USAF's Combat Talon II received last PDM

As Combat Talon IIs are currently being phased out and start gradually arriving at the Arizona Boneyard, the last Lockheed MC-130H received Programmed Depot Maintenance (PDM) at the Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex at Robins AFB (GA).

On 20 August 2021, MC-130H 87-0023 (construction number 382-5091) departed Robins to its home station at Hurlburt Field (FL) to fly its last term with the 15th Special Operations Squadron/1st Special Operations Wing.

Going back in time, the Combat Talon II had a bad start. Initially, the programme started in the early 1980s. Having survived many political and technical issues, eventually, the first fully operational MC-130H (87-0024) was received by the 8th SOS on 29 June 1991.

In October 1991, almost thirty years ago, the official acceptance ceremony for the Talon II was held at Hurlburt. Over the years, 26 MC-130Hs were used by the USAF and Lockheed (this includes two YMC-130H prototypes).

At this moment the MC-130J Commando II model is taking over the MC-130H mission. It is expected that the MC-130J PDM process will start in fiscal year 2023.

Photos by USAF