Little Rock C-130 Summit draws Herk leaders from around the world

  • Published
  • By Capt. Joe Knable
  • 19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. --  Air Force C-130 leaders from around the world gathered here Sept. 8-10 to discuss key issues impacting the C-130 community.

Commanders from the wing, group and squadron levels from Air Mobility Command, Air Education and Training Command, the Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve Command, and U.S. Air Forces in Europe met at the "Home of C-130 Combat Airlift" to discuss issues impacting maintenance training, aircrew training, Total Force Initiative metrics, Mobility Air Forces Tactics Synchronization Strategy, C-130 deployment roadmap, formation airdrop qualification, C-130 AMP integration in the formal training unit and the Mobility Aviation Safety Action Program.

"This summit was a meeting of the C-130 community's senior leadership at the wing and group levels, as well as from the staff," said Col. Mark Czelusta, 314th Airlift Wing commander. "It included updates on current initiatives from both the staff and unit perspectives. Additionally, it included respectful, candid and upfront conversations between multiple components (active duty, AFRC and ANG) on how to meet the needs of the community's present and future."

More than 50 C-130 leaders from around the world attended the C-130 Summit, said Col. Mike Minihan, 19th Airlift Wing commander. "They told me it was great to be back at 'The Rock,'" he said. "Coming back to Jacksonville, to Little Rock AFB, is a natural event for 'Herk' drivers. This is home; it feels good to be here. Our community makes this possible. I can't thank them enough."

The summit reaffirmed how important the entire Team Little Rock community is in unifying the C-130 community, said Colonel Czelusta. "With regard to the C-130 community, it clarified perspectives and outlined ideas on how the community can continue to grow. This is an exciting time in the C-130 community, and there is a lot of change on the horizon. However, one thing will not change, and has not at all been contentious: Team Little Rock will continue to be the 'Home of Combat Airlift.'"

Colonel Minihan wants Airmen to know that "The entire active duty, Guard and Reserve C-130 team, regardless of the major command, is focused on perfecting combat airlift. As a team, we continuously refine and hone our skills and abilities so we can deliver on-time, on-target airlift to the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen in harm's way. The Airmen executing and supporting the Herk mission...no matter what their roll...are simply the best. As leaders, we must do all in our power to take care of them and their families.

The colonel said he wanted the Team Little Rock community to know that "base leadership is unified and focused on making sure the three great wings at Little Rock Air Force Base are aggressive and relevant to the demands of combat. We pride ourselves in combat support. We all know this is a serious business and we must do all in our power to provide the war fighter with world-class combat airlift," said Colonel Minihan.