objects of continuous upgrades, including the new 8-blade Electronic Propeller Control System which will help make the aging aircraft even more efficient and dependable.

The public was invited to tour the plane, and its various missions and capabilities were demonstrated by the crew and support personnel who came along on the trip.

And as the Hercules lifted off around noon, the public hopefully has a better understanding of the 153rd and its role in today’s military equation.

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