Fat Albert

[Hartman]

Is it true that Fat Albert is always flown by a Marine air crew?

What about C-130’s in general…can you fly one of these if you’re a Navy pilot? It looks like a pretty awesome beast.

 

[Ed Williams]

Only marines fly c-130's.
ed

 

[Ed Williams]

i meant to say only marines, airforce, army, and coasties.....basically everyone except the navy.
ed

 

[Frumby]

Standback, there are Navy C-130's you just have to know where to look for them. They are not used in Tactical Operations and are secondary choices but they do use them in scientific research. Semper, Frumby

Attack Pilot
Major USMC

 

[ghost_ttu]

I was under the impression that only Navy reserve fly c130's

 

[Goliath112]

TAR units use them. VR-62 Brunswick, ME

have I got a long way to run...

 

[mcbride_t_m]

Fat Albert´s crew is always motivated Marines. If you want to fly the "awesome beast," the Air Force/National Guard has scads more than the Corps, or the few in the Navy. I think the Air Force has more C-130s on the Little Rock AFB flight line than the entire contingency in maratime service. The Marine Corps has about 50 KC-130s to date, mostly F and R models (some T models, the stretch limo version, in the Reserves). The Marine Corps sends about 20 to 30 pilots a year through flight training for KC-130s down in Corpus, so it´s not a huge community. The Herc is a great aircraft. In the Corps, deployments come in short spurts (from a few days to 2 months) compared to 6 month boat floats. Marine Hercs normally refuel or haul cargo and Marines around the globe to whatever location Marines are conducting warfare. If you enjoy working with a crew, Hercs are the way to go. Every frame has its benefits. For sheer chances of getting into a C-130, the Air Force would probably provide a greater opportunity. If you want to be a motivated, kicks-ass-and-takes-names Herc driver, roll the dice with piloting it in the Marines. Cheers.

 

[Hartman]

Damn!...I already got a tattoo of an anchor on my forearm...jk! But I am going to Navy OCS in October. Looks doubtful that I'll ever get to fly "the beast" in the Navy. Maybe I can find something else fun to do while I'm there.