The US Navy has taken delivery of its first C-130J-30 Super Hercules aircraft, marking a significant milestone in its transition to the next-generation E-130J Phoenix II command and control platform.
The first new airframe, formally handed over by Lockheed Martin during an event at the company’s Marietta, Georgia manufacturing facility on 15 October, forms part of the Navy’s plan to replace its ageing E-6B Mercury aircraft.
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The platform will host the service’s forthcoming “Take Charge and Move Out” (TACAMO) mission systems, which connect senior US Government and military leadership with the nation’s nuclear forces.
The C-130J-30 is an extended variant of the C-130J transport aircraft, featuring a fuselage that is 15 feet longer than the standard model.
This modification increases the cargo compartment’s usable space, allowing the aircraft to carry two additional pallets of equipment.
According to the US Navy, the aircraft will ultimately support survivable, secure communications critical for nuclear command, control, and communications (NC3) architecture.
US Navy airborne strategic command, control and communications programme office commander captain Roger Davis said: “Today’s delivery from the historic Marietta line represents far more than a new airframe; it marks the foundation of our future strategic deterrence posture.
“Through our close partnership with Lockheed Martin and our industry team, we are ensuring our nation maintains an unshakeable communications lifeline to our ballistic missile submarine fleet.”
The transfer is part of an initial batch of three aircraft procured in September 2024.
The Phoenix II programme, named to reflect both renewal and the US Navy’s historical use of Hercules airframes, aims to enhance endurance, range, and capacity for secure airborne communications in complex global scenarios, the service said.
Sailors from Strategic Communications Wing 1 at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, who will operate the modernised aircraft, were also recognised during the event. Prior to the ceremony, these personnel participated in simulator flights, production tours, and programme briefings.
Strategic Communications Wing 1 commodore, Captain David Gardner said: “The E-130J will provide our sailors unmatched capability and next-generation survivable and reliable communications, ensuring our team continues to be the unbreakable link between the president and strategic nuclear forces.”
No timeline was provided for delivery of the remaining two C-130J-30 airframes or the subsequent integration and fielding of the E-130J mission systems.
