Press Releases

Washington, DC—May 24, 2021….Senators Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) and John Boozman (R-Arkansas), along with Representatives French Hill (R-Arkansas) and Steve Womack (R-Arkansas), announced that the 189^th Airlift Wing of the Arkansas Air National Guard at Little Rock Airforce Base has been selected as the new home of the Air National Guard’s C-130J Super Hercules training program. 

The 189^th will soon see up to four C-130Js come to Little Rock Air Force Base to seed a new Air National Guard C-130J flight training unit. The 189^th currently flies the older H-model of the C-130 Hercules. The 189^th will teach National Guard pilots to fly both the C-130J Super Hercules and C-130H Hercules, until they transition to all C-130Js in the coming years.

“This decision cements the 189^th’s role as a manned flying squadron for decades to come. I want to both extend my thanks to the United States Air Force and my colleagues in Congress for their help in securing this mission. These new aircraft will ensure that the next generation of Air National Guard pilots have the training and experience needed to serve our great nation in war and peace. I’m pleased to say that Little Rock Air Force base will safely be known as ‘Home of the Herc’ for many bright years ahead,” said Cotton, Ranking Member of the Air-Land Subcommittee on the Senate Armed Services Committee.

“This is great news for Arkansas, the Arkansas Air National Guard and the community. The 189^th Airlift Wing is an outstanding unit that has demonstrated its excellence and indispensability in maintaining our nation’s air superiority. The Air Force’s decision to station this new aircraft in the 189^th ensures the squadron will continue to play a critical role in our nation’s defense well into the future,” said Boozman, co-chairman of the Senate Air Force Caucus.

“The Little Rock Air Force Base continues to remain one of the most technologically advanced and well-run military installations in the world. The selection of the base as the new home of the Air National Guard’s C-130J Super Hercules training program reflects this well-known fact. I’m thankful to my colleagues and the United States Air Force for their work to make Central Arkansas the continued home of C-130 training, and I’m confident in the program’s contribution to supporting the most well-trained, efficient, and effective military force in the world,” said Hill.

“Arkansas proudly boasts a long history of supporting initiatives critical to our nation’s common defense. This decision builds on that and ensures we are equipped to train our next generation of pilots. I’m proud that the Natural State will be hosting C-130Js now and into the future. I will continue working with the delegation to secure missions that serve America’s security needs,” said Womack.

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