By Airman 1st Class Kristof J. Rixmann, 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs / Published July 12, 2018
Four C-130J Super Hercules aircraft fly in formation over Germany, July 2, 2018. The purpose of the exercise was to accomplish multi-element flight lead upgrade training for the 37th Airlift Squadron pilots. This training allowed pilots to learn to lead and command large numbers of aircraft in formation to an objective area in order to achieve rapid delivery of personnel and equipment in a short amount of time. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kristof J. Rixmann)
U.S. Air Force Capt. Joshua Rodriguez, 86th Operational Support Squadron Current Operations officer, discusses with Maj. Willie Lloyd, 37th Airlift Squadron director of staff, and Capt. James Denoyer, 37th Airlift Squadron resource advisor, about the logistics of carrying out an exercise where five C-130J Super Hercules aircraft flew together in formation over Germany, on July 2, 2018. In total, 21,800 pounds of training cargo were airdropped on Bunker DZ in eastern Germany near United States Army Garrison Grafenwoehr. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kristof J. Rixmann)
U.S. Air Force Maj. Willie Lloyd, 37th Airlift Squadron director of staff, oversees the manning of the lead C-130J Super Hercules during a training mission over Germany, on July 2, 2018. Once the pilots have led a formation long enough, they are recognized as multi-element flight lead qualified pilots. Multi-element flight lead qualified pilots help ensure the 37th Airlift Squadron is prepared to accomplish one of its primary missions: aerial delivery and mass on the drop-zone. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kristof J. Rixmann)
The shadow of a C-130J Super Hercules flies over the dense woods of Germany, July 2, 2018. This particular C-130J led the formation during an exercise that involved four other C-130Js. Once the pilots have led a formation long enough, they are recognized as multi-element flight lead qualified pilots. Multi-element flight lead qualified pilots help ensure the 37th Airlift Squadron is prepared to accomplish one of its primary missions: aerial delivery and mass on the drop-zone. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kristof J. Rixmann)
U.S. Airmen fly a C-130J Super Hercules during a training mission over Germany, July 2, 2018. Approximately 30 crew members participated in the training mission, where five C-130J Super Hercules aircraft flew in formation and delivered 21,800 pounds of cargo to a drop-zone. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kristof J. Rixmann)