Looks like it's planned for E-130Js to be based at MCAS Cherry Point.
6 F-35 squadrons, KC-130Js, MQ-9s and now E-130Js. Gonna be busy. Beaufort is going to have 2 Active duty F-35 squadrons, the east coast F-35B RAG, east coast F-5s as of a couple years ago. VMFA-112 is supposed to move from Fort Worth to Beaufort when they transition to F-35s.NKT is such a weird airfield design. But it is a fun bonus that now you can launch a TACAMO in every cardinal direction, at the same time, and they each only have to taxi 40 feet to get there. LAUNCH THE MERCURIES!!!!!
(or more sadistically, you can launch all 4 into each other at airfield center)
USMC is programmed for a final inventory of over 400 F-35 B/C - an astounding number.6 F-35 squadrons, KC-130Js, MQ-9s and now E-130Js. Gonna be busy. Beaufort is going to have 2 Active duty F-35 squadrons, the east coast F-35B RAG, east coast F-5s as of a couple years ago. VMFA-112 is supposed to move from Fort Worth to Beaufort when they transition to F-35s.
F-35Cs are also supposed to start being delivered to NAS Oceana around 2028.USMC is programmed for a final inventory of over 400 F-35 B/C - an astounding number.
Not if they don't step up their NEPA work. I think the Navy's position on F-35 at NASO is "no earlier than" 2028.F-35Cs are also supposed to start being delivered to NAS Oceana around 2028.
Perhaps by then, they'll have Block 4 finally working. maybe.Not if they don't step up their NEPA work. I think the Navy's position on F-35 at NASO is "no earlier than" 2028.
I didn't think there was such a thing as IFR taxiing until my first time landing there at nightGoogle earth does not do that center pad any justice. That is a lot of concrete out there.
What is the mission of the new aircraft if nuke C2 capability is going away. Who will do that mission?I had missed the information that the Navy will divest the command & control of the ICBMs when the E-6B is retired. And plans to buy a total of 31 E-130Js, including 5 developmental aircraft. To me that says that if Cherry Point gets 11 aircraft, there will be 1-2 more locations basing E-130Js.
(Source: AW&ST article of August 7, 2026)
The article did not state what the AF will go to for ICBM C2, although there is some speculation that a larger E-4C force will be tapped for that mission.What is the mission of the new aircraft if nuke C2 capability is going away. Who will do that mission?
Having now read the draft EA, my guess would be that the remaining E-130Js would be at Tinker AFB.I had missed the information that the Navy will divest the command & control of the ICBMs when the E-6B is retired. And plans to buy a total of 31 E-130Js, including 5 developmental aircraft. To me that says that if Cherry Point gets 11 aircraft, there will be 1-2 more locations basing E-130Js.
(Source: AW&ST article of August 7, 2026)
Having now read the draft EA, my guess would be that the remaining E-130Js would be at Tinker AFB.